Peppermint Crunch Balls
These Peppermint Crunch Balls combine a buttery, tender cookie center with a minty, crunchy candy cane coating. Perfect for holiday dessert tables, cookie swaps, or gift boxes!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Chilling Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 32 minutes mins
Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
For the Dough:
- - 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- - 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- - 1 egg
- - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/4 tsp salt
For the Coating:
- - 1 cup crushed candy canes about 5-6 candy canes
- - 3 tbsp granulated sugar
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease lightly.
Prepare Candy Coating: Crush the candy canes into fine pieces using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix the crushed candy canes with granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Shape the Cookies: Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in the candy cane-sugar mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
Cool and Serve: Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Serve as is or package for gifting!
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customizations: Add festive sprinkles to the candy coating or dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for extra flair.
- Crushing Candy Canes: Use a food processor for a fine, even texture, or a rolling pin for larger crunchy pieces.
Keyword Peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas treats, candy cane cookies