If you’re craving a festive treat that perfectly balances sweetness and a refreshing peppermint zing, this Peppermint Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the comforting chewiness of classic sugar cookies with the bright, crisp flavor of crushed candy canes, making them an irresistible delight that’s perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a burst of minty magic. Crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and speckled with bits of peppermint candy, these cookies will quickly become your go-to for sharing warmth and joy with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful Peppermint Cookies, you’ll want simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients that deliver that signature minty flair and perfect texture. Each component plays an essential role from the buttery richness to the festive crunch.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and softness; you can also opt for gluten-free flour to suit your dietary needs.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb without getting too puffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture; plant-based butter works well if you’re going vegan.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Contributes sweetness and helps create the cookie’s slightly crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Provides moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds tenderness; you can replace it with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The star player that delivers that unmistakable refreshing peppermint taste.
- Crushed candy canes (½ cup): Adds delightful crunch and bursts of festive peppermint flavor in every bite.
How to Make Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gathering and measuring all your ingredients in advance makes the baking process smooth and keeps everything on track.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed so that every cookie bakes evenly with the perfect rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture turns fluffy and lighter in color. This step is key to creating that tender texture and richness that will melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts, blending until the batter is smooth and all flavors come together beautifully—this is when the cookie dough starts smelling heavenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing here can lead to tough cookies, so keep your mixing gentle to maintain that soft, chewy bite everyone loves.
Step 6: Incorporate Crushed Candy Canes
Fold in the crushed candy canes carefully to keep their crisp texture intact while spreading that refreshing peppermint crunch evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop teaspoon-sized balls of dough evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender—this is where the magic happens.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from overbaking and keeps them perfectly soft and chewy.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes or finely chopped peppermint chocolates on top right after baking. You might also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect that’s perfect for the holidays.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppermint cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a creamy eggnog, or even a chilled glass of milk. These drinks complement the minty freshness and sweetness, turning snack time into a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cookies on a festive platter lined with colored doilies or arrange them in a beautiful tin decorated with seasonal ribbons. Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies together with peppermint-flavored frosting or whipped cream for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peppermint cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and tasty for up to a week, making them an excellent treat to enjoy gradually or share with friends.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Peppermint Cookies Recipe long after the baking day, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly back to their delicious, fresh texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a low oven for a few minutes. Reheating makes them irresistibly soft and aromatic, as if they just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I make this Peppermint Cookies Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg. The cookies will still have that wonderful mint flavor and delightful texture.
What is the best way to crush candy canes for these cookies?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to get small, crunchy pieces that blend nicely into the dough without being too overwhelming.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
You can, but be cautious—peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract. Use only a few drops to avoid overpowering the cookies, adjusting to your taste preferences.
Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
This can happen if your butter is too warm or if you use too much baking soda. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and measure ingredients carefully for the perfect cookie shape.
How do I keep my peppermint cookies soft?
Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature helps retain moisture. You can also place a slice of bread in the container, which absorbs excess air and keeps the cookies soft longer.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of buttery sweetness and peppermint coolness wrapped into one perfect cookie. This Peppermint Cookies Recipe brings that joy to your kitchen effortlessly, creating moments filled with cozy gatherings and happy smiles. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your festive recipe collection—so go ahead and bake a batch today, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Peppermint Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Peppermint Cookies blend the classic buttery sweetness of traditional cookies with the refreshing zing of crushed candy canes. Perfectly soft on the inside with lightly golden edges, they are an ideal treat for the holiday season or any time you crave a festive, minty cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients to ensure a smooth and organized baking process.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of these leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color, indicating proper aeration.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid forming tough cookies.
- Incorporate Crushed Candy Canes: Carefully fold in the crushed candy canes, preserving their crunch and peppermint flavor within the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop dough balls evenly spaced onto the prepared baking sheet using a scoop or spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their desired softness.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter.
- To make gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Crushed candy canes add a festive peppermint flavor and crunchy texture; adjust the amount according to preference.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to avoid sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
