Introduction
The winter season brings a sense of warmth and joy, often highlighted by the familiar treats that grace many kitchens. Among these holiday delights, peppermint sugar cookies stand out with their charming flavor and festive flair. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering or simply to indulge in a sweet tradition, these cookies offer a delightful combination of sweetness and refreshing peppermint.
Peppermint sugar cookies are not just for the Christmas season; they can brighten up any winter day. Light and buttery with the crunch of peppermint, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they are easy to make, inviting novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike to enjoy the process.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
Butter is essential for adding richness and moisture to the cookies, contributing to their tender texture. Softened butter ensures easy mixing, helping to incorporate air for a light final product. - ½ cup granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also aids in their structure by helping to create a slightly crispy edge while maintaining a soft center. It is crucial for the balance between sweetness and texture. - ⅓ cup confectioners' sugar
Confectioners' sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and a subtle creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It also influences the texture, giving these cookies a more melt-in-your-mouth experience. - 1 large egg
Eggs are a binder that helps bring all the ingredients together. They also contribute to moisture and work to lighten the texture, producing a cookie that is both chewy and soft. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peppermint. It enhances overall sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavor of these delightful cookies. - 1 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise and achieve a light texture. It provides that satisfying lift that ensures the cookies aren't dense. - ⅛ teaspoon salt
A small amount of salt is important to balance sweetness, amplifying the flavors in the cookies. It enhances the tasting experience by adding depth and richness. - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the backbone of cookie dough, providing the structure necessary for cookies to hold their shape. All-purpose flour contributes to the desired soft texture when mixed correctly. - ¾ cup crushed candy canes (about 12 candy canes)
Crushed candy canes give these cookies their signature peppermint flavor and appealing crunch. They also add a festive touch, perfect for the holiday season.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven ensures an even temperature for baking the cookies, allowing them to rise properly. Parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even cooking, making it easier to remove the cookies from the trays after baking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugars together allows for air to be incorporated into the mixture, contributing to the cookies' light texture. This step is fundamental as it helps soften the butter fully and blends the sugars evenly, resulting in a smooth cookie dough.
Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is combined well.
Adding the egg introduces moisture and richness into the dough. The vanilla enhances flavor, creating a delightful aroma. It’s crucial that the mixture is well combined to ensure uniform flavor throughout the cookies.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour.
Separating the dry ingredients and whisking them together helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, preventing any clumping. Also, it encourages a homogenous mixture, which is important for consistent cookie texture.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Mixing the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture minimizes the risk of overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. This step ensures that the flour is incorporated without developing gluten, maintaining softness.
Step 6: Fold in the crushed candy canes with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Folding in the candy canes adds both flavor and a festive crunch, making every bite a delightful surprise. It is important to fold gently to prevent breaking down the delicate texture of the dough while still ensuring a thorough distribution of peppermint.
Step 7: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls; place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Rolling the dough into balls ensures even baking and consistent cookie size. Spacing them apart allows for proper expansion in the oven, preventing the cookies from merging into one another while baking.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Timing is crucial in baking. The cookies will appear soft in the center but will firm up while cooling. Monitor them closely to prevent overbaking; golden edges indicate that they are just right.
Step 9: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Letting the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet allows them to set and makes them easier to handle. Transferring them to a wire rack ensures they cool evenly, preventing sogginess from steam gathering underneath.
Achieving the Perfect Peppermint Flavor
To truly elevate your peppermint sugar cookies, consider using high-quality peppermint extract in addition to crushed candy canes. This will enhance the minty flavor and ensure it shines through the sweetness of the cookie. Always taste the dough, as it allows you to adjust the amount of peppermint to suit your personal preference, making each batch uniquely yours.
Decorating Your Cookies
Once cooled, these cookies can be frosted or decorated for an extra flair. A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk pairs beautifully, or you could sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top for added crunch and visual appeal. Consider drizzling melted white chocolate over your cookies for a festive, elegant touch. Your creativity can turn a simple cookie into a holiday masterpiece.
The Joy of Baking Together
Baking peppermint sugar cookies can be a joyous activity to share with family or friends. Encourage kids to crush the candy canes or decorate the cookies, making it a memorable experience. These cookies are a wonderful excuse to spend quality time together during the holiday season, fostering both creativity and collaboration in the kitchen.
FAQs
What can I do if my cookie dough is too thick?
If your dough feels too thick, consider adding a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. This will help achieve a dough that can be easily scooped and rolled.
Can I add more crushed candy canes for a stronger flavor?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed candy canes, but be mindful of the total volume of dry ingredients to maintain the right cookie texture. Start with adding an extra ¼ cup for a more intense peppermint kick.
What if my cookies are too thin after baking?
If your cookies spread too much in the oven, it might be due to too much butter or not enough flour. For future batches, measure your flour accurately, ideally by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I flavor these cookies with something other than peppermint?
Certainly! You can substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different taste profile. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to keep the flavors balanced.
What if my cookies don’t brown around the edges?
If your cookies lack browning, you might not be baking them long enough or the oven temperature may be too low. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, and keep an eye on them as the edges should become lightly golden.
How can I make my cookies more visually appealing?
Consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or adding decorative sprinkles before baking. These finishing touches will elevate the presentation and make them even more enticing.
Conclusion
Peppermint sugar cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, bringing together festive flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that never fails to impress. Their simplicity allows them to be approachable and enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or decorated for an event, these cookies capture the essence of the cozy winter season. So gather your ingredients and invite loved ones into the kitchen—you’re sure to create not just delicious treats, but heartwarming memories as well.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.