These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are melt-in your mouth bites perfect for your holiday cookie platter. These classic snowy shortbread-style cookies get a festive twist made with cocoa powder and peppermint added to the batter and stuffed inside.
Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe for the Holiday Season
Indulge in the magic of the season with these delectable Peppermint Snowball Cookies. Bursting with the festive flavors of peppermint and cocoa, these buttery melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire.
Crafting these delightful treats is a breeze, requiring only a handful of basic pantry ingredients. Plus, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and lower-sugar alternatives available, these chocolate peppermint snowballs cater to various dietary preferences. Elevate your holiday cookie platter or Christmas cookie box with these must-have festive indulgences.
What are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delightful bite-sized treats that crumble and melt in your mouth. These cookies are characterized by their round shape, resembling snowballs, and are typically coated in powdered sugar, creating a snowy appearance. The base ingredients usually include butter, sugar, flour, and nuts, resulting in a rich and buttery flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies:
- Vegan Butter: The heart of our recipe, vegan butter, ensures a rich and creamy texture. If dairy isn’t a concern, feel free to substitute with ghee or unsalted butter.
- Powdered Sweetener: For sweetness without the guilt, we use powdered sugar or a powdered sweetener like Lakanto monk fruit or Swerve. A perfect choice for those aiming for a lower sugar option.
- Vanilla and Peppermint Extract: Elevate the flavor profile with a dash of vanilla extract and the star of the show, peppermint extract. The perfect duo for that irresistible holiday taste.
- Gluten-Free Baking Flour: Create a cookie that suits everyone by opting for gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. If gluten isn’t a concern, all-purpose flour works seamlessly.
- Cocoa Powder and Salt: Intensify the chocolatey goodness with cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of salt for balance.
- Chopped Pecans: Add a delightful crunch with finely chopped pecans or your nut of choice. A game-changer for texture enthusiasts.
- Sifted Powders for Rolling: For that picture-perfect finish, have on hand about 1/3 cup each of sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Peppermint Filling
- Peppermint Chocolate Chips: Infuse a burst of peppermint with Lily’s Sweets Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips or your preferred peppermint chocolate.
- Powdered Sweetener: Maintain the sweetness with a touch of powdered sugar or a sugar alternative.
Instructions: How to make Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Prepare Peppermint Filling: Melt peppermint chocolate chips, whisk in powdered sugar, and freeze into 1/2 teaspoon-sized balls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine gluten-free baking flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Cream together vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Gradually add the flour mixture, fold in chopped pecans, and chill the dough.
- Filling: Assemble the cookies with the frozen peppermint filling.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven, bake for 14-15 minutes, ensuring a slight golden bottom. Be cautious not to over-bake.
- Roll and Coat: While warm, roll the cookies in sifted powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Once cooled, repeat for an enchanting finish.
Tips for Success
- Perfectly Measured Flour: Achieve the ideal texture by measuring the flour correctly, using the spoon and level method.
- Maintain Chilled Dough: Keep the dough and peppermint filling cold to facilitate easy assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Peppermint Stuffed Snowball Cookies with a cup of our vegan hot chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Latte or your favorite festive beverage for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Switch things up and feel free to experiment with different nuts or chocolate variations to suit your taste preferences.
1. Original and Classic: Always a hit, your family will love these classic PecanSnowball Cookies.
2. Chocolate Infusion: For chocolate lovers, incorporate chocolate chips or chunks into the dough or use cocoa powder for a double chocolatey delight like our Chocolate Snowball Cookies.
3. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to balance the sweetness.
4. Spiced Wonder: Infuse warmth into your snowballs with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of chai spice.
5. Gluten-Free Magic: Explore alternative flours like almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version without compromising on taste like our Keto Snowball Cookies.
6. Nutty Bliss: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add a unique twist to the classic recipe.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
- Airtight Container: Store these delights in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Magic: Extend the joy by freezing for up to one month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I freeze snowball cookies? A: Yes, snowball cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to one month.
Q: Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Prepare the dough in advance, shape the cookies, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is a convenient way to plan for busy holiday schedules.
Q: Can I use different nuts in the recipe? A: Certainly! Experiment with your favorite nuts or a combination to discover unique flavor profiles. Pecans, almonds, and walnuts are popular choices.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too crumbly? A: Ensure accurate flour measurement and resist the temptation to overmix the dough. The right balance will result in cookies that hold together without being overly crumbly.
More Christmas cookie recipes you will love:
Perfect Sugar Cookies for Cut Out Cookies
These Peppermint Snowball Cookies are melt-in your mouth bites perfect for your holiday cookie platter. These classic snowy shortbread-style cookies get a festive twist made with cocoa powder and peppermint added to the batter and stuffed inside.
- 1 cup vegan butter , softened. (You can also use ghee or unsalted butter if you're not dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or powdered sweetener of choice , such as Lakanto powdered monk fruit sweetener or powdered Swerve for a lower sugar option
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour , measured correctly - spoon & level method. You can also use all-purpose flour if you're not gluten-free,
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans , or nuts of your choice
- 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar , for rolling the cookies
- 1/3 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder , for rolling the cookies
- 1/2 cup Lily's Sweets Peppermint Flavor Baking Chips , you can also use chopped Chocolate Andes Chocolate or Peppermint Bark / Peppermint Chocolate of your choice
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar or powdered sweetener of choice , such as Lakanto powdered monk fruit sweetener or powdered Swerve for a lower sugar option
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the peppermint crunch chips or peppermint bark in the microwave in 30-second increments in a small bowl until just melted. Whisk in 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar until the texture is thick, like peanut butter - add more as needed. Scoop out 1/2 teaspoon sized balls of melted peppermint onto the baking sheet and place the whole baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted or in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, then mix until combined.
- Turn the mixer to low and slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Scoop out ONE tablespoon of dough and flatten in your palm. Place the frozen peppermint balls and place into the middle of each dough ball. (Work with one frozen peppermint ball at a time and keep the rest in the freezer so they stay frozen). Add another ONE tablespoon of cookie dough on top and press the sides together and wrap dough around and roll into balls.
- Place on prepared cookie sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used up. Chill entire baking sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake cookies for 14-15 minutes until bottoms are just slightly brown - rotating pans halfway through. Be careful not to over-bake.
- Remove from oven and cool on baking pan for about 2 minutes until you can handle them comfortably with your hands.
- Meanwhile, sift 1/3 cup icing sugar into a medium bowl and another bowl with sifted cocoa powder. While cookies are still warm, roll them in icing sugar or cocoa powder. Place cookies on cooling rack, once they have cooled completely, roll them in icing sugar again.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
The amount of cookies you end up with will depend on the size that you roll your Snowball Cookies.
How to store the cookies:
Airtight Container: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing Magic:
Cookie base adapted from Land O Lakes
Tamara -
they look fantastic!
Juliana -
Wow, these cookies look fabulous Kelly, love the idea of peppermint or nutella in it…
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year dear 😀
Vicky and Ruth / May I Have That Recipe? -
I have to run to the gym and workout an extra hour or two so I can make these and eat them. They look out of this world. Have a wonderful Christmas
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen -
These Snowball cookies are such a great idea! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas Kelly!
Paula -
This is a great idea, Kelly. They’re so pretty, could be a great cookie for a Cookie swap!