Fail-Proof Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Win

Oh, holiday baking! Doesn’t it just fill your heart – and your kitchen – with warmth? For me, nothing screams “Christmas!” quite like the smell of peppermint. And that’s why I’m absolutely *burstING* to share my recipe for these dreamy **Peppermint Sugar Cookies**! They’re not just any sugar cookie; they’re little bites of festive joy. Seriously, these are so easy to whip up, and they look absolutely gorgeous, making them perfect for gifting (if you can resist eating them all yourself, that is!). I remember one year, I made these for our neighborhood cookie exchange, and they were gone in, like, five minutes flat! Everyone was begging for the recipe. So, here it is, finally – my secret weapon for spreading holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, so why *should* you spend an afternoon whipping up a batch of these beauties? Let me tell you!

• **Festive Flavor:** Seriously, that peppermint punch just *screams* holiday cheer.
• **Easy to Bake:** Even if you’re not a seasoned pro, trust me, you can make these!
• **Perfect for Gifting:** Wrap ’em up in a cute box, and you’ve got a gift everyone will adore.
• **Customize ’em!:** Get creative with your cookie cutters! Snowflakes, stars, reindeer – go wild!
• **Total Crowd-Pleaser:** I’ve never met anyone who could resist these. NEVER.

Basically, they’re pure holiday magic in cookie form. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for the Best Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll want to grab these goodies to make the magic happen:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. (Trust me, softened is KEY!)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. (Gives ’em that classic sweetness!)
• 2 large eggs. (For binding and richness, you know?)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. (Adds a little somethin’ somethin’!)
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. (Careful, a little goes a long way!)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour. (The base of our cookie dreams!)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder. (For that perfect little lift!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt. (Balances the sweetness; don’t skip it!)
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies. (HELLO, PEPPERMINT!)

Got all that? Great! Let’s get baking!

How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step

Okay, friend, let’s get down to business! Here’s how we transform those ingredients into beautiful (and delicious!) Peppermint Sugar Cookies. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. Ready? Let’s DO this!

1. Preheat, preheat, PREHEAT! Seriously, don’t skip this. Crank that oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important for even baking!
2. Cream the dream! Grab a big bowl and cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar. You’ll want to beat them until they’re light and fluffy. I usually use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just fine, too! This could take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Egg-cellent additions! Beat in those eggs, one at a time, then stir in your vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Careful with that peppermint extract, though! Too much and you’ll feel like you are brushing you teeth! Start with 1/2 tsp and adjust to your taste!
4. Dry stuff time! In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed!
5. Combine! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough cookies, and nobody wants that. A few streaks of flour are okay!
6. Roll it out! Lightly flour a surface and roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Now’s where the fun begins! Get out those cookie cutters!
7. Cut it out! Cut out your cookies and place them on UNGREASED baking sheets. I repeat: ungreased! They’ll spread too much if the baking sheet is greased!
8. Bake ’em up! Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, because ovens vary!
9. Cool down! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
10. Peppermint Party! While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not hot!), sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies over the top. The heat will help them stick!

And there you have it! Gorgeous, festive Peppermint Sugar Cookies ready to be devoured! Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Want to take your peppermint sugar cookies from “good” to “OMG amazing?!” Here are a few of my secrets to guarantee cookie perfection every. single. time!

• Don’t Overmix, Seriously! I can’t stress this enough. Overmixing develops the gluten, making your cookies tough.
• Chill Out (the Dough, That is!) Pop your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling. It makes it SO much easier to handle. Trust me on this one!
• Parchment is Your Pal! Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup a breeze!
• Watch ’em Like a Hawk! Overbaking is the enemy! You want slightly golden edges, not burnt bottoms!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be the Peppermint Sugar Cookie QUEEN (or KING!) of your holiday gatherings!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, let’s chat about those ingredients! Want to tweak things a bit? No problem! Here are a few notes and substitutions to help you customize your Peppermint Sugar Cookies to fit your needs!

• Butter Blues? If you’re dairy-free, you can totally use a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s a good one that’s meant for baking! The taste *might* be a little different, but still yummy!
• Flour Power! Wanna go gluten-free? Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve tried it, and it works like a charm! Just maybe add a *tiny* bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.
• Peppermint Pinch? Can’t find peppermint extract? Or maybe you just want a *hint* of mint? Try using peppermint oil instead! Just remember, peppermint oil is STRONG, so use it sparingly… like, a few drops at a time! And if you’re not a peppermint fan (gasp!), vanilla or almond extract are yummy substitutes!

Baking is all about getting creative! So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these cookies YOURS!

Storing Your Delicious Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, so you’ve baked these gorgeous cookies… now what? How do you keep them fresh and delicious? Here’s the lowdown!

For short-term storage (like, if you plan on devouring them within a few days– which, let’s be honest, is likely!), just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly yummy for about 3-5 days. Want to keep them longer? Freezing is your friend! Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll be good for up to 2-3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature. Easy peasy!

FAQ About Making Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Got questions about making these Peppermint Sugar Cookies? I got you! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked, along with my answers. Let’s get baking!

Can I use a different extract?

Absolutely! If you’re not a peppermint fan (I know, I know, shocking!), you can totally swap in vanilla extract, almond extract, or even lemon extract! Just use the same amount (1/2 teaspoon), and you’ll have a delicious twist on these cookies!

Can I freeze the dough?

You betcha! Freezing cookie dough is one of my favorite tricks for having cookies on demand! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Easy peasy!

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! Here are a few things to keep in mind: First, don’t grease your baking sheets! Second, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Melted butter will cause the cookies to spread. And third, chilling the dough helps! Finally, don’t overmix the dough, this incorporates air and helps the cookies flatten out.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Sure can! These Peppermint Sugar Cookies actually taste even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be good to go whenever you need a little holiday cheer!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, quick disclaimer! Just remember, these nutrition facts are estimates. They might change based on the brands and specific stuff you use. So, don’t take ’em as gospel, okay?

Enjoyed This Recipe? Leave a Comment Below!

Hey, did you love these Peppermint Sugar Cookies? Drop a comment below and let me know! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends! Sharing is caring, especially during the holidays!

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