If you are craving a festive treat that perfectly balances buttery richness with a refreshing burst of mint, then the Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with crunchy nuts and infused with cool peppermint, making them an irresistible holiday favorite anyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a joyful gathering, these cookies bring a magical snowy charm to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive flair you’ll savor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the buttery foundation essential for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Adds natural sweetness and gives the cookies their characteristic snowy coating.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the dough with a fresh, cool mint flavor that sets these cookies apart.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that holds the cookie dough together with a perfect crumbly texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts): Adds a satisfying crunch and warms the palate with nutty richness.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened butter with powdered sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a delicate texture. Then stir in the peppermint extract to blend that unmistakable minty freshness right into your dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the buttery peppermint blend, mixing only until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If you’re including nuts, fold them in gently now so that every cookie will have delightful crunchy bites.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, which makes rolling the cookies easier and helps them keep their snowy round shape during baking — an essential step for that perfect presentation.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into one-inch balls, spacing them about an inch apart on the tray. These bite-sized rounds will turn into charming little snowballs once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning a light golden hue. The tops will remain pale, which keeps to the classic snowball look. This slight color contrast makes the cookies look as festive as they taste.
Step 6: First Sugar Coating
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes after baking so they’re warm, but not hot, then roll each one in powdered sugar. This initial coating helps the sugar stick to the cookies, laying the groundwork for that powdery, snow-dusted effect you’re aiming for.
Step 7: Final Snowy Finish
Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a beautiful, snowy finish that will impress friends and family alike. The double coating ensures a sweet exterior that melts in your mouth before the peppermint and nutty flavors take center stage.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or crushed peppermint candy over a plate of these cookies to add festive sparkle and a hint of crunch. A few fresh mint leaves as a garnish can also elevate the presentation and complement the peppermint flavor inside.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate, a spiced chai latte, or a glass of creamy eggnog to create an indulgent winter treat. The warm drinks contrast beautifully with the cool mint in the cookies, creating a cozy holiday moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these beautiful snowballs in clear jars tied with festive ribbons for gift-giving, or stack them on a tiered serving tray for holiday parties. You could even sandwich them with a dab of peppermint buttercream for an elegant, minty cookie sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tender and flavorful for up to a week — perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these delightful cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls before baking or store baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag. They freeze well for up to two months and can be thawed at room temperature without losing their signature minty charm.
Reheating
Minty Snowball Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (about 275°F) for 3–5 minutes or microwave briefly on a low setting. Just be careful not to melt away the powdered sugar coating that makes these cookies so magical.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans or walnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios work wonderfully. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend seamlessly within the cookie texture.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint extract is unavailable, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a more classic snowball taste, though the special minty twist will be missing. Alternatively, a small amount of crushed peppermint candy can add a similar flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since they call for all-purpose flour. But you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend as a 1:1 substitute; just watch the dough consistency and baking time closely.
Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them hold their round snowball shape and making rolling easier. It also helps develop flavor and improve texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative, but keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly. Use powdered sugar labeled vegan and ensure your nuts are not roasted in animal products.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe. These little snowy delights are not only a feast for the senses but also easy and fun to make, allowing you to sprinkle a bit of holiday magic anywhere you go. I really hope you give these a try and enjoy the crisp, cool mint paired with buttery, nutty goodness as much as I do.
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies with Peppermint and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and lightly flavored with peppermint extract, making them a perfect cool and festive treat for the holidays. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar twice, giving them a beautiful snowy appearance and an irresistibly sweet finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step ensures a creamy base for your dough.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Blend in the peppermint extract until combined to infuse the dough with a refreshing mint flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly. This helps distribute the salt evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep the cookies tender. Fold in chopped nuts if you are including them for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating a delicate texture.
- First Sugar Roll: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to start building their signature snowy coating.
- Second Sugar Roll: Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a bright and snowy finish that enhances both appearance and sweetness.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts entirely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- The peppermint extract provides a subtle but fresh holiday flavor – adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
- Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them their characteristic snowball look and texture.
