If you are craving a cookie that perfectly captures the holiday spirit, look no further than this Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a tender, buttery base infused with refreshing peppermint extract and topped with a dreamy, creamy frosting sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies. The result is an irresistible combination of soft texture, festive flavor, and charming visual appeal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a seasonal gathering or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward and accessible ingredients is the first step to making these delightful cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from adding richness and flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and festive look of your Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the dough with the unmistakable cool peppermint taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the body of the cookie with just the right texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift to keep cookies from being too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and playful color on top.
- For the frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional pink or red food coloring to add holiday cheer.
How to Make Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cream
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light, which creates that perfect tender crumb in your cookies.
Step 2: Add the Flavors and Egg
Next, beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This is where your cookies start developing their signature holiday flavor, so make sure the peppermint comes through beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir just until the dough begins to come together; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a scoop or your hands to form the dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place them two inches apart on the lined baking sheets—don’t crowd them, or they’ll bake into one another! Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass for an even shape and better baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the bottoms turn a light golden brown. Resist the temptation to overbake; these cookies are best when soft and tender. Once done, let them cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While your cookies cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk a tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency. If you want to brighten up the frosting for a festive look, blend in a drop or two of pink or red food coloring.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the peppermint frosting generously over each cooled cookie and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for that signature festive crunch. Allow the frosting to set before storing or serving.
How to Serve Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While crushed peppermint candies are the star garnish, consider adding a shimmer of edible glitter or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a little extra holiday sparkle and sophistication that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like peppermint tea, hot cocoa, or a simple glass of cold milk. Serving them alongside desserts like chocolate fondue or fruit salad can also elevate your festive spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a holiday-themed platter lined with colorful napkins. Stack them in mason jars tied with red and white twine as charming gifts, or create an edible centerpiece by stacking them with layers of green and red candies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted peppermint sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The cookies will stay soft and the frosting won’t dry out, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies after baking and cooling. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and frost as usual.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you prefer a slightly warmed cookie, pop them in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds, but avoid heating after frosting to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?
Peppermint extract is key to the unique flavor in this Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe, but if you don’t have it, you can try spearmint extract or omit it entirely and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract instead for a different but still delicious taste.
How do I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by a minute or two. Also, make sure not to overmix the dough, as that can lead to tougher cookies.
Can I use food coloring in the dough?
Absolutely! Adding red or green food coloring to the dough before baking is a fun way to make these cookies even more festive. Just add a few drops when you mix the wet and dry ingredients.
Is it better to crush candy canes fresh or ahead of time?
Crushing candy canes fresh right before decorating keeps their texture crisp and vibrant. If crushed in advance, store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from softening the candy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but results may vary. Using a blend designed for baking usually gives the best texture without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is a true holiday delight that brings warmth, joy, and a burst of refreshing peppermint to your kitchen. Baking and sharing these cookies makes celebrations extra special, so don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. Once you do, these frosted treats will quickly become a beloved tradition!
Print
Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base accented with refreshing peppermint and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday baking, these colorful, flavorful cookies bring a cheerful touch to any celebration.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Optional pink or red food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the dough with festive flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop or roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them spaced 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each cookie using the bottom of a glass to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. This ensures a perfect chewy-center texture.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add food coloring if using, and mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive, crunchy finish.
- Set Frosting: Allow the frosting to set completely before storing or serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies and frost after thawing.
- To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing baking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a colorful, festive topping and added crunch.
