Peppermint Cookies

If you’re craving a holiday treat that combines soft, chewy texture with a refreshing minty twist, these Peppermint Cookies are your new go-to. Developed to deliver crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, this recipe is perfect for festive celebrations or thoughtful gifting. The balance of sweetness and cooling peppermint flavor makes these cookies a standout, easy-to-bake delight that everyone will fall in love with.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft yet crispy texture: Enjoy chewy centers with perfectly crispy edges for ultimate cookie satisfaction.
• Refreshing peppermint flavor: The minty notes brighten the sweetness, leaving a cool and festive finish.
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find basics come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Great for gifting: These cookies look lovely in holiday tins or boxes, making them thoughtful presents.
• Customizable: The recipe adapts easily to dietary needs or flavor variations, making baking fun and versatile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Peppermint Cookies. These everyday pantry staples work harmoniously to produce a festive and appealing treat.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for your cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the peppermint flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and crispy edges when baked.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to that signature crunchy edge.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for depth.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall cookie flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Peppermint extract: The star ingredient for that bright, cooling mint flavor.
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds festive crunch and bursts of mint throughout the cookies.

Variations for Peppermint Cookies

Feel free to make these Peppermint Cookies uniquely yours by experimenting with simple swaps or additions. From dietary modifications to flavor twists, adapting the recipe is surprisingly easy and delicious.

• Chocolate chip peppermint: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a classic combo of mint and chocolate.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to keep your cookies soft and tender.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs in place of regular eggs.
• White chocolate drizzle: Add melted white chocolate on top for an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm holiday spice notes.

How to Make Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Gather and measure all ingredients accurately. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning in your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy and fluffy, typically about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. This combination will bring moistness and that signature mint flavor to your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle.

Step 6: Fold in Crushed Peppermint

Gently fold in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, distributing them evenly without breaking up the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges turn golden while centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling ensures they set perfectly and maintain their soft texture inside.

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Cookies

• Room temperature butter: Using softened butter helps create a creamy mixture and smooth dough.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft for best texture.
• Chill dough: If time allows, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enrich flavor.
• Uniform sizing: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized drops to bake consistently.
• Use fresh peppermint extract: Old or artificial extracts can weaken the mint flavor.

How to Serve Peppermint Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the festive look and add a touch of sweetness. Finish by sprinkling a few extra crushed peppermint pieces on top while the drizzle is still warm.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea to complement their minty freshness beautifully. They also pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Peppermint Cookies in decorative holiday tins stacked with parchment paper or tie with a festive ribbon for thoughtful gifts. You can also create cookie platters with assorted holiday treats to share the joy of baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them moist.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For freshly baked texture, warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This softens the cookies and revives their chewy centers.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil?

Yes, but use peppermint oil sparingly as it is more concentrated than extract; start with half the recommended amount and adjust to taste.

How do I prevent my Peppermint Cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps reduce spreading, and using room temperature rather than melted butter ensures firmer dough consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking to maintain texture and flavor.

Are crushed peppermint candies essential to the recipe?

They add festive crunch and extra mint flavor, but you can omit or substitute peppermint chips if desired.

How long do Peppermint Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature and up to 3 months frozen.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few simple steps away from creating soft, flavorful Peppermint Cookies with those irresistible crispy edges and minty delight. Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises warmth, cheer, and that unmistakable festive magic in every bite. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your kitchen will thank you!

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