When the holiday season approaches, there’s one treat that captures the essence of festivity and joy: peppermint cookies. These delightful, minty morsels don’t just taste incredible; they also evoke cherished memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and the spirit of giving. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply indulging yourself, this peppermint cookie recipe will surely become a staple in your household.
Why We Love This Peppermint Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about peppermint cookies. The refreshing aroma of mint mixed with the sweetness of sugar and a hint of vanilla creates an irresistible combination. Each bite is a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth, leaving behind a cool, minty aftertaste that lingers. This recipe not only produces cookies that are visually stunning with their festive sprinkles but also has a balanced flavor that pleases both mint lovers and skeptics alike. Plus, the convenience of preparing them at home makes it even more special, as you can customize the decorations to fit any occasion.
Ingredients for Peppermint Cookies
Creating these peppermint cookies requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Red and white sprinkles or crushed peppermint for decoration
How to Make Peppermint Cookies
Making peppermint cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how you can create these festive treats in just a few steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to bake your cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step is crucial, as it helps create cookies with a lovely texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Introduce the egg to your creamy mixture, mixing well. After that, pour in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint will infuse the cookie dough with that signature minty flavor.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so be gentle during this step.
- Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll portions of the dough into balls. Place the dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten and Decorate: Lightly flatten each cookie ball. This is also the moment to sprinkle your red and white decorations or crushed peppermint on top for that festive flair.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You want the cookies to be cooked through but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to firm up and facilitates easier handling.
How to Serve Peppermint Cookies
Serving your peppermint cookies can be just as fun as baking them. Here are a few delightful suggestions for presentation:
- Dessert Platter: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies around for added visual appeal. This simple addition can elevate your presentation for holiday gatherings.
- Gift Bags: Package your cookies into clear bags tied with a ribbon. Not only is this a thoughtful gift for friends and family, but it also makes a perfect party favor for guests to enjoy later.
- Pairing Options: Consider serving these cookies with a hot beverage. A cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or even peppermint tea pairs wonderfully with the minty flavors of the cookies.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cookies
To ensure that your peppermint cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips worth considering:
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality peppermint extract and pure vanilla extract. The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the final taste of your cookies.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Look for a light golden edge and make a note of your ideal baking time after you’ve made them a couple of times.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: While the recipe calls for a simple decor of sprinkles or crushed peppermint, don’t hesitate to experiment. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate after baking for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Peppermint Cookies
Storing your peppermint cookies properly will help them maintain their freshness. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their life slightly, consider storing them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two weeks when stored this way, but the texture may change slightly.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for several months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Variations of Peppermint Cookies
While the classic peppermint cookie is always a hit, you could switch things up with these fun variations:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to your flour mix to make a delicious chocolate version. You can also fold in chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Peppermint Sandwich Cookies: Create a fresh peppermint frosting using powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Spread it between two cookies for a delightful sandwich treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cookies gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
- Candy Cane Crumble: Instead of bold decorations, crush candy canes and fold them directly into the dough. This will give the cookies that extra crunch and flavor burst.
FAQ About Peppermint Cookies
What do peppermint cookies taste like?
Peppermint cookies offer a delightful combination of sweetness and minty freshness. The buttery base, combined with the peppermint extract, provides a refreshing flavor profile that is both festive and satisfying.
How long do peppermint cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, peppermint cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they can stay fresh for several months.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil?
Using peppermint oil instead of extract can lead to a much stronger flavor. If you choose this route, use it sparingly. A few drops can be sufficient, as peppermint oil is much more concentrated.
Are peppermint cookies a good gift idea?
Absolutely! Peppermint cookies make for a delightful and thoughtful gift, especially during the holiday season. They’re perfect for giving to friends, family, or colleagues as a sweet gesture.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the prepared dough for up to three months.
Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For decoration
- Red and white sprinkles or crushed peppermint For decoration on cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Roll portions of the dough into balls and place them onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly flatten each cookie ball and decorate with red and white sprinkles or crushed peppermint.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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