Are you ready to infuse your holiday season with the irresistible charm of Peppermint Snowball Cookies? These delightful treats are the epitome of everything a Christmas cookie should be—easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with the delightful flavor of peppermint. If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your holiday baking, look no further. Join us as we dive into the world of Peppermint Snowball Cookies, a festive favorite that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
History and Origins of Peppermint Snowball Cookies
While the exact origin of Peppermint Snowball Cookies may not be well-documented, their creation is undoubtedly inspired by the rich traditions of Christmas baking. Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have been a cherished part of holiday celebrations for generations.
These delectable cookies are believed to have Eastern European roots, with variations found in countries like Russia and Mexico. They are characterized by their melt-in-your-mouth texture, achieved by rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, creating a snowy appearance that lends them their name.
The introduction of peppermint into the classic snowball cookie recipe is a modern twist that brings a refreshing and seasonal flavor to this beloved treat. The combination of buttery, crumbly cookies and the cool, minty zing of peppermint extract and Andes peppermint baking chips is simply irresistible.
Tools Needed, Serving Size, and Cooking Time
Tools Needed:
- 11×17 inch sheet pan
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Number of People: This Peppermint Snowball Cookies recipe yields approximately 48 cookies, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
Cooking Time: From start to finish, you can expect to spend around 52 minutes, including 30 minutes of dough chilling and 7 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients and Their Possible Replacements in Precise Quantities
For the Peppermint Snowball Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- 3/4 cup Andes peppermint baking chips
For Coating:
- Additional powdered sugar
Ingredient Notes:
- Peppermint Extract: The peppermint extract is the star of this recipe, infusing the cookies with a delightful minty flavor. You can adjust the quantity to your taste, but be cautious, as peppermint can be quite potent.
- Food Coloring: The addition of red or pink food coloring is optional and is primarily for visual appeal, making your cookies even more festive.
- Andes Peppermint Baking Chips: If you can’t find these specific baking chips, you can substitute them with crushed candy canes or other peppermint-flavored chocolate chips.
Steps to Prepare Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Mixing the Cookie Dough
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2 minutes.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be cautious not to overmix at this stage.
- If you desire a festive red or pink hue, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the dough until you achieve the desired color.
- Stir in the Andes peppermint baking chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and shaping the cookies.
Step 2: Baking the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and makes for easy cleanup.
- Scoop out one tablespoon of cookie dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. It’s important not to overbake them; they should only become very lightly browned on the bottom.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This ensures that they set properly.
Step 3: Coating and Final Touches
- Line another large baking sheet with parchment paper and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
- Transfer the slightly cooled cookies to this new baking sheet and dust them with additional powdered sugar. This step gives the cookies their iconic snowy appearance.
- Fill a small bowl halfway with powdered sugar. One by one, gently place the cookies into the bowl and roll them until they are fully coated in powdered sugar.
Step 4: Storing Your Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- To keep your Peppermint Snowball Cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This ensures they maintain their wonderful texture and flavor throughout the holiday season.
Top 4 Mistakes People Usually Make and How to Avoid Them
1. Overmixing the Cookie Dough
Mistake: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined. Solution: Use low speed when mixing and stop as soon as the dough comes together.
2. Overbaking the Cookies
Mistake: Allowing the cookies to brown too much in the oven can result in a dry texture. Solution: Follow the recommended baking time and remove the cookies when they are just lightly browned on the bottom.
3. Skipping the Dough Chilling Step
Mistake: Neglecting to chill the dough can make it sticky and challenging to handle. Solution: Be patient and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
4. Not Dusting the Cookies with Enough Powdered Sugar
Mistake: Inadequate powdered sugar coating can affect the appearance and sweetness of the cookies. Solution: Generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated to achieve the desired snowy effect.
FAQ for 5 Questions about This Recipe
1. Can I Freeze Peppermint Snowball Cookies?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with layers separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.
2. Can I Substitute Peppermint Extract with Other Flavors?
Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond to create different flavor variations.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Andes Peppermint Baking Chips?
Answer: If you can’t find Andes chips, crushed candy canes or peppermint chocolate chips are excellent substitutes.
4. Can I Make Smaller or Larger Cookies?
Answer: Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies by using smaller or larger scoops of dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. How Do I Store Peppermint Snowball Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Answer: To maintain their freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also include a slice of bread to help keep them soft.
Conclusion: Share the Magic of Peppermint Snowball Cookies
In conclusion, Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or a perfect treat for cozy winter nights. With their buttery, crumbly texture and the invigorating kick of peppermint, these cookies encapsulate the essence of the holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and bake up a batch of these magical snowball cookies. Share the joy and deliciousness of Peppermint Snowball Cookies this holiday season—it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!