Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing. These buttery, crumbly cookies, infused with a hint of mint and dusted in powdered sugar, are as festive as they are delicious. Their bite-sized appeal makes them ideal for sharing or gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Holidays: Their snowy appearance makes them a festive favorite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery and tender, with a delicate crumb.
- Minty Twist: Adds a refreshing flavor to a classic cookie.
- Great for Gifting: Beautifully wrapped, these cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- All-purpose flour
- Finely chopped nuts (optional; pecans or walnuts work well)
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing just until incorporated. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should not brown on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Mint: Add mini chocolate chips or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts if you prefer or need an allergen-friendly recipe.
- Festive Colors: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough or mix colored sugar into the coating for a holiday touch.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute peppermint extract with orange or lemon extract for a refreshing variation.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Not necessary; these cookies are best enjoyed as-is.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling into balls.
Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but almonds or hazelnuts work well too.
How do I ensure the cookies stay tender?
Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake the cookies.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, a few drops of food coloring can give your cookies a festive minty green hue.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating sticks better when the cookies are warm, while the second gives them a fuller, snowy appearance.
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Certainly! Almond, vanilla, or even coconut extract can be substituted for a different flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled if it becomes too soft before baking.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Conclusion
Minty Snowball Cookies are a festive delight that bring joy to any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, paired with a refreshing hint of mint, makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, family gathering, or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and share the magic of these snowy bites!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery shortbread-style cookies infused with cool mint flavor and coated in a blanket of powdered sugar. These festive treats are perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or pairing with a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
- Green or red sanding sugar (optional, for a festive touch)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat in Sugar:
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat. For an extra festive touch, mix a bit of green or red sanding sugar into the powdered sugar before coating.
- Let the cookies cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.
- Serve:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- Adjust the peppermint extract to taste—start with 1/4 teaspoon for a milder mint flavor.
- These cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.