Peppermint Sugar Cookies

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Introduction

Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, crisp sugar cookie goodness with a refreshing burst of peppermint. These delightful cookies are not only festive and perfect for the holiday season, but they also provide the ideal balance of soft, chewy centers and slightly crispy edges. Peppermint Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to make for family gatherings, holiday parties, or to give as homemade gifts.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of the holiday season with a touch of peppermint flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar cookie dough. Whether you’re baking these cookies for a special occasion or simply to share with loved ones, they are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.

In this article, we will explore why Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a must-have during the holiday season, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make them, and share some helpful tips and variations to elevate your cookie game. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you toward baking perfect peppermint-infused cookies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The addition of peppermint extract brings a refreshing twist to the classic sugar cookie, making it perfect for the holidays.
• Crispy and Soft Texture: The cookies offer the perfect balance between crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can quickly prepare a batch of these delicious cookies.
• Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic as it is, there’s plenty of room for customization, whether through different coatings or mix-ins.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift, especially when placed in a festive tin or gift box.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour for chilling dough, and 10-12 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size you make them.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 140, Protein: 1g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 1g.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This will be the base for the dough, giving it structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the dough.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The key to the rich, buttery texture of the cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies achieve their perfect texture.
• 1 large egg: Provides structure to the dough and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor of this recipe, bringing the peppermint freshness to the cookies.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk: A small amount of milk to help bring the dough together, if needed.

For Rolling and Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking, giving them a sugary crunch.
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: For a burst of peppermint flavor, both inside and on top of the cookies.

Optional Garnish:

• Additional crushed candy canes or peppermint chips: To garnish and enhance the peppermint flavor on top of the cookies after baking.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mix.
3. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The peppermint extract will infuse the dough with a festive, fresh flavor.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk to bring it together.

SECOND STEP: CHILL THE DOUGH

1. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they retain their shape and texture.

THIRD STEP: SHAPE AND ROLL THE COOKIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Roll the Dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball of dough in granulated sugar, coating the outside evenly. This adds sweetness and creates a slight crunch on the edges of the cookies once baked.
3. Crush the Peppermint Candies: Place the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes in a small bowl. After rolling each cookie dough ball in sugar, gently press the ball into the crushed peppermint to ensure it sticks to the top. This will add extra peppermint flavor and a festive touch.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated and peppermint-crusted dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake.
2. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.
3. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Add Extra Peppermint: Once the cookies have cooled, you can sprinkle additional crushed peppermint or peppermint chips on top for an extra burst of flavor and a more festive look.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these peppermint sugar cookies at holiday parties, give them as gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.

How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Holiday Dessert

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, and festive occasions. Their minty freshness and sweet flavor make them a holiday favorite, and they’ll surely be a hit with guests of all ages.

2. Gift Them to Friends and Family

Peppermint Sugar Cookies make an excellent gift for friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Simply package them in a festive tin or box, and they’ll make a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.

3. Pair with Hot Drinks

Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The peppermint flavor pairs wonderfully with these beverages, enhancing the experience of enjoying a cozy winter treat.

4. Perfect for Cookie Decorating

While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can also use them as a base for holiday cookie decorating. Add colorful frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make them even more festive for celebrations.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This allows you to prepare the dough in advance and bake the cookies closer to when you need them.
2. Freezing: If you want to make the cookies in bulk, freeze the dough balls before baking. Place the rolled dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
3. Customize the Coating: Feel free to experiment with the peppermint coating. Instead of using crushed candy canes, you could dip the cookies in white chocolate or roll them in sprinkles for added flair.
4. Vary the Extracts: If you want to give the cookies a different flavor twist, you can combine peppermint extract with vanilla extract or even a hint of almond extract for a new take on the classic recipe.

Recipe Variations

While Peppermint Sugar Cookies are fantastic as written, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your preferences:

1. Add Chocolate Chips

For a delicious twist, you can mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough for extra flavor. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is always a winning pairing.

2. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a gluten-free baking powder to ensure the best results.

3. Vegan Version

To make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, if needed.

Freezing and Storage

Peppermint Sugar Cookies store well for several days, making them a great make-ahead treat. To store them:

• Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: If you have leftover cookies or want to make them ahead of time, place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need many special tools to make Peppermint Sugar Cookies, a few essentials can make the process smoother:

• Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will help you achieve the perfect creamy dough.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheets help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes! Peppermint extract works well in both the dough and the topping. However, crushed candy canes add extra texture and a festive touch to the cookies.

2. Can I use a different sugar for rolling?

Yes, you can use other sugars like turbinado or coarse sugar for a different texture, but granulated sugar gives the cookies their classic appearance and crunch.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is key to preventing too much spreading. If your dough is too warm when baking, the cookies may spread too much, so be sure to let it chill for at least an hour.

Conclusion

Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a sweet, minty treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, holiday party, or as a gift, these cookies are sure to impress with their refreshing flavor and delightful texture. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of holiday spirit, you can create a batch of cookies that will become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions. Happy baking and enjoy the festive cheer!