The holiday season is a magical time of year filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and the delightful aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. As the snow gently falls outside, imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy Christmas peppermint cookie that bursts with minty flavor and is topped with a luscious layer of frosting. festive cranberry sauce It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience that makes you feel like a kid again.
Every December, I whip up my delicious Christmas peppermint cookies recipe to share with family and friends. These cookies remind me of cozy gatherings around the fireplace, where laughter fills the room and everyone eagerly anticipates the first bite of something sweet. Christmas tree sugar cookies recipe The vibrant colors and festive sprinkles add to their charm, making them perfect for holiday parties or just because you need a little joy in your life. linzer heart cookies recipe easy Christmas crack recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Christmas peppermint cookies recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The refreshing mint flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate, creating a delightful balance
- With their eye-catching red and green colors, these cookies make stunning gifts or festive party treats
- Versatile enough to customize with different toppings or flavors based on your preferences!
There’s nothing quite like watching friends’ eyes light up when they take a bite of these cookies. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry stuffing balls recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use freshly scooped flour for consistent results; it gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
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Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise perfectly for that ideal chewy texture.
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Unsalted Butter: Always go for high-quality butter; it adds richness and depth to the flavor profile.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; sugar helps create that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato au gratin recipe.
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Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar lends moisture and enhances chewiness—because who doesn’t love a chewy cookie?
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Eggs: They bind all the ingredients together; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla brings out all the other flavors in this recipe; it’s like magic in a bottle.
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Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens; it gives our cookies that unmistakable holiday flavor.
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Candy Cane Crumbles: Add them as a topping for crunch and festive flair—because you eat with your eyes first!
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White Chocolate Chips: These sweet morsels are an indulgent surprise in every bite—they make everything better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations later on.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps ensure even distribution of flavors throughout our dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You want this mixture to be pale in color—think clouds!
Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The batter should smell like winter wonderland magic right now!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. You want everything just combined—no overmixing allowed!
Add Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes : Fold in white chocolate chips and candy cane crumbles gently with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake Cookies : Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Now you can enjoy the intoxicating aroma filling your home while these delightful treats bake!
Enjoy these delicious Christmas peppermint cookies fresh out of the oven or let them cool completely before icing if you prefer an added layer of sweetness!
You Must Know
- The Delicious Christmas Peppermint Cookies Recipe is not just a treat; they bring holiday cheer with their irresistible combination of mint and chocolate
- These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging while cozying up by the fire
- Their smell alone will make your home feel festive
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla before adding dry ingredients. Finally, fold in crushed peppermint candies for that festive crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet ones or add a hint of almond extract for additional flavor. Experimenting will help you find your perfect cookie balance.
Storing & Reheating
Store your peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly soft cookies, don’t overbake them; remove them when they’re slightly underdone
- Using fresh peppermint candies will enhance the flavor significantly
- For a more vibrant color, add a drop of red food coloring to the dough
Sharing these cookies with friends this holiday season brought smiles all around, especially when they discovered the little peppermint surprise inside each bite!
FAQ
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour without compromising taste.
Can I freeze these delicious Christmas peppermint cookies?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for future enjoyment.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Delightful Christmas Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the festive magic of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas peppermint cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with minty flavor, each cookie is adorned with a sweet layer of frosting and candy cane crumbles, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying by the fire. Easy to make and visually stunning, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup candy cane crumbles (for topping)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and candy cane crumbles gently.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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