Melt in Your Mouth Snowball

These Minty Snowball Cookies are everything you want from a holiday treat—rich buttery flavor, a tender crumb that melts on your tongue, and a refreshing peppermint twist that keeps them feeling festive. Rolled generously in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs ready to brighten any winter gathering or tea time.

I first baked these on a chilly December evening and the whole house smelled like a holiday bakery. Since then, they have become my goto gift cookie because people fall in love at first bite and keep asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature for creamy texture and good flavor
• Powdered sugar: to sweeten the dough and coat the cookies, helping create that snowy look
• Peppermint extract: for the cool mint flavor—use good quality for the best aroma
• Allpurpose flour: provides structure (use fresh flour stored in a cool place for best results)
• Salt: to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: add a lovely crunch and depth; toasted nuts work beautifully if you have the time
• Mini chocolate chips: add a sweet surprise and complement the peppermint well; optional but highly recommended

Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

Beat softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes with a hand mixer. The fluffiness here creates a tender texture in the cookies and ensures even sweetness. Mix in the peppermint extract thoroughly so the minty aroma is evenly distributed.

Add Dry Ingredients and Mix:

Slowly add the allpurpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir gently until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If using nuts and chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage. Chopped nuts give a nice crunch contrast, and chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough and makes it easier to roll into uniform balls later. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Shape and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Roll the chilled dough into oneinch balls and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the bottoms turn just a light golden color. This slight browning means they are perfectly done but still soft inside.

Coat with Powdered Sugar:

When the cookies come out of the oven, allow them to cool for just a minute or two until they are warm but not hot. Then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm so the sugar sticks well. Once they have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for that irresistible snowball finish.

Serve or Store:

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container once cooled completely. They keep well for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.

One year my kids helped me make these for a cookie swap and the sugary snow dusting became a magical part of our holiday tradition.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will keep beautifully for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag and freeze for up to two months. To refresh after freezing, allow them to thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again for that fresh snowball look.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have peppermint extract, vanilla extract works well but lacks the fresh minty twist. Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top after baking for extra festive flair. For nuts, almonds or hazelnuts are great alternatives if pecans or walnuts are not available. For a nutfree version, simply omit the nuts.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or even chai spices. They make a lovely afternoon snack or a charming end to your holiday meals. Arrange them on a festive platter dusted with more powdered sugar for an irresistible display.

These minty snowball cookies are a perfect holiday treat to share or gift. Roll them twice in powdered sugar for the prettiest snowy finish.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of butter works best for these cookies?

Use unsalted, softened butter at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough and tender crumb.

→ Can I substitute peppermint extract with other flavors?

Yes, almond extract offers a lovely alternative, and crushed peppermint candies can add extra festive flavor and texture.

→ How do I achieve the perfect crumbly texture?

Thoroughly cream butter and sugar, chill the dough before shaping, and avoid overmixing once flour is added to keep the cookies tender.

→ Are nuts necessary in the dough?

Chopped pecans or walnuts are optional, adding crunch and flavor, but can be omitted for a simpler bite.

→ How should these treats be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to two months for longer preservation.

→ Can these snowballs be paired with beverages?

They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or chai, enhancing the cozy winter experience.