why make this recipe
These Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With their sweet, minty flavor and festive look, they are sure to bring joy to any gathering. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to make, making them a perfect baking project for the whole family. Plus, the lovely peppermint aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday spirit!
how to make Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (pure)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (can substitute with dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting)
Directions:
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
- Once the cookies are cool, frost them with the peppermint frosting.
how to serve Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies
These cookies are perfect to serve at holiday parties or to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. You can place them on a festive plate or in a decorative box to share with friends and family. They also make a great gift!
how to store Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them by placing cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
tips to make Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center.
- Experiment with different sprinkles on top of the frosting to make them extra festive.
variation
For a chocolate twist, you can add cocoa powder to half of the dough, making a chocolate peppermint swirl cookie. You can also use crushed candy canes as a topping for the frosting for extra crunch and holiday flair!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
3. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie dough and frosting to taste.
Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread glaze over them and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Allow glaze to set before serving or storing cookies.