Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Introduction

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Peppermint Sugar Cookies! Soft and chewy, these cookies are infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with a sweet icing that makes them perfect for the holiday season. The combination of buttery sugar cookies with a hint of peppermint creates a treat that is both comforting and festive.

I can’t help but smile when I think about baking these cookies with my family during the holidays. The air fills with the sweet scent of butter and sugar as we mix the dough, and the excitement builds as we decorate each cookie with icing and crushed candy canes. These Peppermint Sugar Cookies have become a staple in our holiday traditions, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying them fresh out of the oven alongside a warm cup of cocoa.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste, and the cookies are perfect for sharing! They make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors, and their festive look adds a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite that everyone will look forward to each year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons why Peppermint Sugar Cookies will make your holiday season even brighter:

• Festive Flavor: The refreshing peppermint adds a seasonal twist to classic sugar cookies.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Decorations: Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a personal touch.
• Great for Gifting: These cookies are perfect for holiday gift boxes and cookie platters.
• Family Fun: A wonderful activity for family baking days, involving kids in decorating.
• Deliciously Soft: The cookies stay soft and chewy, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Perfect for Parties: An impressive addition to any holiday cookie exchange or festive gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
• Customizable Shapes: Use holiday cookie cutters to create fun shapes for any occasion.
• Delightful Aroma: The smell of baking peppermint cookies fills your home with holiday cheer.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 18g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these festive Peppermint Sugar Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 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 granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Crushed candy canes for topping

Ingredient Highlights

• Peppermint Extract: Adds a festive flavor and aroma that defines these cookies.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps achieve a soft texture in the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your delightful Peppermint Sugar Cookies:

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten Slightly: Gently press each cookie ball down with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten slightly.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will set as they cool.
5. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Icing

1. Mix Icing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
2. Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
3. Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the icing for a festive touch.

How to Serve

Here are some delightful ways to present your Peppermint Sugar Cookies:

• Holiday Platter: Arrange the decorated cookies on a festive platter for a beautiful dessert display.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in holiday-themed boxes for delightful homemade gifts.
• Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party with a variety of cookies, including these.
• With Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside warm cups of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for a cozy treat.
• Cookie Exchange: Bring them to a holiday cookie exchange to share with friends and family.
• On a Dessert Table: Include them as part of a dessert table at festive gatherings for added variety.
• As Edible Ornaments: Hang decorated cookies on your tree as edible ornaments for the holiday season.
• With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a special dessert.
• As Party Favors: Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home.
• Festive Breakfast: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat with coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Peppermint Sugar Cookies with these handy tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Use Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking; they should look soft in the center.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a few drops of different extracts, like almond or vanilla, for unique flavor variations.
• Decorate Creatively: Let your creativity shine with fun icing designs or other festive toppings.
• Double the Batch: Consider making a double batch to share with more friends and family.
• Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
• Try Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes to enhance the holiday spirit.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze for easy baking when needed.

Recipe Variations

Switch up your Peppermint Sugar Cookies with these creative variations:

• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version of these festive cookies.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the icing for an extra sweet touch.
• Sandwich Cookies: Make sandwich cookies by filling two cookies with peppermint buttercream or ganache.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate for a delicious chocolate-covered treat.
• Shortbread Variation: Make a peppermint shortbread version by using a shortbread cookie base.
• Layered Cookies: Create layered cookies by mixing peppermint and vanilla dough together.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Incorporate mint chocolate chips into the dough for an added chocolatey flavor.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store your Peppermint Sugar Cookies:

• At Room Temperature: Enjoy the cookies fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• Freezing Cookies: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be used, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
2. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until you achieve the right consistency.
3. How can I make my cookies more peppermint-flavored?
   Increase the amount of peppermint extract in the dough or use crushed peppermint candies in the mix.
4. Can I make these cookies in advance?
   Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
5. What is the best way to crush candy canes?
   Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet.
6. How can I store the cookies?
   Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
7. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
   Yes, baked cookies can be frozen. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag.
8. How long will the cookies stay fresh?
   The cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or up to 2 months in the freezer.
9. What is the best way to thaw frozen cookies?
   Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
10. Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
    Yes, you can substitute with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a must-have for your holiday festivities! Their soft texture and delightful peppermint flavor make them irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and mint, capturing the essence of the season.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these festive treats in no time. They are perfect for decorating with colorful icing or enjoying as they are, fresh out of the oven. Whether you bake them for yourself, share them with family and friends, or save them for a holiday gathering, they’re sure to bring joy and warmth to your celebrations.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delicious cookies! I can’t wait to see how your Peppermint Sugar Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delightful creations! Happy baking!