Name: Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened; 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 5-6 drops hot pink/rose food color gel; 3 cups powdered sugar, divided (2 cups and 1 cup); 1¼ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¼ cup finely crushed peppermint candies

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, snowy cookie with a cool peppermint kiss — and that’s exactly what the Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers. These festive treats bring together buttery sweetness and a spark of holiday cheer in every single bite.

The image shows a pile of round cookies covered in white powder on a white plate. One cookie in the front is cut in half, showing a bright pink inside filled with many small dark brown chocolate chips. The cookies have a slightly rough texture under the powder. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred white bowls behind containing red and dark items. 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 Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these cookies season after season, and they never disappoint. The combination of peppermint and a luscious buttery sugar cookie base is truly irresistible. Plus, the crushed peppermint candies and that double powdered sugar coating make them feel like a winter wonderland for your taste buds.

Perfect texture: Soft and tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that festive decorating.
Real peppermint flavor: Using peppermint extract—not mint—gives the authentic holiday sparkle.
Easy to make ahead: The dough chills beautifully, so you can prep early and bake fresh when needed.
Show-stopping presentation: The candy-crunch and rosy red hue make these cookies perfect for sharing and gifting.

A white plate is piled high with round, snow-white cookies coated in powdered sugar, each cookie showing faint pink and red spots of crushed peppermint inside. The cookies have a soft, slightly rough texture under the sugar dusting. Around the plate and between some cookies, bright red-and-white striped peppermint candies add vibrant color. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with small bowls blurred in the background, one filled with more peppermint candies and another with dark chocolate chips. The overall look is clean, festive, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a special role, from the tender crumb to the bright peppermint punch. Knowing a little about why they’re there helps you understand what to look for and how to tweak if needed.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine all-purpose flour, a small pile of white cornstarch powder, a square slab of pale yellow salted sweet cream butter, a heap of fluffy powdered sugar, a few drops of bright pink food color gel in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with glossy mini semi sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl holding finely crushed peppermint candies, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, and two small white ceramic bowls containing clear peppermint extract and pale vanilla extract placed in perfect symmetry 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

All-purpose flour: The foundation providing just the right structure while keeping the cookies tender.
Cornstarch: Adds softness and prevents the cookies from getting tough or dense.
Salted sweet cream butter: Gives richness and natural saltiness that balances the sweetness. Make sure it’s softened, not melted!
Powdered sugar: Used both inside the dough and for coating — key for that smooth, snowy finish.
Pure peppermint extract: Essential for the authentic candy-cane flavor, avoid mint extract as it can taste medicinal.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, giving depth and warmth to the cookie base.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a lovely little chocolate surprise in every bite.
Hot pink/rose food color gel: Brings festive color without altering texture or taste.
Finely crushed peppermint candies: Creates a sparkling crunch on the outside and festive flair.

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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 adding a personal twist to my Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe depending on the mood or occasion. Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste—there are lots of fun ways to make this cookie uniquely yours!

Chocolate peppermint variation: I once swapped mini chocolate chips for crushed peppermint bark pieces, and honestly, it was a hit at our cookie swap party.
Gluten-free adaptation: With a trusted gluten-free flour blend and a softer butter substitute, you can make these friendlier for different dietary needs.
Color customization: To make them pop, try different food color gels like emerald green or royal blue – it’s perfect for themed holiday celebrations.
Extra peppermint crunch: Tossing a tablespoon of crushed candy into the dough amps up that festive flavor beautifully.

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

Step 1: Prep the Flour Mix and Butter Base

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a bowl, ensuring they're fully blended. This combo is the secret for those clouds of tender crumb. Next, beat your softened salted butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy—about 1 to 1½ minutes. Getting a smooth, creamy base here sets the tone for the whole dough. A quick tip: don’t let the butter melt; just soften it enough so it blends nicely without turning runny.

