Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe for Cool Winter Treats
Peppermint sugar cookies emerge as a festive delight that sparks pure winter magic.
Sweet memories dance through every delightful bite of these classic treats.
Soft, crumbly textures mingle with cool mint sensations that enchant dessert lovers everywhere.
Holiday baking reaches new heights with this delightful recipe perfect for sharing and celebrating.
Comfort and joy radiate from each perfectly crafted cookie, promising moments of pure seasonal happiness.
Stunning yet simple, these cookies invite warmth and cheer into your kitchen with minimal effort.
Everyone will fall in love with the delightful balance of sugary sweetness and refreshing peppermint flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
Why Peppermint Sugar Cookies Feel Timeless
Peppermint Sugar Cookies Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients:Wet Ingredients:Finishing Ingredients:Prep Tools For Peppermint Sugar Cookies
How to Prepare Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Prepare Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until everything looks well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixer bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar for 3 minutes. The mixture should look fluffy and light.
Add Eggs
Drop in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each egg joins the party.
Mix in Flavor
Splash in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, stirring until they’re totally mixed through.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop stirring as soon as everything looks blended.
Fold in Candy Canes
Gently stir 1/2 cup crushed candy canes into the cookie dough. Be gentle so you don’t break up the candy too much.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and tuck it into the refrigerator for 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape when baking.
Prep for Baking
Heat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in 1/4 cup powdered sugar so they get a nice dusty coating.
Bake Cookies
Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Slide them into the 350°F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
Cool and Finish
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top if you want extra peppermint punch.
Cooking Notes for Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Alternate Versions Of Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Sweet Serving Ideas For Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Best Storage Method For Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Peppermint Sugar Cookies Questions And Answers
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This helps develop richer flavors and makes prep easier.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Totally! These peppermint cookies pack beautifully in holiday tins and make wonderful homemade presents. They stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container.
How do I prevent the candy canes from getting too sticky?
Crush the candy canes right before adding them to the dough, and make sure your hands are dry. This helps prevent clumping and keeps the texture perfect.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can use more crushed candy canes for flavor or substitute with a bit of peppermint schnapps for an extra festive touch.
Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Peppermint sugar cookies bring festive cheer right to your kitchen counter. Crisp edges and cool mint make these treats perfect for sharing with friends during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Sift 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt together in a medium bowl until evenly mixed.
- Cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar in a mixer for 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Blend 2 tsp vanilla extract and ½ tsp peppermint extract into the butter mixture until smooth.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold ½ cup crushed candy canes into your cookie dough.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to help it firm up.
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each one in ¼ cup powdered sugar.
- Position cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn light golden.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from oven.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for extra festive look.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing cookie spread and maintaining a perfect round shape.
- Crush candy canes finely for a smoother texture and more even peppermint flavor throughout the cookies.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth, well-blended cookie dough that combines easily.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep the same soft, tender texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg



Logan Lemaster
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Recipe Development and Innovation, Menu Design and Optimization, Fine Dining Techniques, Ingredient Pairing and Flavor Science
Education
Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute
Logan’s culinary journey kicked off in his vibrant Chicago family kitchen, where fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors were always front and center.
After graduating from the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and honing his skills in renowned restaurants, Logan mastered the art of blending classic techniques with exciting, modern twists.
His kitchen is a dynamic lab for flavor exploration. Through Yum Utopia, Logan aims to empower you to cook with both confidence and creativity, turning simple ingredients into spectacular meals.