If you’ve been searching for a delightful holiday treat that is both nostalgic and refreshing, I can’t recommend this Peppermint Cookies Recipe enough. These sugar cookies combine buttery richness with the crisp, cool zing of peppermint, making every bite a festive celebration. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to whip up with pantry staples, so whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet minty snack, this recipe has you covered in every joyful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for capturing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness in your peppermint cookies. Each one plays a vital role—from creamy butter lending richness to the crushed candy canes adding that unmistakable burst of minty fun.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, at room temp: Softened butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these cookies their refreshing holiday charm.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the cookies soft but sturdy.
- 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, giving structure and that classic sugar cookie crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped candy canes: Adds delightful crunchy peppermint bites throughout each cookie.
How to Make Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Start by lining two medium sheet pans with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, clear some space in your fridge to chill the cookie dough balls later, which is a crucial step for perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar along with vanilla and peppermint extracts and the egg until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process not only combines ingredients but also incorporates air for a lovely, tender rise.
Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking soda together. Sifting prevents clumps and ensures your dry ingredients mix evenly into the wet ingredients, keeping the dough smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted flour and baking soda into the butter mixture using a spatula. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in Candy Canes
Fold in the chopped candy canes carefully. These peppermint morsels bring both texture and bursts of mint flavor, making every bite wonderfully festive and bright.
Step 6: Shape and Chill Dough
Scoop out dough balls of equal size and place them on your prepared pans, leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading. Pop the trays into the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which is key to maintaining shape during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the chilled dough balls for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This ensures tender cookies with a slight chew that really lets the peppermint shine. Let cool before serving.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over cooled cookies adds a snowy, festive touch that brightens their appearance. Alternatively, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent look and flavor contrast that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint.
Side Dishes
These peppermint cookies pair amazingly well with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk to balance their sweetness and refresh the palate. For holiday gatherings, serve them alongside spiced mulled wine or eggnog for elevated seasonal cheer.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your peppermint cookies on a festive platter mixed with candy canes and holly sprigs. For gifting, stack and wrap them in clear cellophane tied with red ribbon to share that peppermint magic with friends and family. You could even sandwich them with mint-flavored buttercream for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and chewy, maintaining that perfect balance between soft centers and crisp edges.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive a bit of that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 3-5 minutes. This gentle heat refreshes the texture perfectly without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but be cautious as peppermint oil is much stronger than extract—start with a very small amount and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the cookies.
What if I don’t have candy canes to chop?
You can substitute other peppermint candy or even crushed peppermint candies. The key is to have crunchy bits that add texture and mint flavor.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms it up, helps the cookies keep their shape, and enhances the flavors by allowing them to meld together.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh longer?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and humidity. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the festive cheer brought by a batch of homemade peppermint cookies, and this Peppermint Cookies Recipe makes it so easy and joyful to bake them from scratch. Whether for holiday celebrations or a cozy winter treat, these cookies are sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. I hope you dive into this recipe soon and experience the magic of peppermint in every delicious bite!
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Peppermint Cookies Recipe
These Peppermint Cookies are classic sugar cookies enhanced with a refreshing peppermint flavor and festive crushed candy canes. Perfectly soft with a slight crisp on the edges, they make an easy and delightful holiday treat using simple pantry staples.
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or granulated cane sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup chopped candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two medium sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside. Leave space in the fridge to chill the cookie dough pans later.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup salted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, and 1 large egg with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring even incorporation and aeration.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Add peppermint candy: Fold in the 1/2 cup chopped candy canes evenly throughout the dough, giving the cookies their signature peppermint crunch and festive look.
- Shape dough balls: Scoop and roll the dough into uniform-sized balls and place them on the prepared sheet pans, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Chill dough: Refrigerate the sheet pans with dough balls for 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, helps prevent excessive spreading, and intensifies flavors.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies directly from the fridge for 9-11 minutes, or until the centers are still soft but edges are lightly golden. This ensures a chewy interior with a slight crisp outside.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving to set the texture and flavors.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter is key for achieving a light and fluffy dough.
- Chilling the dough not only reduces spreading but enhances the peppermint flavor.
- For a stronger peppermint taste, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious as it can overpower.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute candy canes with peppermint baking chips if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
