The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is like a warm hug during the winter season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with peppermint flavor, making your taste buds dance and your heart sing with holiday cheer. perfect holiday snack This delicious Christmas peppermint cookies recipe will not only fill your home with festive scents but also bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. delicious holiday cookies.
Every year, my family gathers in the kitchen, where flour fights and sugar spills are as common as holiday carols. The first time I made these cookies, my dog tried to steal the whole batch right off the cooling rack! So, if you’re ready for some delicious chaos and joy this holiday season, let’s dive into this cookie adventure together. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These cookies are easy to prepare, perfect for baking with kids or friends. Their rich peppermint flavor brings festive joy in every bite. Visual appeal? Just wait until you see them covered in powdered sugar! They’re versatile enough for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy movie nights. [/info_box]
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends devoured these cookies at last year’s holiday party—everyone was asking for seconds! fun holiday party food.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is your basic building block; sift it well to avoid lumps and ensure a light texture.
Baking Powder: A must-have for that perfect rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor that shines through.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best here; it gives the cookies that sweet crunch we all love.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor; dark brown sugar intensifies these characteristics.
Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs; they help bind everything together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances flavors beautifully; don’t skimp on quality!
Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens—choose a good quality extract for an authentic minty taste.
Candy Canes: Crush them up for those delightful crunchy bits; they add both flavor and festive flair! delightful festive cake.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top before serving; it gives that snowy appearance we adore during Christmas.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until fully combined. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-5 minutes—watch for that creamy texture!
Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts. The mixture should become smooth and fragrant—ah, the anticipation of peppermint bliss!
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Candy Canes
Finally, fold in crushed candy canes gently using a spatula. Their vibrant colors will make your dough look as festive as it tastes!
Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving—you want them looking like little snowballs of joy!
Now you’ve got yourself a batch of delicious Christmas peppermint cookies that might just disappear faster than you can bake them!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] These delicious Christmas peppermint cookies are not just festive; they fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of holiday magic. Perfect for gifting, they also bring a touch of whimsy to your dessert table. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra crushed peppermint on top for a merry crunch! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually add in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients separately to maintain a smooth consistency before folding in the crushed peppermint.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out half the flour for cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. You can even experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze them in layers between parchment paper for up to three months, ensuring they stay fresh.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the best texture, always measure flour correctly — spoon it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly. Chill your dough if it feels too sticky, which helps maintain shape during baking. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time; it’s crucial for perfect icing consistency! [/info_box]
When I first made these cookies, my friends declared them “life-changing.” Their enthusiasm was infectious, and now every holiday season feels incomplete without them!
FAQ
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies can last up to one week at room temperature when stored properly.
Can I use different types of peppermint?
Yes! Experiment with peppermint extract or crushed candy canes based on your preference.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make handling easier.
Christmas Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bite into the magic of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas peppermint cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with festive peppermint flavor, each cookie is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this easy recipe will fill your home with warmth and cheer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.
- Allow cooling on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
