Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Will Melt Your Heart

Name: Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Will Melt Your Heart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

December 8, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, peppermint sugar cookies! These delightful treats are practically the essence of the holiday season, bursting with festive flavors that bring a smile to everyone’s face. I remember the first time I made these cookies; the aroma of peppermint filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste before they were even cooled! Trust me, there’s something magical about that sweet, minty flavor paired with a soft, buttery cookie that just feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just indulging yourself (I won’t tell!), these peppermint sugar cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

How to Prepare Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Getting ready to bake these peppermint sugar cookies is half the fun! First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because a well-preheated oven will help your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden color we’re after.

While the oven warms up, grab two mixing bowls. In one bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This step is key for making sure your cookies rise perfectly. Now, in your other bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!

Next, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Can you smell that? It’s heavenly! Now, gradually blend your dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. I usually do this in three parts to avoid a flour explosion—nobody wants that!

Once everything is mixed well, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies. This adds that delightful crunch and extra festive flavor. Now, using a rounded teaspoon, drop the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a little space between each mound because they will spread while baking.

Pop those trays into the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden around the edges. Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to wire racks. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool! But trust me, the wait is worth every minty bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
The festive peppermint flavor instantly puts you in the holiday spirit.
These cookies are soft and buttery, with a delightful crunch from the crushed peppermint candies.
They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa.
Great for kids and adults alike—everyone loves a tasty peppermint treat!
You can whip up a big batch in no time, making them ideal for gifting or cookie swaps.
The aroma while they bake is enough to fill your home with holiday cheer!

Tips for Success

To make the best peppermint sugar cookies, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that will help you nail that perfect texture and flavor every time!

Measure your flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method! Just scoop your flour into a measuring cup with a spoon and then level it off with a knife. This prevents packing it down, which can lead to dry cookies. Nobody wants a crumbly cookie!
Room temperature ingredients are key: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamier batter. Plus, it makes your cookies so much fluffier!
Don’t overmix your dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them soft and tender, right?
Chill the dough if needed: If you find your dough is too soft to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Keep an eye on the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies at the 8-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Let them cool properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set up and keeps them from breaking apart.

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the most delightful peppermint sugar cookies that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!

Variations for Peppermint Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about peppermint sugar cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up and create new flavor combinations that will delight your taste buds. Here are some fun variations to try:

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: For a rich twist, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is simply irresistible!
Mint Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies after they’ve cooled for a decadent finish. Just be sure to let the chocolate set before you dig in!
Almond Joy: Replace the peppermint extract with almond extract and toss in some chopped almonds along with the crushed peppermint candies. This gives a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the mint.
Cocoa Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey base. Combine it with the peppermint for a delightful holiday treat.
Fun Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like orange or coconut for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the peppermint extract in there for that classic holiday vibe!
Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar: Before baking, sprinkle some festive colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles on top of each cookie. It adds a fun pop of color and a little extra crunch!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect peppermint sugar cookie! The only limit is your imagination, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious experiments!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful peppermint sugar cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and scrumptious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them like a pro!

First, let your cookies cool completely on wire racks. This is super important because if you store them while they’re still warm, you’ll end up with a soggy mess instead of perfectly chewy cookies! Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together. You can store them at room temperature for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!

If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze your peppermint sugar cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After that, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. No need to worry about reheating—these cookies are just as delicious at room temperature!

However, if you prefer your cookies warm and cozy, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake! Enjoy every minty bite, whether fresh out of the oven or from the freezer!

Nutritional Information

When you’re enjoying these delightful peppermint sugar cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the estimated nutritional values for one cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or if you make any substitutions. Enjoy your baking and feel good about treating yourself to a delicious peppermint sugar cookie!

FAQ Section

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but using unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture for these peppermint sugar cookies. Margarine can sometimes lead to a slightly different consistency, so I recommend sticking with butter if you can!

What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can easily swap it out for other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even orange for a different flavor twist. Just remember to adjust the quantity according to your taste—start with less and add more if needed!

How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your peppermint sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them—just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking. This makes it super convenient for holiday baking!

Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your peppermint sugar cookies spread too much, it may be because the butter was too soft or warm before baking. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.