Minty Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat for any festive occasion. Their delightful mint flavor and snowy appearance make them an irresistible addition to your holiday cookie platter. Easy to prepare and fun to share, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness with refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Minty Snowball Cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack. They fit any occasion beautifully!
- Perfectly Coated: The generous dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature snowball look, making them visually appealing.
- Customizable: You can adjust the peppermint flavor or add food coloring for a festive twist, allowing you to personalize your treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delightful cookies, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to blend ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
- Baking sheet: A non-stick baking sheet ensures even baking and easy removal of cookies.
Ingredients
To make Minty Snowball Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Minty Snowball Cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine softened butter and powdered sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Mix in:
– peppermint extract
– A few drops of green food coloring, if desired.
Blend until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Take small portions of dough:
– Roll them into balls about one inch in diameter.
– Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven:
– For about 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden at the bottom.
– Allow cooling slightly before rolling in additional powdered sugar for coating.
Enjoy your delicious Minty Snowball Cookies!
How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies
Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that bring a festive vibe to any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them.
With Holiday Beverages
- Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Peppermint Tea: Enjoy the refreshing taste of peppermint tea alongside your cookies for a perfectly harmonious flavor.
As Party Favors
- Gift Bags: Place Minty Snowball Cookies in decorative bags as party favors; they look charming and taste delicious.
- Cookie Platters: Arrange cookies on colorful platters at gatherings or potlucks to please guests of all ages.
For Dessert Buffets
- Dessert Table: Include these cookies in your dessert spread, allowing guests to grab a sweet treat after dinner.
- Themed Displays: Create a winter-themed display that showcases Minty Snowball Cookies alongside other seasonal goodies.
How to Perfect Minty Snowball Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Minty Snowball Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smoother dough, ensuring even baking and better texture.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape and improves flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.
- Adjust Peppermint Flavor: Start with less peppermint extract if you prefer a milder flavor; you can always add more later.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice: For an extra sweet coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking and again when cool.
Best Side Dishes for Minty Snowball Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Minty Snowball Cookies can enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some suggestions.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese for a creamy contrast to the cookie’s crunchiness.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows makes for an indulgent pairing with Minty Snowball Cookies.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Offer ice cream sundaes topped with mint-flavored syrup for an exciting dessert combo.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats complement the mint flavor and provide an enjoyable textural contrast.
- Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini cupcakes in festive flavors like vanilla or chocolate to create an appealing dessert spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Minty Snowball Cookies, small mistakes can lead to big issues. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using Cold Butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugar. Always start with softened unsalted butter for the best texture.
- Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances flavor. Forgetting it can leave your cookies tasting flat. Always add the recommended salt to the dough.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender bite.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using Too Much Food Coloring: A little goes a long way! Start with just a few drops of food coloring to achieve your desired minty look without overpowering the flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minty Snowball Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze them for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Properly stored, they can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Minty Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm one or two cookies at a time on high for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat and cover it. Heat cookies for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Minty Snowball Cookies more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles or use different cookie cutters to create various shapes. These options enhance their festive appeal!
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile while keeping the cookie’s essence.
How can I customize Minty Snowball Cookies?
Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor variations in your Minty Snowball Cookies.
What is the best way to serve these cookies?
Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or tea during cozy gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Minty Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing mint flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy afternoons at home. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite mix-ins or decorations! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!
Minty Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Minty Snowball Cookies are a festive delight that brings joy to any occasion. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing mint flavor, these cookies are a must-have for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Dusted with powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs, they not only taste amazing but also look charming on any cookie platter. Easy to make and customize, these cookies are perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or shared as party favors, Minty Snowball Cookies are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the peppermint extract and optional food coloring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls about one inch in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom. Allow cooling slightly before rolling in additional powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 36mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Use room temperature butter for smoother dough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shaping. Experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.