Peppermint Cookies

If you’re searching for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the holidays perfectly, look no further than these delightful Peppermint Cookies. Bursting with the refreshing flavor of peppermint and a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth, this recipe is easy to make and ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or cozying up by the fire, these peppermint cookies bring joy and a spark of celebration to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The bright, cool peppermint taste instantly evokes the holiday spirit, making every cookie a seasonal favorite.
• Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and a few peppermint essentials, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the edges yet soft and chewy inside, these cookies offer the ideal balance for cookie lovers everywhere.
• Great for Gifting: They keep well and look beautiful wrapped up, making them a heartfelt homemade gift during the holiday season.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with chocolate, nuts, or dairy-free options to suit any taste or need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating Peppermint Cookies with the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the fine sugar that sweetens to the peppermint extract that adds that unmistakable holiday punch, these simple ingredients come together beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for every cookie.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating that tender chewiness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps cookies moist and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to a slight crisp on the edges.
• Brown sugar: Offers a deep molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and helps with texture.
• Peppermint extract: The star of the show, giving the classic minty zing.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor for complexity.
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies: Adds crunch and festiveness with every bite.

Variations for Peppermint Cookies

Feel free to get creative and personalize your Peppermint Cookies with these easy-to-try variations. Whether you want to change up flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, adapting this recipe is both simple and rewarding.

• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a rich chocolate-peppermint twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that suits your needs without sacrificing taste.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and a flaxseed egg substitute to make vegan-friendly cookies.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white chocolate on top for an elegant and sweet finish.
• Nutty Add-Ins: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for extra texture and a nutty flavor boost.

How to Make Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Peppermint Cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step gives cookies their tender texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

Beat in the egg, then stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. These liquid ingredients bring the dough together and infuse it with delightful aroma and taste.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ending with tough cookies.

Step 6: Fold in Crushed Candy

Gently fold in crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for bursts of minty crunch, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Cookies

• Use room temperature butter: It creams better with sugar, leading to lighter cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mixing just until ingredients combine prevents dense or tough cookies.
• Crush candy finely: This ensures peppermint pieces are well-distributed and won’t overpower the dough.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
• Watch baking time: Slightly underbaking yields soft centers with crisp edges, perfect for Peppermint Cookies.

How to Serve Peppermint Cookies

Garnishes

Top your peppermint cookies with a quick drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint for a festive, eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a creamy peppermint mocha to enhance the minty experience and warm your holiday spirit.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Peppermint Cookies on a decorative platter with holiday-themed napkins or stack them inside a mason jar tied with a ribbon for charming gifting or serving options.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover peppermint cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay soft for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked or unbaked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag to save for up to 3 months without losing freshness or flavor.

Reheating

Warm Peppermint Cookies briefly in the microwave or oven to refresh their soft, chewy texture before serving again after storage.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is more concentrated, so use it sparingly—start with half the amount called for in the recipe to avoid overpowering the cookies.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking and ensuring you don’t overcream the butter and sugar can help keep your peppermint cookies from spreading too thin.

Can I substitute candy canes with peppermint chips?

Absolutely! Peppermint chips work well and provide a smooth, minty flavor without the crunchy texture of crushed candy canes.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Definitely—these cookies are delicious and non-spicy, making them a perfect treat for children and adults alike during the holidays.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin for evenly sized pieces without making a mess.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Cookies are more than just a holiday recipe—they’re a way to create warm memories and share joy with those you love. Easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and endlessly customizable, baking these cookies will quickly become a favorite seasonal tradition. Don’t wait to bring a little peppermint magic to your kitchen and celebrations this year!

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