Name: Peppermint Balls: The Ultimate Guide to Refreshing Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 62 min
Yield: 24-30 peppermint balls
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, plus more for coating; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (about 10-12 candy canes or peppermint candies); Optional: Red food coloring; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract; Optional: Red food coloring

Peppermint Balls: Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every bite of these delightful, no-bake treats! Imagine a burst of cool, refreshing peppermint mingling with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and the satisfying crunch of crushed cookies. These aren't just cookies; they're miniature snowballs of pure joy, perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet escape on a chilly evening.

While the exact origins of peppermint balls are shrouded in a bit of mystery, similar no-bake confections have been gracing tables for generations, particularly around the Christmas season. They represent a tradition of simple, homemade goodness, a time when families would gather in the kitchen to create edible treasures. The beauty of these treats lies in their accessibility; they require no oven, making them a fantastic option for beginner bakers or those seeking a quick and easy dessert.

People adore these little spheres of deliciousness for several reasons. First, the taste is undeniably addictive – the invigorating peppermint perfectly complements the rich, sweet base. Second, the texture is a delightful contrast of smooth and crunchy. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they are incredibly convenient to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these festive treats in no time. So, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a journey to create these irresistible peppermint balls that are sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, plus more for coating
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup crushed peppermint candies (about 10-12 candy canes or peppermint candies)
Optional: Red food coloring

Preparing the Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (or by hand, if you're feeling ambitious!), cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. We want a smooth, consistent base for our peppermint balls.
Add the Peppermint Extract and Salt: Next, add the peppermint extract and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to add too much peppermint extract, as it can easily overpower the other flavors. A teaspoon is usually perfect, but you can adjust it slightly to your preference. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the peppermint flavor.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
Add Crushed Peppermint Candies: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid overmixing. The crushed candies add a delightful crunch and intense peppermint flavor to the balls. You can adjust the amount of crushed candies to your liking, depending on how pepperminty you want them.
Optional: Add Red Food Coloring: If you want to give your peppermint balls a festive red hue, now is the time to add a few drops of red food coloring. Add it gradually, mixing until you achieve your desired color. Remember, a little goes a long way! You can also divide the dough and only color half of it for a marbled effect.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the butter to solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls.

Forming and Baking the Peppermint Balls:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Shape the Dough into Balls: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible so they bake evenly.
Roll in Powdered Sugar: Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it completely. This creates a beautiful, snowy exterior and adds an extra layer of sweetness. Make sure the balls are well-coated, as the powdered sugar will help prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the powdered sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking them at 10 minutes.
Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the peppermint balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking.

Optional: Adding a Peppermint Glaze (for extra flair!)

If you want to take your peppermint balls to the next level, consider adding a simple peppermint glaze. This adds extra sweetness and a beautiful shine.

Glaze Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional: Red food coloring

Glaze Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Add a drop or two of red food coloring if desired.
Glaze the Balls: Once the peppermint balls are completely cooled, dip them into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon.
Let Set: Place the glazed peppermint balls on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set completely. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peppermint Balls:

Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Don't Overbake: Overbaking the cookies can make them dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Adjust Peppermint Extract: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking. If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little more.
Experiment with Colors: Get creative with the colors! You can use different food colorings to create a variety of festive peppermint balls.
Storage: Store the peppermint balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: You can also freeze the peppermint balls for longer storage. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Crushed Candy Options: Besides peppermint candies or candy canes, you can use other crushed candies like Andes mints for a different flavor profile.
Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolate peppermint twist, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough along with the crushed peppermint candies.
Make them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Troubleshooting:

Cookies are spreading too much: The dough may not have been chilled long enough, or the oven temperature may be too low. Try chilling the dough for a longer period of time and make sure your oven is properly preheated.
Cookies are dry and crumbly: The cookies may have been overbaked, or there may have been too much flour in the dough. Be careful not to overbake them and measure the flour accurately.
Cookies are not pepperminty enough: Add more crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough.
Glaze is too thick: Add a little more milk to the glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.
Glaze is too thin: Add a little more powdered sugar to the glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.

Enjoy your delicious homemade peppermint balls! They're perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a cold winter day.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These peppermint balls are truly a must-try this holiday season (or any time you're craving a burst of refreshing mint!). They're incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a delightful combination of creamy sweetness and invigorating peppermint that will leave you wanting more. I promise, once you pop one of these little gems into your mouth, you'll understand why I'm so enthusiastic about them. But why are these peppermint balls so special? It's more than just the taste. It's the simplicity. In a world of complicated recipes and endless ingredient lists, these are a breath of fresh air. They're perfect for those moments when you need a quick and satisfying treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. And the best part? They're incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to recipe, feel free to experiment and make them your own. For a richer, more decadent experience, try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Or, if you're a fan of white chocolate, that works beautifully too! You could even add a touch of espresso powder to the chocolate coating for a mocha-peppermint twist. Looking for serving suggestions? These peppermint balls are perfect on their own as a sweet treat after dinner. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters, adding a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to richer, heavier desserts. You can even crumble them over ice cream or use them as a topping for hot chocolate. Imagine cozying up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa topped with these delightful peppermint balls – pure bliss! Another fun variation is to add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate coating before it sets. This not only adds a festive touch but also enhances the peppermint flavor and provides a satisfying crunch. You could also try rolling the balls in finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a nutty and textural contrast. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures. The possibilities are endless! The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating these delicious treats. I truly believe that these peppermint balls will become a new favorite in your household. They're the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility, making them a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to make some magic in the kitchen. I'm confident that you'll love these peppermint balls as much as I do. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear about your experiences. Happy baking, and happy holidays! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful peppermint balls!