Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with peppermint extract and dotted with mint chocolate pieces. These bite-sized cookies are coated generously with powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, festive appearance perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a refreshing minty dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies:
- 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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Extracts: Blend in the vanilla and peppermint extracts thoroughly to infuse the dough with rich vanilla and refreshing mint flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Mint Chocolate: Gently fold in the finely chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of minty chocolate in every bite.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about an inch apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain pale and soft, ensuring a delicate texture.
- Initial Sugar Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar to start the classic snowball coating.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a double layer of snowy sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Store: Place the cookies in an airtight container. They keep fresh and delicious for up to one week.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help maintain cookie shape but is optional.
- Substitute mint chocolate chips if you cannot find finely chopped mint chocolate bars.
- Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for best freshness.
- For a stronger mint flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
