Peppermint Snowballs
Description
These Peppermint Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat featuring a shortbread-like cookie base infused with the refreshing zest of crushed peppermint candy. The dough comes together easily with butter, flour, and vanilla, then is baked until just set. Once cooled slightly, the cookies are rolled in a mixture of powdered sugar and more crushed peppermint, giving them a snowy appearance and a satisfying crunch. They pair perfectly with hot cocoa or coffee. These cookies are ideal for holiday parties, gift baskets, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth during the festive season. Simple ingredients create an elegant result that disappears quickly.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter (or margarine) and confectioners sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms. If needed, knead gently by hand until the dough comes together uniformly.
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Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not let the tops brown.
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Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
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While warm, roll the cookies in a mixture of additional confectioners sugar and finely crushed peppermint candy to coat completely.
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Allow to cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 4155.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 171.7g265%
- Saturated Fat 54.0g270%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2473.6mg104%
- Total Carbohydrate 581.3g194%
- Dietary Fiber 17.9g72%
- Sugars 122.6g
- Protein 61.6g124%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The original source text mentioned a filling with cream cheese, milk, and red food coloring. However, traditional Peppermint Snowballs are typically solid shortbread-style cookies. If you wish to make a filled version, you can flatten half the dough balls, add a small dollop of cream cheese filling, and seal with another ball before baking.
For the topping, use a separate small bowl to mix extra confectioners sugar with finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Ensure the candy is crushed finely to avoid large chunks that might slide off.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies freeze well; place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
