If you want to delight your family and friends with a festive and irresistibly tasty treat, this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture soft, buttery sugar cookies bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor and studded with crunchy red Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips. Topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and minty that makes holiday gatherings extra special. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become a beloved tradition you’ll look forward to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are simple pantry staples combined with a few special touches that bring magic to these cookies. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the soft texture, subtle vanilla aroma, or that vibrant peppermint punch you crave.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks): Softened to creamy perfection, this provides richness and tenderness that melt in your mouth.
- 1 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a tender crumb with just the right crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 2 & 1/4 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The backbone of the cookie, giving it shape and substance.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds gentle lift so the cookies aren’t dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the soda to create just enough rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 (10-oz) package red Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips: These little bursts of peppermint chocolate are what make this recipe shine with festive flair.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Adds a sparkling sugar crust for extra texture and sweetness.
- 6-8 candy canes (crushed): The finishing touch that adds crunch and refreshing peppermint on top of each cookie.
How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature for soft yet slightly crisp edges. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter in a large bowl or stand mixer until it turns light and creamy. Then add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy. This is the key to light, tender cookies, so don’t rush this step. Be sure to scrape down the bowl halfway through to incorporate everything evenly.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in the egg followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully combined and your dough is smooth with a lovely vanilla fragrance.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, spoon and level the flour to get an accurate measure. Add the baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt and stir until any lumps disappear. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your cookies rise just right.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently. Stop mixing while there are still a few white streaks of flour—that’s perfect! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Stir in Peppermint Chips
Fold in the entire bag of red Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips, spreading minty chocolate goodness throughout the dough. If you can’t find these chips, crushed peppermint bark or finely chopped peppermint chocolate candies make great substitutes!
Step 7: Shape the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 2-inch balls, but 1 and 1/2 inch sizes work if you want a bit smaller treats. These portions make sure each cookie is thick and chewy with plenty of peppermint inside.
Step 8: Roll in Sugar and Arrange
Pour the 1/2 cup granulated sugar into a bowl and roll each dough ball until it’s fully coated. This adds a lovely sugary crunch on the outside. Place the sugared balls on your lined sheet about 2 inches apart to avoid merging during baking.
Step 9: First Bake
Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes. You’ll see them puff up and the edges start to set, but the centers will still look soft.
Step 10: Add Crushed Candy Canes
While the cookies bake, crush 6 to 8 candy canes inside a ziplock bag for convenience. When the timer goes off, remove your baking sheet and carefully sprinkle about a teaspoon or two of crushed candy cane on each cookie. Use two spoons to gently nudge the cookies toward their centers, helping the candy cane bits stick nicely.
Step 11: Final Bake
Pop the tray back into the oven for another 2 minutes. The cookies will set further without overbaking, keeping the centers slightly shiny but firm enough to hold together beautifully.
Step 12: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. But honestly, grab one while it’s still warm—you’ll love that combination of soft cookie and melty peppermint chips. Serve with a cold glass of milk and maybe turn on some holiday tunes to complete the perfect cozy moment.
How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the festive candy cane sprinkle, you can get creative by dipping half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. A dash of edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios can add color and texture, making them perfect for gifting or holiday parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiked coffee. For adults, serving alongside a peppermint martini or mulled wine complements the fresh mint flavors and elevates your holiday dessert spread.
Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe: Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday tray lined with festive napkins for a cheerful look. Tie them in small stacks with red and white twine for gifting or place them in clear jars adorned with ribbons for a charming homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these peppermint sugar cookies fresh on the counter in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure the container seals tightly to maintain that perfect soft texture and to preserve the peppermint chips’ flavor without them drying out.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, scoop and shape the cookie dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm a small batch in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This will soften the cookie and slightly melt the peppermint chips for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Andes baking chips, you can use finely chopped peppermint bark, crushed peppermints, or even white chocolate chips combined with peppermint extract. Just be sure to maintain the minty flavor that makes this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe special.
Why is it important not to overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make your cookies tough rather than tender. For this recipe, mixing until you still see a few white flour streaks guarantees a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg or another egg replacer. Look for vegan peppermint chips or make your own peppermint topping with crushed candy canes and dairy-free chocolate.
How do I get the candy cane pieces to stick to the cookies?
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes onto the cookies right after the first baking phase while the cookies are still warm and soft. Then gently press them in with spoons before returning the cookies to the oven for a brief finish to set everything in place.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes inside a sturdy ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to break them into small pieces. This method prevents mess and lets you control the size of the peppermint bits perfectly for topping your cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone craving festive, minty sweetness with a cozy, homemade touch. They are easy to make, bring everyone together, and brighten any holiday table. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand how these peppermint delights make every bite a joyful celebration. Happy baking!
