Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home during the holiday season. Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a festive treat that combines buttery sweetness with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night at home. These cookies are soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, beautifully decorated with peppermint-flavored icing, and are simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. This recipe ensures perfectly textured cookies every time, and the peppermint essence adds that holiday sparkle that delights both kids and adults alike. In this article, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients and method to expert tips, variations, and answers to common questions so you can bake the ultimate Christmas sugar cookies with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between flavor, texture, and festive presentation. The cookies are buttery and soft, with a delicate chew that makes them irresistible. Peppermint essence gives a refreshing holiday twist, while the peppermint icing adds both sweetness and visual charm. They’re versatile enough to decorate with sprinkles, candy canes, or piping designs, and they hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or creating a festive cookie platter.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (339g, slightly chilled)
• 2 cups white sugar (400g)
• 4 large eggs, brought to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (4.2g)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint essence (4.2g)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour (600g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6g)

For the peppermint icing:

• 2 cups unsalted butter (452g, slightly chilled)
• 6 cups icing sugar (750g, sifted after measuring)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (44.3g)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint essence (4.2g)
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the slightly chilled butter and white sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint essences.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but manageable.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. For a festive touch, lightly press each ball with the back of a fork or a cookie stamp to create a pattern.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. While the cookies cool, prepare the peppermint icing by beating the slightly chilled butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, heavy cream, peppermint essence, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth, fluffy, and pipeable. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar as needed.
7. Once the cookies have completely cooled, frost them with the peppermint icing using a piping bag, spatula, or knife. Decorate with red-and-white sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other festive decorations. Let the icing set before serving or packaging.

Serving Suggestions

These peppermint sugar cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting to friends and family. Pair them with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday treat. You can arrange them on a festive platter for Christmas gatherings, or wrap them individually in cellophane with ribbons for beautiful edible gifts.

Tips for the Perfect Cookies

1. Chill the butter slightly to create a dough that is easy to handle and prevents spreading during baking.
2. Use room-temperature eggs to ensure smooth incorporation into the dough.
3. Sift the icing sugar for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
4. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
5. For extra peppermint flavor, crush candy canes and sprinkle over the icing before it sets.

Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Sugar-Free Option: Substitute sugar with a suitable sugar alternative and use sugar-free icing.
• Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized cookies for easier snacking and festive trays.

Storage Tips

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frosted cookies can be stored in a single layer or with parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, cookies can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding icing.

Conclusion

Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines buttery sweetness with refreshing peppermint flavor. They’re soft, festive, and perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a warm beverage. This recipe is simple, reliable, and guarantees beautifully textured cookies with every batch. Perfect for bakers of all levels, these cookies bring holiday cheer to any table or gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I use peppermint extract instead of essence?
A: Yes, but use slightly less peppermint extract as it is stronger in flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Q: How can I make the icing stiffer for piping?
A: Add more sifted icing sugar a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Q: Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint essence?
A: Yes, crush candy canes and add to the frosting for flavor and texture, though it may not provide as strong peppermint taste as the essence.

Q: How long will frosted cookies last?
A: Frosted cookies stored in an airtight container will last 3–5 days at room temperature.

Q: Can I decorate cookies with royal icing instead?
A: Yes, royal icing works well for intricate designs and dries hard, making cookies stackable for gifting.

Print

These Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a festive, delicious, and visually appealing treat that will bring joy to holiday tables and delight anyone who takes a bite. They’re simple to bake, fun to decorate, and perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends.