If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie that feels like a cozy holiday hug, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Minty Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe. These delightful little treats marry that rich buttery texture with a refreshing kick of peppermint, creating a truly festive bite that simply dissolves on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting friends, or just craving something wonderfully comforting, these snowball cookies promise to light up your kitchen and your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role—from the buttery softness to the subtle peppermint and crunchy nuts—making these cookies both flavorful and textured, just as they should be.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, creamy base that melts perfectly in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and creates that iconic snow-dusted coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth to balance the mint.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star that brings the fresh, festive kick.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough, creating that tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and cuts through sweetness.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): A lovely melty surprise for chocolate lovers.
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish): Offers extra sparkle and a festive look.
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up perfectly for cookie success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial—it incorporates air that helps give the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Extracts
Beat in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The vanilla adds cozy warmth, while the peppermint introduces that bright, festive flair that makes these cookies so unique and special.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want these snowballs soft and buttery.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chopped nuts and optional mini chocolate chips. The nuts bring a perfect crunch contrast, and the chocolate chips add a fun, melty surprise with every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the bottoms turn lightly golden—this ensures they’re baked through but still delicately soft inside.
Step 7: Sugar-Coat While Warm
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, then cool them completely on a wire rack before rolling again for that snowy, festive finish. If you like, top with crushed peppermint candies for extra holiday sparkle.
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, crushed peppermint candies on top add colorful red and white flecks and a burst of minty crunch. Alternatively, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can take your presentation from delightful to dazzling.
Side Dishes
These Minty Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of peppermint tea, hot cocoa, or even a creamy eggnog during holiday gatherings. The rich butteriness and fresh mint notes make them a perfect companion to cozy winter drinks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a festive tin layered with parchment paper for gifting. Or stack them in a clear jar with a colorful ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, serve them on a festive platter alongside fresh cranberries or sprigs of pine for a winter wonderland vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Minty Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy that festive melt-in-your-mouth goodness whenever you want.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! After baking and the initial powdered sugar roll, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and roll again in powdered sugar for the perfect finish.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your cookies, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the buttery softness and lets the minty aroma bloom, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts for seeds or leave them out?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer seeds, finely chopped sunflower or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives. You can also omit nuts altogether, though the cookies will lose a bit of their signature crunch but remain deliciously buttery and minty.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
The peppermint extract provides a gentle yet noticeable minty freshness that complements the buttery base without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust the amount slightly based on your preference for a milder or stronger mint kick.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but the melt-in-your-mouth quality will still shine through beautifully.
Are mini chocolate chips necessary?
Mini chocolate chips are completely optional but add a lovely little surprise of melty sweetness. If you’re not a fan, simply leave them out and enjoy the classic minty snowball flavor instead.
How do I get the cookies to have that perfect powdery snowball look?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm, then again after they’ve cooled completely, is key. This double coating creates that iconic, festive “snowball” appearance and adds a sweet, delicate crunch that’s irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Minty Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe is truly a holiday gem you’ll want to make again and again. With its simple ingredients and thoughtful technique, it delivers such a joyful combination of flavors and textures that every bite feels like a celebration. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these festive snowballs—you’ll be spreading smiles and minty cheer in no time!
Print
Minty Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights with a festive peppermint twist. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these American-style cookies combine the rich flavors of butter, chopped nuts, and a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them a seasonal favorite that’s easy to bake and beautiful to serve.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Garnish
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the dough with a delightful minty aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough comes together smoothly without overmixing.
- Add Nuts and Chips: Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and if desired, the mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- First Sugar Roll: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then while still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create a snowy coating.
- Cool and Final Sugar Coat: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll them again in powdered sugar for the classic snowball appearance.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for an extra festive look and enhanced peppermint flavor.
Notes
- For an intensified mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract or mix finely crushed peppermint candies into the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze exceptionally well; after thawing, re-roll them in the powdered sugar to refresh the snowy coating.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- If avoiding nuts, these cookies can be made without them, but the texture will change slightly.
