Buttery and tender, these Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. Infused with a subtle hint of peppermint and studded with bits of mint chocolate, each bite melts in your mouth and leaves a cooling sweetness. Rolled in powdered sugar for that classic snowy look, these cookies are as festive as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for the holidays: Their snowy finish and minty flavor make them a great addition to your seasonal dessert table.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these cookies come together in under an hour.
Customizable: Swap the mint chocolate for your favorite chocolate variety to suit your taste.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The buttery base ensures a delicate and crumbly cookie.
Great for gifting: Pack these in a festive tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate (or mint chocolate chips)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing until combined.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped mint chocolate.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the cookies remain pale. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Once cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy finish.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Variations
Nutty twist: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Chocolate lovers’ version: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Different extracts: Substitute almond or orange extract for a unique twist.
Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Decorative touch: Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter after the powdered sugar coating.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature. These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.
Related Recipes:
- Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls if it feels too soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. Let it soften slightly before rolling into balls.
What can I use instead of mint chocolate?
If mint chocolate isn’t available, regular chocolate chips with a dash of extra peppermint extract work well.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating adheres better when the cookies are warm, while the second coating enhances the snowy look once cooled.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Pack them in festive tins or decorative boxes for a homemade holiday gift.
Conclusion
Minty Snowball Cookies are a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that adds a touch of magic to the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, their buttery texture and refreshing mint flavor make them irresistible. Give this recipe a try and create a winter wonderland on your dessert table.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! Buttery, tender, and infused with peppermint, these cookies melt in your mouth with each bite. Coated in powdered sugar for a festive snowy look, they’re easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
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
1 cup finely chopped mint chocolate (or mint chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped mint chocolate.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies remain pale.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm. Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy finish.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
For a nutty version, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
Use dark chocolate for a richer taste or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
