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Peppermint Cookies

Peppermint Cookies

These Peppermint Cookies are a festive holiday treat bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor and a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and peppermint essentials, they are ideal for sharing, gifting, or cozying up during the holidays. Customizable with variations like chocolate, nuts, and dairy-free options, these cookies bring joy and celebration to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint candy, festive treats, holiday baking