Oh, the joy of peppermint during the Christmas season! There’s just something magical about that refreshing flavor that instantly transports me to cozy holiday gatherings and warm memories. These peppermint cookies bring a festive zing that perfectly complements the sweet traditions we hold dear. Imagine biting into a soft cookie, the coolness of peppermint dancing on your tongue, with bits of crushed candies adding delightful crunch. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of holiday cheer! Whether you’re baking for a festive party or just to spread some seasonal joy, trust me, these treats will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key to getting those cookies just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in the milk and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined. Take a moment to enjoy that peppermint aroma!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure the cookies rise perfectly—don’t skip this step!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; keep it light and fluffy!
- Now, fold in those crushed peppermint candies. This is my favorite part—those little bits add such a festive crunch!
- Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread out while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes a burnt cookie!
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- The refreshing flavor of peppermint makes every bite feel festive and fun.
- Soft, chewy cookies with a delightful crunch from the crushed peppermint candies.
- Great for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to friends and family.
- Only a few simple ingredients, so you can whip these up without a hassle!
- Customizable to fit your taste—try adding chocolate chips or drizzling with white chocolate.
- They make your kitchen smell amazing as they bake—nothing says Christmas like that peppermint aroma!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise, and use real peppermint extract for that burst of flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Room temperature butter: Softened butter helps create that creamy texture when creaming with sugar. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (but don’t melt it!).
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. You want them just set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Let them cool: Allow your cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart.
- Mix in some fun: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Adding chocolate chips or using different types of crushed candies can make for a delightful twist on these peppermint cookies.
Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add a half cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful mix of peppermint and rich chocolate. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for an extra treat!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a beautiful and delicious finish.
- Double Peppermint: Use both peppermint extract and crush some peppermint bark into the dough for a super minty flavor explosion!
- Nutty Twist: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and a lovely crunch in each bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It works beautifully and still delivers that holiday cheer!
- Holiday Sprinkles: Before baking, add some festive sprinkles on top of the cookie dough for a fun, colorful touch that’s perfect for celebrating!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Here’s a typical breakdown for one of these delightful peppermint cookies:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these cookies as a tasty treat, but remember to savor them in moderation during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?
Absolutely! Fresh peppermint can bring an amazing flavor to your cookies. Just chop it finely and add it to the dough, but remember, it might give a slightly different texture than the extract.
How do I store these cookies?
Store your peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!
What if I don’t have baking powder?
No problem! You can substitute it with a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar. Use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every teaspoon of baking powder needed.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking if it’s too firm.
What other candies can I use?
Get creative! You can use crushed candy canes, chocolate-covered peppermint candies, or even holiday-themed M&Ms for a festive twist. Just make sure to crush them up a bit for that perfect cookie crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peppermint cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! I recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’re making a big batch. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
If you prefer your cookies warm (and who doesn’t?), you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit too soft. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste. Happy snacking!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful peppermint cookies are perfect on their own, but why stop there? Let’s take the festive fun up a notch! Here are a few scrumptious ideas to serve alongside your cookies:
- Hot Cocoa: Pair your cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint. It’s like a cozy hug in a cup!
- Eggnog: For a classic holiday touch, enjoy these cookies with a glass of creamy eggnog. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
- Ice Cream: Crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress!
- Fruit Platter: Serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter. The sweetness of fruits like strawberries and oranges balances the peppermint perfectly.
- Cheese Board: Create a festive cheese board with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The cookies add a sweet touch that pairs nicely with savory flavors.
- Holiday Desserts: These cookies fit right in with other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies, making them a perfect addition to any dessert spread!
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these peppermint cookies are sure to add a cheerful touch to your holiday festivities. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Peppermint Christmas Delights: 9 Festive Cookie Tips
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive treat with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, perfect for the Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together sugar and butter until smooth.
- Add milk and peppermint extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh peppermint for stronger flavor.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peppermint, christmas, holiday, dessert
