Peppermint Snowball Cookies

What ingredients are in peppermint snowball cookies?

In order to bake up a batch of these refreshingly sweet snowball cookies, you’ll need to round up the following ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Your classic baking staple, perfect for giving these cookies their structure.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened, it’s the creamy base that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it’s used in both the dough and for that snowy coating.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show, adding that refreshing minty kick. Adjust to taste!
• Green Gel Food Coloring: Totally optional, but adds a fun, festive touch.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Tiny bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

What’s the Difference Between Mint and Peppermint?

When it comes to peppermint snowball cookies, it’s essential to understand the flavor profile you’re working with. Mint is a general term for the family of mint plants, encompassing a variety of types, including spearmint and peppermint. Spearmint is milder and sweeter, while peppermint is more intense and has a sharper flavor.

In baking, you can swap one mint extract for another, but the intensity and sweetness of the flavor will vary. Peppermint, being the most potent, pairs exceptionally well with chocolate, lending a vibrant zing to these snowball cookies. If you prefer a milder mint taste, you could experiment with an equal amount of spearmint extract for a subtler, sweeter flavor.

Can you use a different extract?

Yes, you can definitely use a different extract (and a different food coloring to match) in these peppermint snowball cookies. The idea is to complement the sweet, buttery base of the cookie with a flavor that stands out. Here are some common alternatives and their suggested amounts:

• Vanilla Extract: A classic choice that gives a warm, rich flavor. Use 1 teaspoon as a direct substitute for peppermint extract.
• Almond Extract: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet taste. Use 1/2 teaspoon as it’s stronger than peppermint extract.
• Lemon Extract: For a citrusy twist. Use 1 teaspoon to replace peppermint extract.
• Orange Extract: Gives a fruity and zesty flavor. Use 1 teaspoon as a substitute.
• Coconut Extract: For a tropical touch. Use 1 teaspoon in place of peppermint extract.

Remember, these extracts can have stronger or milder flavors compared to peppermint, so it’s best to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

What else can you add?

Besides mini chocolate chips, there are several tasty alternatives you can add to snowball cookies to suit your tastes. Here’s a list with suggested measurements:

• Andes Candies Baking Chips: They reinforce the mint theme beautifully. Use 1/2 cup as a direct replacement for the chocolate chips.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch. Use 1/2 cup finely chopped.
• White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist. Stick to 1/2 cup.
• Toffee Bits: They add a caramel-like flavor and a bit of texture. Use 1/2 cup.
• Dried Fruit: Like cranberries or cherries, chopped. Use 1/3 cup to avoid overwhelming the dough.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical and chewy texture. Use 1/2 cup.

Feel free to experiment with these additions or even combine a couple of them to create your unique version of the snowball cookie!

How long does the powdered sugar coating last?

These cookies have a soft, yet dry, texture, so the iconic powdered sugar coating for these cookies should last – however, this could easily be impacted by temperature. If the cookies are above room temperature at any time, they could begin to absorb the powdered sugar coating.

To avoid this, you could try any of the following:

• Store the cookies in the refrigerator or the freezer until ready to eat. However, this may cause the cookies to become hard or firm.
• Coat the cookies in a thin layer of granulated sugar, then coat in a thick layer of powdered sugar.
• Use a “non-dissolving” powdered sugar coating instead of standard powdered sugar. I’ve personally never used a product like this, so I don’t have first-hand knowledge on whether this will impact taste or texture, but I have heard good things from others who have tried it. King Arthor makes a brand of powdered sugar that does this.

How long are they good for?

These cookies typically stay fresh and delicious for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their freshness and texture, keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. It’s also important to note that these cookies should not be stored in the refrigerator. Refrigeration can cause them to dry out, affecting their delicate texture and flavor. Room temperature storage is best to keep them tasting as fresh as the day they were baked.

Can you freeze peppermint snowball cookies?

Yes, you totally can! Here’s how to do it:

• Ensure the cookies are completely cool before freezing.
• Use an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag to store the cookies. Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer of cookies in the container to prevent them from sticking together.
• Snowball cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To thaw, simply leave the cookies out at room temperature for a few hours. The powdered sugar coating might absorb some moisture, so you might want to re-dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a fresh look.

Step 1 – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then set the bowl aside.

Step 2 – Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer in a large bowl), cream together the unsalted butter with powdered sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3 – Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add peppermint extract, a few drops of green food coloring, and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are fully mixed into the dough.

Step 4 – Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula.

Step 5 – Pinch off 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6 – Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until they firm up.

Step 7 – Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 8-9 minutes.

Step 8 – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9 – Place the remaining powdered sugar in a bowl. Once the cookies have cooled, dip each one in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are completely coated. Repeat this process until every cookie is covered and no green is visible. Note: You may need multiple coatings to get the right amount of coverage.

Step 10 – Serve and enjoy!