There’s something magical about the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of homemade Peppermint Sugar Cookies? These delightful treats are not only soft and chewy but also infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, making them a perfect addition to your festive gatherings. Imagine the joy of sharing these vibrant cookies with family and friends, each bite a sweet reminder of the warmth and cheer that the holidays bring.
This recipe for Peppermint Sugar Cookies stands out because it combines traditional sugar cookie goodness with a unique peppermint twist, ensuring that every cookie is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year, creating sweet memories and delightful treats along the way.
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
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Prepare Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Preparing Peppermint Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process that results in delightful treats perfect for the holiday season. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your batch of delicious cookies.
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended, and then set them aside. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, add in one egg, the vanilla extract, and the peppermint extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies. Finally, fold in the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape your cookies. Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading—about 2 inches apart is ideal.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. To check for doneness, the centers should be set but still soft. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as these Peppermint Sugar Cookies bake to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Delicious peppermint flavor that captures the essence of the holiday season.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Great for sharing at holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as gifts.
- Customizable with different toppings or flavor variations to suit your taste.
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Tips for Success
To ensure your Peppermint Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these pro tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth, well-blended dough.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much, which can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape.
- Substitutions: For a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You can also use almond flour for a gluten-free version, adjusting the amount accordingly.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider incorporating chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an added depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your Peppermint Sugar Cookies can help you enjoy them more mindfully. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy your cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ About Peppermint Sugar Cookies
What If My Peppermint Sugar Cookies Don’t Turn Out Right?
If your cookies spread too much or are too hard, it could be due to overmixing the dough or incorrect measurements. Ensure you’re measuring your flour precisely and mixing just until combined. If they’re too soft, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing, and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
For a gluten-free version of Peppermint Sugar Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option. Experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Peppermint Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for a few seconds until warm. Enjoy your peppermint delights any time!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Desserts.
Print
Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These peppermint sugar cookies are soft and chewy, 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- 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 wet mixture.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Peppermint Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Cookies