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Peppermint Snowball Cookies: A Festive, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Classic
Discover how to bake perfect peppermint snowball cookies — buttery, crumbly, peppermint-kissed, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar.
If you love holiday baking, peppermint, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies, Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a must-try. These charming little rounds—also called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies—combine a tender, buttery dough with festive peppermint flavor and a cloud of powdered sugar that makes them look like delicate snowballs.
This guide will walk you through every detail: ingredients, techniques, tips for texture perfection, creative variations, storage advice, and an extensive FAQ section to troubleshoot and inspire your baking adventure.
❄️ What Are Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a seasonal twist on classic snowball cookies, traditionally made with ground nuts, butter, and powdered sugar. The addition of peppermint adds a refreshing, cool flavor that perfectly complements the rich, buttery cookie.
Key characteristics:
- Buttery, tender crumb
- Crunch from finely ground nuts
- Subtle peppermint aroma and taste
- Coated generously in powdered sugar, creating a “snowball” look
- Perfect for holiday cookie platters, gifting, or afternoon tea
🧾 Ingredients & Their Functions
Understanding each ingredient helps ensure cookie perfection.
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Structure and base.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the dough and for coating; creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt: Enhances flavor.
- Crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract: For that classic holiday flavor.
- Ground nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): Provide texture and nuttiness.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: The rich, tender foundation.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
- Optional: Peppermint extract for extra intensity.
🌿 Choosing the Right Nuts for Your Snowball Cookies
Most recipes use finely ground nuts to create that signature texture.
Common options:
- Walnuts: Slightly bitter, traditional choice.
- Pecans: Rich and buttery, great for sweetness.
- Almonds: Mild flavor and a bit crunchy.
- Hazelnuts: Adds an earthy, sophisticated twist.
Tip: Toast your nuts lightly before grinding to enhance flavor.
🍽️ Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Ingredients (Makes about 36 cookies):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional, for stronger peppermint flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional for texture and extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Add Flavorings
Mix in vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using).
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground nuts, salt, and crushed peppermint candies.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Shape the Dough
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
8. Cool & Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. For extra snowy effect, roll again after cookies cool completely.
💡 Tips for Perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Use high-quality butter: It’s the star ingredient for tender texture and rich flavor.
- Don’t skip chilling: If dough is too soft, chill for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Grind nuts finely but not to powder: Some texture gives great bite.
- Crushed peppermint candies: Adds crunch and flavor bursts.
- Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar: Gives that authentic snowy look.
- Store in an airtight container: Keeps cookies soft and prevents powdered sugar mess.
🎄 Peppermint Snowball Cookie Variations
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs
Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark or white chocolate. Let set on parchment paper for a festive finish.
🍬 Candy Cane Crumble Topping
Instead of mixing crushed peppermint in dough, sprinkle on top before baking for a colorful crunch.
🌰 Nut-Free Version
Replace nuts with toasted oats or crushed pretzels for texture without allergens.
🥥 Coconut Peppermint Snowballs
Add 1/3 cup shredded coconut to the dough for tropical flair.
☕ Mocha Snowball Cookies
Add 1 tbsp instant espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-chocolate twist.
🧊 Storage, Freezing & Shelf Life
Storing Peppermint Snowball Cookies:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Keep them layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing:
- Freeze baked cookies in single layers between parchment paper in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- To refresh the powdered sugar coating, dust again after thawing.
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120–140 kcal |
| Fat | 8–10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12–14 g |
| Sugar | 6–8 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make peppermint snowball cookies vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and use a flax or chia egg replacer. Use vegan peppermint extract and ensure powdered sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char).
Q: What’s the best nut substitute for allergies?
A: Toasted oats, crushed pretzels, or seed blends (pumpkin, sunflower) work well for texture.
Q: How do I get the perfect crumbly texture?
A: Use cold butter and avoid overmixing. Finely ground nuts and powdered sugar in dough help create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q: Can I prepare dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Let it soften slightly before shaping.
Q: Why do my snowball cookies crack?
A: Slight cracking is normal and adds charm. Overmixing or oven temperature too high can cause excessive cracks. Bake at consistent 350°F for best results.
Q: How do I prevent powdered sugar from melting off?
A: Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm, then again once fully cooled to set the coating.
Q: Can I add food coloring for a festive touch?
A: Yes! Add a few drops of red or green gel food coloring to dough or use colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Peppermint Snowball Cookies Should Be on Your Holiday Baking List
Peppermint Snowball Cookies are more than just festive—they’re comfort food, nostalgia, and elegance all rolled into one buttery bite. Easy to make yet impressive, they’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or cozying up with a hot drink by the fire.
Once you master the basic recipe, you’ll find endless ways to customize and share this winter classic.