Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays. Not only do they taste great with a mix of peppermint and sweetness, but they also add a festive touch to your holiday table. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying at home with family. Plus, they’re simple to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 3-4 drops pink food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until it lightens in color.
3. Add the sugar and continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg until fully mixed.
5. Next, add the ricotta cheese and peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
6. If you’re using pink food coloring, add that now and mix it in.
7. Add the flour, baking soda, and crushed candy canes to the bowl. Beat until just incorporated.
8. Portion the dough into one-tablespoon amounts and roll them into balls.
9. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving two inches between each one.
10. Bake for 13 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes.
11. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
12. Dust the tops liberally with confectioner’s sugar before enjoying!

How to Serve Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs

Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs are best served fresh. You can enjoy them plain or with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They make a lovely addition to holiday dessert platters, or you can package them nicely for gifts.

How to Store Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs

To keep your Snowballs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay good for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Candy Cane Peppermint Snowballs

• Make sure your butter is really softened to achieve the right texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined for softer cookies.
• If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract.

Variation

You can swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla for a different flavor. You can also use white chocolate chips in place of or in addition to the crushed candy canes for a delicious twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to your mixture if you prefer.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges of the cookies should be slightly golden, and the tops should look set.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well, so you can prepare them well before your holiday gathering.