Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s something so special about filling your kitchen with the delightful scents of sweet treats as you prepare for the festive season. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are these *peppermint christmas cookies*. Trust me, the combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint is like a winter wonderland for your taste buds! They’re soft, chewy, and topped with a sweet icing that just sings of the holidays. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even the little ones can help out! I love to share them with friends and family, and they always disappear before you know it. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients List
To create these delightful *peppermint christmas cookies*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (the more, the merrier!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for icing
These ingredients come together to create a festive treat that’s sure to spread holiday cheer!
How to Prepare *Peppermint Christmas Cookies*
Getting these *peppermint christmas cookies* ready is a fun and straightforward process that fills the air with holiday cheer! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy those delicious bites in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for getting those cookies just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mix, and beat everything together until it’s well combined. You want that smooth consistency!
- In another bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Don’t overdo it!
- Now for the fun part! Stir in those crushed peppermint candies. The more you add, the more festive flavor you’ll get!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This cooling step is crucial to keep them soft and chewy!
- While they cool, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Drizzle this delightful icing over the cookies once they are completely cooled.
And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and these cookies will be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *peppermint christmas cookies* are truly a holiday delight, and here’s why you’re going to adore making them:
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies in the oven in no time!
- Festive flavor: The combination of buttery dough and refreshing peppermint makes each bite feel like a celebration.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy family get-together or a festive party, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
- Great for gifting: Pack them up in a cute tin, and you’ll have the perfect homemade gift for friends and loved ones.
- Kid-friendly fun: Get the little ones involved in the mixing and decorating—it’s a great way to create sweet memories together!
Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll find yourself making them year after year!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *peppermint christmas cookies* turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create that light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. It really helps keep their shape!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Add a touch more peppermint: If you’re a peppermint lover, feel free to add extra crushed candies to the dough for a more intense flavor!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful cookies this holiday season!
Nutritional Information
These *peppermint christmas cookies* are a delightful treat, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used. Enjoy these festive cookies while keeping an eye on those numbers—it’s the holidays, after all!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delightful *peppermint christmas cookies*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of crushed candies?
While fresh peppermint can add a nice flavor, I recommend sticking with crushed peppermint candies for that classic holiday taste and the fun crunch!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your *peppermint christmas cookies* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and tasty!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to two months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, I’ve had great success using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for this recipe!
How can I make the icing thicker?
If you want a thicker icing for your *peppermint christmas cookies*, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. It’s that easy!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions—happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *peppermint christmas cookies* properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, as they’re delightful served chilled or at room temp! Enjoy every bite of your holiday magic!
Print
Peppermint Christmas Cookies: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for icing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Drizzle icing over cookies once cooled.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use mini chocolate chips for variation.
- Adjust peppermint candy amount based on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 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: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint christmas cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes
