Peppermint Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet, buttery sugar cookies and the refreshing zing of peppermint. These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season when peppermint flavors are at their peak. Soft, chewy, and bursting with just the right amount of minty goodness, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to share. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cookie arsenal.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Peppermint Sugar Cookies recipe stands out because it balances simplicity with incredible flavor. Unlike some recipes that require complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this one uses pantry staples and a few peppermint essentials to create a cookie that’s both festive and flavorful. The dough is soft and easy to work with, making it perfect for rolling, cutting, or simply dropping by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

What truly sets these cookies apart is the peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies folded into the dough and sprinkled on top. The peppermint not only adds a cool, refreshing flavor but also a wonderful crunch and a pop of color. Plus, these cookies hold their shape beautifully and bake up with a slight crisp around the edges while staying tender inside.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s crowd-pleasing, visually appealing, and quick to prepare, these Peppermint Sugar Cookies are the answer. They’re a fun way to bring a festive touch to your baking without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or any plant-based milk alternative)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

How To Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving soft, tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg, Peppermint Extract, and Milk

Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the peppermint extract and milk. Make sure to use pure peppermint extract for the best flavor – artificial flavors can sometimes taste harsh or chemical.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Crushed Peppermint Candies

Gently fold the crushed peppermint candies into the dough. This will add delightful bursts of peppermint flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and roll them in granulated sugar if desired for a sparkly finish. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.

Expert Tips

• Soften your butter properly: Room temperature butter is key to creaming it well with sugar and achieving a tender cookie.
• Don’t skip the peppermint extract: Pure peppermint extract makes a huge difference in flavor compared to artificial options.
• Crush candies finely: Crushing peppermint candies into small pieces helps disperse flavor evenly and prevents large chunks from overwhelming the cookie texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats: This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
• Watch your baking time: Cookies can quickly overbake. Remove them when edges are set but centers are still soft for the best texture.
• Customize sugar coating: Rolling dough balls in sugar adds a pretty sparkle and slight crunch but is optional.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant touch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for a gluten-free treat.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a plant-based butter alternative, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and use plant-based milk.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough along with peppermint candies for a chocolate-mint combo.
• Sprinkles for Fun: Decorate the tops with festive red and green sugar sprinkles before baking for a holiday look.
• Extract Swap: Try almond extract instead of peppermint for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Peppermint Sugar Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to one week. If you want to store them longer, place the cookies in a single layer separated by parchment paper inside an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid refrigerating cookies as this can dry them out.

FAQ

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than peppermint extract, so it should be used very sparingly. If you choose to use peppermint oil, start with a drop and adjust carefully to taste, as too much can overpower the cookies and alter texture.

How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes! This recipe calls for granulated sugar, which works perfectly to create a tender texture and slight crunch. Caster sugar can be used if you want a finer texture, but it’s not necessary.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These Peppermint Sugar Cookies have a gentle peppermint flavor that kids generally love. Just be cautious with the crushed peppermint candies if very young children will be eating them, as the small hard pieces might be a choking hazard.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic buttery sugar cookie goodness and refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfectly suited for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a festive treat, they’re easy to make, wonderfully soft, and packed with minty crunch. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe invites both novice and experienced bakers to create something truly special. From the first bite to the last, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfying sweetness to your day. Happy baking!