Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—peppermint sugar cookies! There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet buttery goodness and that refreshing burst of peppermint. I remember the first time I made these cookies with my grandma; we’d bake them while the snow fell softly outside, filling the house with that warm, inviting aroma. Each bite is like a little celebration of the season, with the crunch of crushed peppermint candies adding a delightful texture. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them cozy on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Trust me, once you bake a batch, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Ingredients for Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (I love using candy canes for that festive touch!)
How to Prepare Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to whip up a batch of delightful peppermint sugar cookies that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting those cookies perfectly golden!
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; you want it light and airy!
- Now, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The mixture should smell amazing—trust me!
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. I like to do this in thirds to avoid a flour explosion!
- Once combined, stir in the salt and those crushed peppermint candies. You want every bite to have that lovely crunch!
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. They’ll set up a bit more as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This is where the magic happens—don’t rush it!
Nutritional Information for Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful peppermint sugar cookies! Now, keep in mind that nutrition can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general estimate. But here’s what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
So, while these cookies are definitely a treat, they’re also a festive addition to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy them in moderation, and remember to share (if you can resist the temptation)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- The festive flavor of peppermint will instantly brighten your holiday season.
- Bake a big batch—this recipe yields about 36 cookies, so there’s plenty to share!
- They’re a delightful treat that looks great on any holiday cookie platter.
- These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them even after the holidays.
- The combination of creamy butter and crunchy peppermint candies creates an irresistible texture.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with family.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your peppermint sugar cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend better and creates that light, fluffy texture we all love.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Chill Your Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading and gives you thicker cookies.
- Baking Sheets Matter: Use ungreased baking sheets for best results. The butter in the dough will keep the cookies from sticking, and this allows them to crisp up nicely on the edges.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary quite a bit, so start checking your cookies at the 8-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Flavor Boost: If you’re a peppermint lover, feel free to add a little extra peppermint extract, but be careful—too much can be overpowering! A half teaspoon more can do the trick.
- Substitutions: You can substitute the crushed peppermint candies with chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different twist. Just remember to keep the flavor balance in mind!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftover cookies (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
With these tips, you’re set to create the most delicious peppermint sugar cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy baking!
Variations of Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Feeling adventurous? These peppermint sugar cookies are super versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or to keep things exciting! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add half a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolate-peppermint combo that will have chocolate lovers swooning!
- Double the Peppermint: If you can’t get enough of that minty flavor, try using a combination of peppermint extract and a splash of crème de menthe for an extra kick. Just a teaspoon of the liqueur can elevate the flavor beautifully!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a sweet contrast that looks beautiful too! You can even sprinkle a bit of crushed peppermint on top for that festive touch.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Instead of regular crushed peppermint candies, use crushed candy canes for a more intense peppermint experience and that delightful crunch!
- Nutty Addition: Stir in a half cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
- Festive Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the cookies for a pop of color and festive flair. Kids and adults alike will love them!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies gluten-free. They’ll still be soft and delicious!
With these variations, you can keep the holiday spirit alive and cater to everyone’s taste buds. Enjoy experimenting and making these cookies your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a storm with these peppermint sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to making sure they stay tasty for days to come.
First off, once your cookies have cooled completely (which is super important!), store them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between to prevent sticking and to keep them nice and soft. If you’re using a large container, it’s a good idea to add a slice of bread in there—this little trick helps maintain moisture and keeps your cookies chewy!
These cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. But if you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, and they’ll be ready to enjoy.
If you prefer your cookies warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that fresh-baked feel without drying them out. Just be cautious not to overdo it; nobody wants a rubbery cookie! And if you’re feeling fancy, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to warm them up while giving them a little crisp on the edges.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a delightful treat on hand, ready to brighten up your day or impress your guests!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your peppermint sugar cookies, the right pairings can elevate the experience to a whole new level! I love serving these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream—talk about a cozy treat! They also go beautifully with a rich cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, creating that perfect balance of flavors. For a festive twist, why not plate them up with some holiday eggnog? They make a lovely addition to any holiday dessert spread, and trust me, they’ll be the star of the table! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Print
Peppermint Sugar Cookies: 7 Festive Treats to Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint sugar cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the salt and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add more peppermint extract.
- You can substitute crushed candy canes for the peppermint candies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peppermint sugar cookies, holiday cookies, dessert
