Introduction
Peppermint sugar cookies encapsulate the spirit of the holidays with their refreshing flavor and festive appearance. These cookies, adorned with crushed candy canes, offer a perfect balance of sweetness and minty brightness that delights the senses.
Baking these cookies takes you back to childhood memories of holiday gatherings, where the aroma of freshly baked treats fills the air. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa or shared at a cookie exchange, these peppermint-infused delights are bound to bring joy.
With a straightforward recipe and accessible ingredients, making peppermint sugar cookies is a joyful activity for both novice and seasoned bakers. The resulting cookies are not only delicious but also make for charming gifts wrapped in festive packaging.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
Butter is crucial for creating a rich, tender texture in the cookies. Its fat content contributes to the overall flavor while also helping to achieve a good spread when baking. - ½ cup shortening
Shortening helps to stabilize the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape during baking. It also contributes to a slightly softer texture compared to using butter alone. - 2 cups sugar
Sugar is essential for sweetness, but it also plays a role in the cookies' structure. It interacts with the butter and eggs to create a soft and moist crumb. - 1 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise during baking. It also contributes to the cookies' soft, chewy texture. - 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
This ingredient helps to stabilize the baking soda, giving the cookies their light, airy quality. It also enhances the cookies' overall flavor. - ⅛ teaspoon salt
A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the cookies. It is an essential ingredient for overall taste. - ½ teaspoon vanilla
Vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile, complementing the sweetness and mintiness of the cookies. - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure and bulk of the cookies. All-purpose flour is perfect for achieving the right balance of chewiness and tenderness. - ¾ cup crushed candy cane, (about 12 candy canes)
Crushed candy cane gives these cookies their signature peppermint flavor and festive, crunchy texture. It also enhances the visual appeal with its vibrant red and white colors.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven ensures an even baking temperature right from the start, which is critical for achieving the desired cookie texture. Lining the baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and allows for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and shortening together on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until creamy.
Creaming butter and shortening together creates a light and airy mixture by incorporating air, which helps the cookies rise. This step is vital for developing a tender texture.
Step 3: Add the sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt to the mixture and mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Incorporating the dry ingredients at this stage allows for even distribution of the leavening agents and seasonings. Proper mixing helps to ensure a consistent texture throughout the dough.
Step 4: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully combined and fluffy.
Adding the egg yolks enriches the dough with moisture and fat, which contributes to a soft texture. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, balancing the mintiness.
Step 5: Gradually add in the flour, mixing until just combined. Then fold in most of the crushed candy canes, reserving a small amount for decoration.
Gradually introducing flour prevents over-mixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Folding in the crushed candy canes gives the cookies that delightful peppermint crunch while reserving some allows for a decorative touch later.
Step 6: Roll the dough into small balls, dip the tops into the reserved crushed candy canes, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Rolling the dough into balls ensures uniform cookie sizes, leading to even baking. Dipping the tops in crushed candy canes adds a festive crunch and extra minty flavor, enhancing the cookies’ presentation.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. The cookies may look soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Baking until just set allows the cookies to maintain a chewy center. It’s common for cookies to appear slightly underbaked, as they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat once removed from the oven.
Step 8: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Letting cookies cool briefly on the sheet prevents breakage when moving them. Transferring them to a cooling rack allows for even air circulation, further preventing sogginess.
Embracing the Peppermint Twist
The standout feature of peppermint sugar cookies is undoubtedly the refreshing zing of crushed candy canes. This little addition not only gives the cookies their unique flavor but also infuses them with a festive spirit that brightens any holiday gathering. Incorporating peppermint oil or extract enhances the flavor, inviting a delightful burst of mint with every bite. Experimenting with the amount allows you to find your perfect balance.
Every Detail Matters in Cookie Baking
From the temperature of your ingredients to the exact measurements, attention to detail is crucial in baking. For instance, ensuring your butter is softened properly allows it to cream effectively with sugar, resulting in the ideal dough consistency. Likewise, measuring flour accurately is essential; too much can lead to dry cookies. Tools like kitchen scales and measuring cups can ensure precision, leading to successful baking every time.
The Perfect Presentation
Peppermint sugar cookies can be a delightful treat, but their presentation can elevate them further. Consider drizzling melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful and flavorful contrast. You can also sprinkle additional crushed candy canes or colored sugar for a festive touch. Presentation not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds excitement and anticipation when sharing these cookies with friends and family.
FAQs
What can I do if my cookie dough is too thick?
If your cookie dough feels too thick, consider adding a teaspoon of milk or water to help loosen the mixture. This small addition can make a big difference in achieving the right consistency.
How can I adjust the recipe for more cookies?
To scale the recipe for more cookies, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities proportionally. Keep the baking time the same, but monitor the cookies closely to ensure they don’t overbake.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to softened butter. Ensure your butter is just at room temperature, not overly soft, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of candy canes?
Yes! Finely chopped fresh peppermint can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Start with a small amount, as fresh peppermint is more potent than candy canes.
What can I do if my cookies taste bland?
If the cookies turn out bland, you may need to increase the amount of vanilla or peppermint extract. Always taste your dough before baking and adjust the flavors as needed.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can complement the peppermint flavor beautifully. Just fold them in along with the crushed candy canes, adjusting the quantity based on your preference.
Conclusion
Peppermint sugar cookies are a delightful and festive treat that can brighten any occasion. Their refreshing flavor, combined with the crunch of candy canes, makes them a crowd favorite, especially during celebrations.
Whether you’re baking these cookies for a holiday party or just for yourself, they are sure to bring joy and warmth. Remember, baking is as much about the process as it is about the outcome, so enjoy each moment in the kitchen.
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.