Minty Snowball Cookies

Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a refreshing twist to the classic cookie. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because, these cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a hint of peppermint. Their unique flavor and fun appearance make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring they will be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and peppermint creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or an afternoon snack, Minty Snowball Cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Appearance: Add green food coloring for a festive touch or leave them plain for a classic look.
• Great for Gift-Giving: Pack them in a cute box or tin, and you have the perfect homemade gift!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Minty Snowball Cookies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures your butter is creamed perfectly for fluffy cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 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

How to Make Minty Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Mix in the peppermint extract. If you’re using green food coloring, add it now to achieve your desired shade.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before storing or serving.

Now you have delicious Minty Snowball Cookies ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Minty Snowball Cookies

Minty Snowball Cookies are delightful treats perfect for any occasion. Their sweet, minty flavor pairs well with a variety of beverages and desserts.

With a Hot Beverage

• Tea – A warm cup of herbal or green tea complements the mint perfectly.
• Coffee – Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.
• Hot Chocolate – Pair them with hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert experience.

As Part of a Cookie Platter

• Mixed Cookies – Serve Minty Snowball Cookies alongside other cookies like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin for a colorful platter.
• Festive Decor – Arrange them on a decorative plate, adding festive touches like sprinkles or edible glitter.

With Ice Cream

• Mint Ice Cream – The mint flavor in the cookies enhances the ice cream’s freshness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the cookie’s texture.

How to Perfect Minty Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Minty Snowball Cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh butter and quality peppermint extract to enhance flavor.
• Mind Your Baking Time – Bake until just lightly golden; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Adjust Peppermint Flavor – Taste the dough before baking; add more peppermint extract if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Minty Snowball Cookies

Minty Snowball Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses contrasts nicely with the minty sweetness.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, complementary dish.
4. Pecan Pie Bars – These bars add richness and nutty flavors that pair well with the mint cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
6. Mini Muffins – Offer assorted mini muffins like blueberry or lemon poppy seed for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to flat cookies. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
• Incorrect measurement of flour: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Using warm butter: Softened but warm butter can alter the cookie’s texture. Ensure it’s just softened, not melted.
• Neglecting the coating: Skipping the powdered sugar coating means missing out on sweetness and presentation. Coat generously after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Minty Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Minty Snowball Cookies

• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Minty Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm them in a pan on low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Minty Snowball Cookies?
Minty Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats filled with peppermint flavor and coated in powdered sugar, perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Yes! Try vanilla or almond extract for different flavors while keeping the same base recipe.

How do I make Minty Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I add nuts to Minty Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can skip the food coloring altogether or use natural colorings like spirulina powder or matcha for a subtle green hue.

Final Thoughts

Minty Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery goodness with refreshing peppermint flavor. They are versatile enough for holidays or gatherings and offer customization options like adding nuts or using different extracts. Try making them today!