Step 2: Infuse Peppermint and Vanilla

Lower your mixer speed and gently pour in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Be sure you’re using peppermint extract to nail the authentic flavor—not mint, because mint tastes like toothpaste and that’s not what you want here! Mix just until the scents are well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Food Color

Still on low speed, add your pre-mixed flour and cornstarch to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything’s combined—no over-mixing here because that can toughen the dough. Then bump the mixer speed up to medium and add those cheerful drops of hot pink or rose food color gel. Mix until the color is uniform, creating a pretty rosy tint that screams holiday fun.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Chill the Dough

Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully so they spread evenly without overworking the dough. Cover your bowl and pop the dough in the fridge for about 10 minutes. That brief chill firms it up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 5: Scoop, Bake, and Sugar Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper—one for baking and one for cooling. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them an inch apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just set but the cookies are still soft in the center. While the cookies bake, mix together the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar and crushed peppermint candies in a large bowl.

Once baked, let the cookies rest for 5 minutes on the sheet to avoid breaking, then roll them in the peppermint-sugar mixture for that classic snowy effect. Transfer them to the second pan to cool completely, then give them a second sugar roll for extra coverage and that signature “snowball” look. Trust me, the double coating is worth the extra effort.

Top Tip

From my tries and tweaks over the years, the little things make a big difference when making Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe come out perfect every time. Here are my must-know tips that’ll help you get it just right.

Butter temperature matters: Softened butter blends smoothly, but melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much, losing their delicate shape.
Don’t roll cookies before they’re cool: I learned the hard way that warm cookies crumble when rolled in sugar, so wait until they’re cooled to maintain their shape.
Crush peppermint candies easily: I pop candies in a zip-top bag and bash them with a rolling pin for a quick, even crush without making a mess.
Use peppermint extract, not mint: The flavor difference is huge—it keeps your cookies tasting like fresh candy canes rather than toothpaste.

How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe

peppermint snowball cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and let the cookies shine, but a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds charm and enhances their snowy look. Sometimes, I’ll toss a few whole crushed peppermint candies alongside the platter for color and crunch. A little fresh mint sprig or holly berry decoration nearby also makes for an inviting holiday display.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of peppermint tea or spiced cocoa, especially during chilly nights. For party spreads, I like serving them alongside other holiday classics like cinnamon-spiced nuts, cranberry scones, or a creamy eggnog dip to enhance the festive mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, I arrange the cookies in clear jars or festive tins, layered with parchment paper sprinkled with a pinch of crushed peppermint. You can also stack them on tiered dessert trays with decorative ribbons, or gift-wrap small batches with red and white striped twine—super cute and totally irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep great for up to 5 days, remaining soft with that delicate peppermint crunch intact. Just make sure the container is well sealed to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works wonderfully if you want to make a batch ahead of time. I freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on parchment-lined trays, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags once solid. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To bring frozen cookies back to life, I let them thaw at room temperature. If you want a freshly baked feel, warming them for 5–7 minutes at 300°F in the oven works great—just don’t overheat or the peppermint coating might soften or melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute mint extract for peppermint extract?

Peppermint extract is specifically recommended for this recipe because it offers a true candy cane flavor. Mint extract tastes quite different and can resemble toothpaste, which many don’t enjoy in desserts. So stick to peppermint extract for the best results!

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and avoid over-mixing the dough. Chilling the dough for about 10 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape during baking. These small steps make a big difference.

Why do I roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?

The first roll in powdered sugar seals in moisture and starts creating the snowball look. Once cooled, the second roll adds that beautiful, powdery finish that all the best snowball cookies have. It also helps the sugar layer stick better for a longer time.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day before and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also improves flavor as it gives the peppermint a chance to meld into the dough more deeply. Just bring it back to slightly soft before scooping for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Peppermint Snowball Sugar Cookies Recipe have been a staple in my holiday baking lineup for years, and for good reason. They bring that perfect balance of crisp and soft, sweet and minty, with festive color that brightens up any gathering. I’m confident that once you try making them yourself, they’ll become a joyful tradition in your kitchen too. So grab your mixer, invite a friend, and enjoy the sweet magic of these snowy peppermint delights this season!