Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on a beloved holiday classic. These soft, buttery cookies melt in your mouth and are coated in powdered sugar for a beautiful snow-dusted finish. What sets them apart is the refreshing pop of peppermint flavor and the delightful crunch of crushed candy canes mixed right into the dough. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange, wrapping gifts from the kitchen, or simply enjoying a seasonal treat, these cookies deliver nostalgic charm with a cool, minty upgrade.

The traditional version of these cookies—often called snowball cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, or Russian tea cakes—is known for its buttery, nutty flavor and tender texture. This peppermint version swaps the usual chopped nuts for holiday flair, making them a perfect addition to winter baking. Their classic white powdered sugar coating gives them the look of tiny snowballs, which fits perfectly on any Christmas cookie platter. These cookies have also gained popularity among peppermint desserts and holiday cookie recipes online.

What makes these cookies so appealing is their simplicity. They’re made with a short list of pantry ingredients—butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and peppermint extract—with the option to mix in white chocolate chips or a touch of red food coloring for a fun swirl. Perfectly round and coated twice in sugar for that signature snowy finish, these cookies are equal parts sweet, soft, and minty. Whether you’re baking a new family tradition or upgrading a classic, Peppermint Snowball Cookies are sure to bring seasonal cheer to every bite.

What Are Peppermint Snowball Cookies?

Peppermint Snowball Cookies are a holiday-themed version of the classic snowball cookie—also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes. These cookies are traditionally made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, and nuts. In this peppermint variation, the nuts are replaced with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, adding a festive burst of flavor and crunch. The cookies are baked until just set, then rolled—twice—in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowy appearance and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The texture of these cookies is key: they’re tender and crumbly on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and sweet without being too rich. The peppermint flavor adds brightness, making them a favorite for cookie swaps and holiday dessert tables. Their subtle sweetness and snowy white look make them ideal additions to winter-themed gatherings. According to the snowball cookie tradition, these treats have been made for generations across many cultures, and their structure makes them easy to adapt with festive flavors like chocolate, citrus, or mint.

The peppermint twist transforms a buttery classic into a wintertime favorite. Crushed candy canes offer both flavor and visual appeal when flecks of red swirl through the dough. Peppermint extract can also be used to deepen the mint flavor without overpowering the cookie. Many bakers also add white chocolate chips or dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate to create beautiful variations, inspired by popular peppermint desserts trending during the holiday season.

This cookie is also one of the easiest festive bakes for beginners. With no chilling required in most versions and no icing or complicated decoration, it’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor and appearance. Whether made ahead and frozen or served fresh from the oven, Peppermint Snowball Cookies bring traditional comfort with a fresh holiday spin.

Ingredients Overview

Making Peppermint Snowball Cookies is simple and requires just a few pantry staples, along with a couple of peppermint additions to give them that cool, festive flavor. The recipe is flexible and allows for easy swaps and mix-ins to suit different preferences or dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating

1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts (for added texture)

Optional: Red food coloring for a festive swirl

The combination of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes provides both flavor and crunch. Butter is the base of the dough, giving these cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and helps maintain a soft crumb.

To crush the peppermint candies without melting them into powder, place them in a plastic bag and crush gently with a rolling pin. You can also explore flavor pairings by adding white chocolate, a pinch of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of glaze. For more cookie inspiration, browse through holiday cookie recipes that incorporate seasonal flavors and themes.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

a. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the cookie’s structure and texture.

b. Add Extracts
Mix in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until combined.

c. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

d. Fold in Peppermint Bits
Stir in the crushed candy canes and any optional add-ins like white chocolate chips.

e. Optional Coloring
If desired, divide dough and add red food coloring to one half. Swirl together for a marbled look.

f. Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

g. Roll in Sugar
Cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool completely and roll a second time for the signature “snowball” finish.

For visual ideas on cookie presentation and shape, explore peppermint desserts and see how bakers style them for gifting and celebrations.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Double coat in powdered sugar: The first roll sticks better when cookies are warm, the second adds a snowy look once cool.
Don’t overbake: The cookies should remain pale with just a hint of golden on the bottom.

Crush candy canes properly: Avoid crushing too fine or the peppermint will melt into the dough.
Shape evenly: Roll dough balls between your palms for round, uniform cookies.
Let cool on pan: Allow a few minutes of rest after baking to prevent breakage when transferring.

If your dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk. Too sticky? Chill for 15–20 minutes before rolling.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base.

White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Dipped Snowballs: Dip one half of each cookie in white or dark chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check the mix includes xanthan gum for best results.

Vegan Version: Swap butter with vegan butter and use plant-based powdered sugar alternatives.
Color Swirl: Add red or green food coloring to part of the dough for a marbled holiday look.

Looking for an oven-free treat? Try no-bake cookies with peppermint and chocolate for a quick fix.

How to Store and Freeze

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: Not necessary, but may extend freshness if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing the Dough: Roll into balls and freeze unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely and layer between sheets of wax paper in a sealed container. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.

For proper freezing and storage methods, explore freezing of food to maintain flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the second sugar roll: This leaves the cookies looking dull and underdressed.
Adding too much peppermint extract: A little goes a long way—too much can make the flavor bitter or overpowering.

Overbaking: Causes the cookies to lose their melt-in-your-mouth texture and become dry.
Under-mixing or overmixing: Under-mixing leaves flour streaks, overmixing can make cookies tough.
Not shaping properly: Uneven cookies won’t bake uniformly and can crack or flatten.

Always test bake one or two cookies first if you’ve made any substitutions.

Nutrition and Dietary Alternatives

Calories per cookie: Approximately 120–140 depending on mix-ins and size

Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute that works with powdered sugar, such as monk fruit blend
Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free flour like almond flour or oat flour blend
Vegan Substitute: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and ensure all sugar used is vegan-certified

Nut-Free: Traditional snowballs include nuts, but this peppermint version is naturally nut-free

Explore more about peppermint’s uses in food and health by visiting peppermint, which offers both flavor and potential digestive benefits.

Peppermint Snowballs in Holiday Traditions

Peppermint Snowball Cookies fit seamlessly into classic holiday baking traditions. Their snowy white coating, round shape, and cool minty flavor make them perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, and homemade holiday gifts. They pair beautifully with other Christmas cookies, adding variety and color to any cookie tray.

Thanks to their short ingredient list and quick baking time, they’re also a favorite for busy bakers. From traditional flavors to modern twists, snowball cookies continue to be a cherished part of holiday baking culture.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These cookies store well for up to 5 days and freeze beautifully. Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it in balls for quick holiday baking.

How long do peppermint snowball cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 4–5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze and re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is more concentrated. Use only ¼ teaspoon to replace 1 teaspoon of extract.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Most peppermint snowball recipes do not require chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough is sticky, chilling for 20 minutes can help keep the cookies round.

Can I freeze these cookies with powdered sugar on them?
Yes, but the sugar may absorb moisture during freezing. For best appearance, freeze without sugar and roll them again after thawing before serving.

How to Make Peppermint Snowball Cookies for the Holidays