Name: Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup (40g) crushed candy canes (about 3–4 regular-size candy canes); 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar

There’s something magical about biting into a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a burst of cool peppermint and a delicate sugar coating. That’s exactly what you get with this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe, a festive treat that feels like a winter wonderland in every bite—soft, buttery, and with just the right crunch from crushed candy canes.

This image shows many small cookies piled close together, each covered in a thick layer of white powdered sugar. The cookies are round but slightly uneven in shape, with a light beige color inside dotted with small red bits. Two cookies on top are broken in half, revealing a crumbly, soft texture inside with the same red specks scattered throughout. The overall look is soft and powdery, with a white marbled texture as the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe instantly became a favorite for me every holiday season—not just because of its festive look but because of how it tastes like a soft, minty hug. The balance of peppermint and buttery dough is just dreamy and makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Buttery Soft Texture: These cookies aren’t dry or crumbly—they melt on your tongue with richness.
Refreshing Peppermint Kick: Real peppermint extract and crushed candy canes give these cookies a vibrant mint flavor that’s not too overpowering.
Double Sugar Coating: Rolling them in confectioners’ sugar twice gives them that classic snowball look and a sweet finish.
Perfect for Gifting: They store well and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for sharing or prepping ahead of time.

A close-up view of several round cookies piled on a white plate, each cookie covered evenly with a thick layer of powdered sugar giving them a soft, snowy look. Tiny red specks are scattered lightly on the surface of the cookies and the plate, adding a subtle pop of color. The cookies have a slightly rough texture under the sugar, showing they are soft and crumbly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect melt-away texture and bright peppermint flavor. Here’s a quick scoop on why each is important and a few tips to get the best results when you shop.

Flat lay of a large chunk of unsalted butter, a small mound of fine confectioners’ sugar, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a heap of all-purpose flour, a small pinch of sea salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with crushed red and white candy cane pieces, and another small white bowl holding more fine confectioners’ sugar for coating, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter ensures the dough creams nicely and holds moisture, which keeps cookies tender.
Confectioners’ Sugar: It dissolves smoothly into the butter and adds that delicate sweetness without grit; also perfect for the sugary coating.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the peppermint and sweetness.
Peppermint Extract: Go for a quality peppermint extract for a clean, authentic mint flavor. Too much can get overpowering, so the teaspoon here hits the spot.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure – spoon and level it into your measuring cup for the most accurate amount.
Salt: Just a pinch to cut the sweetness and enhance all the flavors without making it salty.
Crushed Candy Canes: These add texture and a little surprise crunch, plus bursts of peppermint crystal sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can dial up the peppermint a bit more if you like it strong or toss in some mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. It’s your cookie party!

Chocolate Peppermint: I once swapped half the crushed candy canes for mini dark chocolate chips. The contrast was divine—a great idea if you’re sharing with chocoholics.
Almond Extract Boost: Adding a small splash of almond extract along with peppermint gives the cookies a nutty warmth if you want to try something different.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these perfect for gluten-sensitive friends without losing texture.
Mini Cookies: If you enjoy bite-sized treats, reduce the dough balls to half a tablespoon and shorten baking time by about 2–3 minutes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Dreamy

I like to start by beating the softened butter on medium speed for about a minute until it’s super smooth and creamy. Then I add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on low at first to avoid a cloud of sugar everywhere, then raise the speed to medium-high until it looks light and fluffy. This part really sets the texture stage for the cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Extracts and Flour Carefully

Pour in the vanilla and peppermint extract and beat again until fully blended. Then, add your sifted flour and salt, beating on low to start. Don’t worry if the dough looks crumbly or dry at first—that’s normal! Turn the mixer to high and watch as the dough magically comes together, soft and dense. Finally, fold in the crushed candy canes to bedazzle your dough with specks of peppermint love.

Step 3: Chill and Prep for Baking

Cover the dough tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you let it chill longer, like up to 3 days, just make sure to let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before rolling so it’s soft enough to handle. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your trays with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Roll, Bake, and Coat with Sugar Twice

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball and place on the baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Bake for roughly 15 minutes until you see golden edges and barely a hint of brown on top. After baking, wait 5 minutes to cool and then gently roll each warm cookie in confectioners’ sugar—the sugar will melt and form a sticky coating. Once they’re completely cool, roll them again for that perfect snowball finish.

Top Tip

From baking these Peppermint Snowball Cookies several holiday seasons in a row, I’ve learned a few little adjustments that really make a difference, especially for getting that tender texture and signature “powdered snow” look on the outside.

Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough firms it up so the cookies hold their shape but remain soft inside—it’s key for texture.
Double Sugar Coating: The first roll seals in moisture, the second gives the pretty, puffy snowball effect.
Use Fresh Candy Canes: Fresh crushed candy canes add a sharp peppermint burst—old ones tend to lose flavor and get a little chewy.
Watch the Bake Time: Oven times vary, so keep an eye for lightly golden edges rather than relying solely on minutes.

How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

peppermint snowball cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to the classic confectioners’ sugar coating because it’s simple and adds that snowy charm. But sometimes for a party, I sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes on top right after the second roll—it makes the cookies sparkle and adds a pop of color you can’t resist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea, heightening the minty vibe. I also love serving them alongside rich fudge or even a creamy eggnog for extra indulgence during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I like to arrange them in a pretty tin layered with parchment paper for gift-giving, or stack them around a centerpiece plate rimmed with holly and pine branches to turn cookies into festive décor. For a party, arranging the cookies with a jar of crushed candy canes and mini red ribbons tied around each really makes them stand out.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and fully cooled, store your Peppermint Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they keep their freshness and soft texture for about a week—perfect for nibbling over time without drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. I usually freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm them for a few minutes in the oven to refresh that powdered sugar coating and softness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 5-minute bake at 300°F wrapped in foil does the trick to revive the soft crumb. Avoid microwaving as it can make the powdered sugar coating sticky instead of delightfully powdery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe without peppermint extract?

You can, but you’ll lose the signature minty flavor that makes these cookies so special. If you don’t have peppermint extract, vanilla alone works, but consider adding flavored crushed candies like peppermint bark for that festive touch.

How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This keeps the pieces contained and makes crushing easier without shards flying everywhere.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you better control over the flavor balance.

How do I prevent the dough from being too stiff after chilling?

If your dough is too stiff after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling. This softens the butter slightly and makes shaping easier without warming the dough too much.

Final Thoughts

Every holiday season, making this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe feels like a wonderful ritual—one that fills my kitchen with cozy smells and joyful memories. I hope when you try these, you’ll enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do. They’re simple, special, and just the right festive treat to brighten any gathering or quiet moment at home.