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 utterly magical about biting into a cookie that’s buttery, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and kissed by bright peppermint. This Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe is my go-to for festive moments or just whenever I want a cozy treat that feels like a winter hug – without needing a fireplace.

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

I can’t overstate how much joy this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe brings to my kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but special enough to impress guests. Plus, those bright crushed candy canes add a delightful festive crunch that never gets old!

Rich, Buttery Texture: These cookies have that perfect soft snowball melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone raves about.
Bright Peppermint Flavor: Real peppermint extract and crushed candy canes make the flavor truly pop.
Easy to Prep: You can whip these up quickly and even chill the dough ahead for less rush on baking day.
Perfect for Gifting: Their snowy sugar coating and festive look make them irresistible holiday gifts.

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

This recipe uses classic cookie ingredients that combine to create that iconic snowball cookie texture and flavor — with peppermint magic added in. A soft butter base, dusted with confectioners’ sugar, plus the crunch and burst from candy canes makes all the difference. Here’s a quick guide to why each ingredient matters.

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: The star for that melt-in-your-mouth softness and rich flavor—make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Dough & Coating): Gives the cookie its signature snowy exterior and smooth sweetness without grittiness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, balancing the peppermint’s brightness.
Peppermint Extract: The heart of the cookie’s festive flavor; use good quality extract for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and soft.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors—don’t skip it!
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds that delightful peppermint crunch and festive touch inside the dough.

📝

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

I love how flexible this Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it a bit to fit my own flavor cravings and dietary needs, and it always holds up beautifully. Don’t hesitate to personalize it – that’s half the fun.

Variation: For a chocolate twist, I sometimes add mini chocolate chips or dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate once cooled – it’s a game changer!
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative; just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the dough together.
Extra Minty: If you’re a peppermint fanatic like me, add a tiny extra splash of peppermint extract, but be cautious – a little goes a long way.
Crunch Factor: Occasionally, I mix in chopped toasted almonds alongside the crushed candy canes for a bit of texture contrast.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Dreamy

Start by beating room temperature unsalted butter until it’s smooth and creamy—this usually takes about a minute on medium speed with a handheld or stand mixer. Then add the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low until it’s just incorporated. Crank the speed back up to medium-high and continue beating until the mixture feels silky and light. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to make sure everything is evenly blended. Getting this step right sets your cookies up for that soft, tender texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Peppermint, and Dry Ingredients

Next, pour in both the vanilla and peppermint extracts and beat them in until evenly mixed—you’ll start smelling that lovely mint right away! Then add the flour and salt. When you first mix in the flour, the dough may look crumbly or dry. Don’t worry, keep slow mixing. When all the flour is combined, turn the mixer to high speed briefly and watch as the dough miraculously comes together into a soft ball. Finally, fold in the crushed candy canes so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough (Patience Pays Off)

Wrap your dough tightly and chill it for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, I highly recommend up to 3 days. The longer chill lets the flavors develop and makes rolling much easier. Just remember if you’re chilling overnight or longer, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you roll out the balls — this softens it up without losing that perfect shape retention.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—these prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Scoop or roll about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie into a ball and space them at least two inches apart. Bake for roughly 15 minutes until the bottom edges turn golden but the tops just start to brown lightly. This balance keeps them tender inside.

Step 5: The Sweet Snowball Coating

After baking, let your cookies rest for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before gently rolling each one in confectioners’ sugar. This first sugar layer will melt slightly and get sticky. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in confectioners’ sugar—this second coat gives that classic snowy look and irresistible sweetness!

Top Tip

From my experience baking these, small details can make a huge difference. Here are the tweaks that helped me build confidence and get perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies every time.

Butter Temperature Matters: Too cold and the dough won’t come together well; too warm and it’ll be greasy. Room temp butter is your best friend here.
Crush Candy Canes Just Right: I crush mine into coarse pieces—not powder—so you get those pleasant peppermint bursts and crunchy texture.
Chill Time Is Your Ally: If you skip chilling, cookies can spread too much and lose that perfect snowball shape.
Double Dusting Sugar: The second sugar coating after cooling locks in the signature snowy look and keeps them looking festive longer.

How to Serve Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

peppermint snowball cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I tend to keep garnishes simple because these cookies shine on their own! Sometimes I’ll lightly dust a bit extra confectioners’ sugar over the entire cookie platter just before serving for extra snowy vibes. For holiday parties, a sprig of fresh mint or a mini candy cane on the side makes for a sweet, festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steamy mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha — the flavors complement each other perfectly. For brunch or cookie exchanges, I like serving them alongside spiced cider or a simple cup of black coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these snowball cookies layered on a festive tiered serving tray, alternating with red and green napkins for pop. Another time, I packaged them in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon and a candy cane – an instant crowd-pleaser gift. You can even stack them in a clear glass jar to highlight those snowy sugar-coated surfaces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they keep perfectly fresh for up to one week. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing the container to keep that crisp sugary coating intact.

Freezing

I freeze both baked Peppermint Snowball Cookies and unbaked dough balls. The baked cookies freeze wonderfully for up to three months; just thaw them at room temp when ready. If freezing dough balls, pop them straight from freezer to oven—add an extra minute or two of bake time and you’re all set. It’s so handy for prepping holiday treats in advance!

Reheating

If you want to revive that just-baked feel, warm cookies briefly in a low oven (275°F / 135°C) for 5–7 minutes, just to freshen them up without melting the sugar coating completely. Alternatively, a few seconds in the microwave on low power works in a pinch but be careful to avoid a gooey mess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract in the Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe?

Peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract, so if you substitute, use it sparingly—start with about a quarter of the amount called for and adjust to taste. Too much oil can make the cookies taste bitter or overpowering.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure to properly chill the dough before baking and keep the dough balls spaced at least two inches apart on the baking sheet. Using room temperature butter, not melted or too soft, also helps maintain shape.

Can I substitute the crushed candy canes with peppermint candies or chocolate chips?

Yes! Peppermint candies work just fine if crushed, though candy canes are easiest. Chocolate chips give a different flavor and texture but delightfully complement the peppermint extract if you want a chocolate-mint twist.

What's the best way to crush candy canes for this recipe?

Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or kitchen mallet until you have small, coarse pieces. Avoid crushing them too finely to preserve a nice crunch in the cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe has a warm place in my heart, especially during chilly months and holiday gatherings when the kitchen fills with the scent of peppermint and vanilla. Making these cookies feels like a little celebration every time—and sharing them with friends makes it even sweeter. I hope you enjoy making (and nibbling!) these charming snowballs as much as I do. Happy baking!