Every December, without fail, there’s one afternoon where the kitchen turns into a soft cloud of powdered sugar. It floats through the air, settles on sleeves, and somehow ends up on the dog. That’s snowball cookie day.

I first added peppermint to these classic holiday cookies almost by accident. I was already in the middle of baking, the windows fogged up, Christmas music playing quietly in the background, when I spotted a bottle of peppermint extract sitting on the counter. One sniff and—well—you know how that goes.

The smell alone felt like the holidays arriving early. Cool, clean peppermint mixed with warm butter and vanilla. It was comforting, but bright. Familiar, yet new.

When these cookies came out of the oven, barely golden and fragile-looking, I knew they needed a gentle hand. Rolling them in powdered sugar while still warm felt almost ceremonial. A little messy. Very satisfying.

They’re tender. Almost delicate. The kind of cookie that disappears quietly, one bite at a time.

Now they’re a non-negotiable part of our holiday baking list. No arguments. No substitutes.

If you love classic Christmas cookies with a refreshing twist, these peppermint snowball cookies are waiting for you.

Recipe Resume (Why You’ll Love Them)

Soft, melt-away texture.
Cool peppermint flavor without being overpowering.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays.
Simple pantry ingredients.
No rolling pins, no fuss.
Freezer-friendly.
Crowd-pleasing but nostalgic.
Snowy, festive, irresistible.

Why This Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Ever Need

This recipe is rooted in classic American holiday baking, but with just enough peppermint to make it memorable.

The first time I served these at a family gathering, my husband thought they were “just” snowballs. Then he took a bite. Pause. Raised eyebrow. Went back for another. That was it — they earned permanent status.

They’ve become the cookie people ask about. The one that disappears first. The one someone quietly wraps up “for later.”

They’re cozy, a little old-fashioned, and somehow still exciting every single year.

What You Really Need to Make This Amazing Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe (Simplified)

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate (optional but lovely)

How to Master the Perfect Peppermint Snowball Cookies (My Secret Method)

Start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. This is where the magic starts — don’t rush it. The mixture should feel light, almost whipped.

Add vanilla and peppermint extract. Go easy on the peppermint. You want cool and refreshing, not toothpaste. Trust me.

Gently mix in the flour and salt. The dough will look soft and slightly crumbly at first, then come together like it knows what it’s doing.

Fold in chocolate if using. Scoop small portions and roll them gently between your palms — no pressure, no perfection.

Bake just until set. No browning. These cookies should look almost shy.

While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool, then roll again. Snowy perfection.

Chef’s Notes and Tips For A Flawless Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Peppermint extract is powerful. Start small. You can always add a touch more next time, but you can’t undo it once baked.

Let the cookies cool slightly before the second sugar coating. This helps the sugar cling beautifully without melting away.

Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations

Swap chocolate chips for crushed candy canes for extra crunch.
Add finely chopped nuts for texture.
Dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for a bakery-style finish.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle twist.

Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe

Use a plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.
Reduce powdered sugar slightly — they’ll still feel indulgent.
Try whole-wheat pastry flour for a softer, more wholesome crumb.
Make them smaller for portion-friendly treats.

Closing (Todd Wilbur Style)

And there you have it. Soft, snowy peppermint snowball cookies that taste like the holidays wrapped in powdered sugar. Make a batch, share them generously, and save a few just for you. Don’t forget to tell us how they turned out — and be sure to check out some of our other favorite holiday recipes.

Are You Curious About Anything Else? Take a Look at the Most Frequently Asked Questions We Get About This Recipe

1. What makes peppermint snowball cookies melt in your mouth?

The magic comes from powdered sugar and butter. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating that delicate, tender texture that snowball cookies are famous for.

Combined with gentle mixing and low baking time, these holiday peppermint snowball cookies practically disappear when you bite into them.

2. Can I make peppermint snowball cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. These cookies are ideal for make-ahead baking. You can bake them several days in advance and store them in an airtight container.

In fact, the flavor deepens slightly after a day, making them even better for Christmas gatherings.

3. How strong should the peppermint flavor be?

Peppermint should feel cool and refreshing, not overpowering. A little goes a long way.

For the best mint chocolate snowball cookies, start with a small amount of extract and adjust next time if needed.

4. Do peppermint snowball cookies freeze well?

Yes — very well. Freeze them fully baked and cooled, without powdered sugar. Add the sugar coating after thawing.

This keeps the cookies looking fresh and bakery-perfect.

5. Why are my snowball cookies crumbly?

Too much flour or overbaking can dry them out. Measure carefully and pull them from the oven while they still look pale.

They firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for color.

6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully here.

Let the dough rest for a few minutes before shaping to improve texture.

7. Are peppermint snowball cookies the same as Mexican wedding cookies?

They’re very similar in texture, but peppermint snowball cookies lean more toward classic American Christmas flavors.

The peppermint gives them that unmistakable holiday personality.

8. How should I store Christmas peppermint cookies powdered sugar style?

Store them in a single layer if possible, or gently stacked with parchment paper.

Keep them cool and dry so the powdered sugar stays fluffy and snow-white.