Peppermint cookies are the delightful, minty miracles that dance and dazzle your taste buds. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a refreshing burst of peppermint, like a winter wonderland in your mouth. The candy cane crunch adds a festive flair that will make you feel like you’ve just stumbled upon Santa’s secret stash of holiday treats.
These peppermint cookies aren’t just for the holidays; they’re perfect for any occasion when you need to impress family or friends. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or simply a Tuesday night treat, these cookies bring joy and excitement. Trust me, one bite is all it takes to make your heart sing with delight!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint cookies are incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers
- The rich flavor profile combines sweet chocolate and refreshing mint
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying solo with a cup of cocoa
I remember the first time I made peppermint cookies; my friends were gobbling them up like they were going out of style! It was a hit at my holiday party and sparked laughter and joy among everyone.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use this common kitchen staple for the perfect cookie base; it keeps them chewy.
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Baking Soda: Just a pinch helps your cookies rise beautifully while keeping them soft.
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Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies precisely.
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Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives your cookies that perfect sweetness and texture.
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Peppermint Extract: This magical ingredient provides the refreshing mint flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best; they melt perfectly and balance the mintiness.
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Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add crunch and holiday spirit; don’t skimp on this festive touch!
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). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later on.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This whipped mixture creates a lovely texture in your cookies.
Add Flavorings: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by peppermint extract. Feel free to stop for a moment and inhale that invigorating minty aroma!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that!
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough—this is where the magic happens!
Scoop onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten slightly if you prefer crisp edges.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Now you’ve got yourself some delightful peppermint cookies! Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container to keep that minty goodness alive longer!
You Must Know
- Peppermint cookies are more than a festive treat; they pack a punch of flavor and nostalgia
- The delightful crunch and minty aroma can transform any dull day into a holiday celebration, making them perfect for gift-giving or cozy nights by the fire
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add eggs and dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even mixing and perfect cookie texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap peppermint extract for vanilla or add chocolate chips for extra decadence. Each twist will give you a unique flavor combination that’s bound to impress.
Storing & Reheating
Store peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To enjoy them warm again, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly chewy peppermint cookies, chill your dough before baking
- Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise during baking
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give cookies space to spread beautifully
Sharing these peppermint cookies brings back memories of Christmas gatherings filled with laughter and sweet treats. My family always fought over the last cookie, claiming it was their favorite!
FAQ
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?
Yes, but use it sparingly as fresh peppermint is much stronger in flavor.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results without gluten.
Can I freeze peppermint cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough in balls for easy baking anytime you crave cookies.
Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint cookies are a holiday favorite that combines the festive flavors of mint and chocolate in every chewy bite. Perfectly soft with a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will bring joy to your taste buds. Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re ideal for sharing or indulging in solo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by peppermint extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Scoop rounded dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft; cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
