If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, then I’ve got just the thing: the Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy Recipe. These cookies capture the magic of the holidays with their tender crumb, refreshing peppermint flavor, and a sweet glaze that sparkles with winter cheer. The best part? This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, so you can focus on sharing the fun in the kitchen—and the joy on every plate. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting friends, or just indulging yourself with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are bound to become a beloved seasonal classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for these cookies is a breeze, and each ingredient plays an important role in crafting that perfect texture and festive flavor. From the creamy butter that keeps the dough tender to the peppermint extract that gives it a merry zing, these simple components come together beautifully to bring joy to your holiday baking.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, buttery base that makes the cookies soft and moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar): Sweetens the dough evenly and helps with slight crispiness on the edges.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Acts as a binder, ensuring your dough comes together smoothly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (pure): Infuses the cookies with a refreshing, festive peppermint punch.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Forms the structure of your cookies, tender but firm enough to hold their shape.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a silky, sweet glaze that adds a snowy finishing touch.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (can substitute with dairy-free alternative): Gives the frosting its creamy consistency for easy spreading.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting): Doubles down on that iconic peppermint taste in the glaze.
How to Make Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, making your cookies wonderfully tender and delicate. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this step, but a sturdy wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease will do just fine too.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature here to prevent the butter from seizing up, which helps the dough remain creamy and smooth. The peppermint extract at this stage starts setting that festive flavor foundation we’re after.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed, so no part of your cookie is denser than another. The salt will heighten the sweetness and overall flavor of your cookies, a tiny but mighty ingredient in holiday baking.
Step 4: Gradually Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Slowly add the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here because that could develop too much gluten, leading to tougher cookies. The dough will start to come together and feel soft but firm enough to handle.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and keeps the dough firm so that your cookies hold their shape when baked. Plus, it makes rolling out the dough much easier and less sticky—a major win for a stress-free process.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Once chilled, lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use your favorite festive cookie cutters—stars, trees, or candy canes all work brilliantly—to cut the dough into fun shapes. Then, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart to allow for a slight spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 7-9 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is key to getting that perfect texture and making sure the frosting won’t melt.
Step 8: Make the Peppermint Frosting and Decorate
To create the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash more cream if it’s too thick. Drizzle or spread the frosting onto each cookie, then let them set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly. The frosting adds a lovely, glossy finish that makes these cookies truly festive and irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive red and green sugar crystals over the frosting while it’s still wet to add crunch and color. Edible glitter or colored nonpareils can also amp up the holiday cheer, turning these cookies into dazzling gifts or showstoppers at your holiday party.
Side Dishes
Serve your peppermint sugar cookies alongside cozy cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing. They also make a sweet accompaniment for holiday brunches or dessert platters, balancing rich peppermint flavor with creamy, comforting sips.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for easy gifting. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative plate or tiered cookie stand for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of peppermint frosting inside for an extra-special twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To maintain their crisp edges and soft centers, layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze both unbaked dough and fully decorated cookies. For dough, shape into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before rolling and baking. For baked cookies, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, reheat frozen or refrigerated ones in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This gentle warmth revives the soft texture and melts the frosting slightly for a freshly-baked experience without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use almond extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Almond extract offers a lovely, nutty flavor that pairs well with sugar cookies. Just use it sparingly since it has a strong taste—start with half the amount and adjust to your liking.
Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative, like almond or oat milk. This keeps the frosting creamy while accommodating dietary needs.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking is key to preventing excessive spreading. Also, avoid using too much butter and make sure your baking powder is fresh for proper rise and structure.
Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Look for one with xanthan gum included to help mimic wheat flour’s texture and hold.
What is the best way to store decorated cookies for gifting?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to avoid smudging. If stacking is necessary, place parchment between layers. Keep them in a cool, dry place until gifting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy Recipe during the holidays. They’re easy enough to whip up with kids, customizable for any preference, and perfect for spreading sweet seasonal happiness. I can guarantee once you try these cookies, they’ll become a beloved part of your Christmas traditions—each bite filled with warmth, cheer, and that unmistakable peppermint delight. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let these cookies bring joy to your kitchen and your holiday celebrations!
Print
Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Bring Joy Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 67 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly festive with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Topped with a creamy peppermint frosting, they are a delightful treat that bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Simple to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies combine classic holiday flavors with a sweet, minty twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (pure)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (can substitute with dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to enhance the texture of the cookies.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to form cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar if needed.
- Frost the Cookies: Once cookies have cooled, spread or pipe the peppermint frosting on top of each cookie. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
- Heavy cream in the frosting can be replaced with coconut cream or other dairy-free alternatives for a vegan option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To intensify peppermint flavor, add crushed peppermint candies on top of frosting before it sets.
