Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that will fill your home with delightful aromas and sweet memories. These cookies not only look festive but also encapsulate the joy of the holiday season with their rich peppermint flavor and sugary sweetness. Bringing together a forgiving dough and attractive decorations, these cookies are ideal for anyone who wants to bring a little holiday cheer to their baking.
When the holiday season rolls around, the urge to create something delicious intensifies. Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a great way to satisfy that urge, whether for family gatherings, office parties, or cozy nights at home. Imagine the joy of biting into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving a delightful hint of peppermint behind. These cookies don’t just taste amazing; they’re perfect for sharing during gatherings or as a charming gift for neighbors and friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers will find it easy to whip up a batch. Plus, this recipe allows room for creativity; add sprinkles, drizzles of chocolate, or fun decorations to make them uniquely yours. Join me as we explore why these Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a must-try this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s not just the incredible taste that makes Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies a favorite. Here are some reasons why this recipe will brighten your holiday season:
1. Quick Preparation: The dough comes together in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option when you’re pressed for time.
2. Rich Flavor: The combination of sugar, butter, and peppermint extract creates an irresistible flavor profile that truly captures the essence of Christmas.
3. Easy to Decorate: Whether you’re decorating with icing, colorful sprinkles, or fresh peppermint candies, this recipe allows for fun and festive creativity.
4. Family-Friendly: This is a fantastic recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll love rolling the dough and adding their favorite toppings.
5. Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a pleasantly soft interior and a slightly crisp edge, resulting in a delightful contrast that cookie lovers crave.
6. Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain, sandwich them with cream cheese frosting, or package them beautifully as gifts—options are endless!
With so many reasons to love this recipe, it’s no wonder that Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies have become holiday staples in many homes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process! Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need for preparation and baking:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Chilling Time: 30 minutes (mandatory to help with shaping)
– Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including chilling)
These times are estimates, as oven temperatures and individual baking skills may vary. However, this framework should give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Ingredients

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
– Crushed peppermint candies (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies is a joyous process when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix!

6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop dough with a tablespoon and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
8. Flatten the Cookies: Gently press each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten it slightly.
9. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and top with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
These steps will streamline your baking process, resulting in mouth-watering cookies ready for any holiday celebration!

How to Serve

Serving Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience. Here are some tips to enhance your presentation:
1. Festive Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate or a colorful holiday platter for a visually appealing display.

2. Gift Packaging: Consider packaging cookies in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts to friends or neighbors.
3. With Beverages: Serve alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat during holiday festivities.
4. Platter with Variety: Place your cookies alongside other holiday treats, like gingerbread men or chocolate chip cookies, for a delightful dessert table.
5. Presentation Touch: Garnish with a few whole peppermint candies or sprigs of mint for a fresh look.
By focusing on how you serve these cookies, you’ll inspire joy and cheer that captures the essence of the festive season. Happy baking!

Additional Tips

– Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies greatly improves with fresh, high-quality butter and peppermint extract.
– Experiment with Flour: For a slightly different texture, try using a mix of all-purpose flour and almond flour. This will lend a nuttier flavor and richness.
– Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Remove them as soon as the edges start turning light golden for the perfect softness.
– Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating. This helps the icing and toppings adhere better.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies! Here are some fun variations:
1. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a chocolate version that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
2. Peppermint Snaps: Roll the dough in crushed peppermint candies before baking for added crunch.
3. Sandwich Cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful peppermint treat.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
5. White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra sweet and festive touch.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
– Freezing: To preserve your Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Special Equipment

For making Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies, you will need:
– Mixing bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
– Electric mixer: A handy tool for creaming butter and sugar.
– Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
– Parchment paper: Useful for lining baking sheets and ensuring easy cookie removal.
– Cookie scoop: For uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
– Cooling racks: To allow cookies to cool properly after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake.
What can I use if I can’t find peppermint extract?
You can substitute peppermint extract with mint extract, but use it sparingly as mint tends to be stronger.
How can I ensure my cookies are soft?
Be careful not to overmix the dough and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are light golden.
Can I add more flavorings?
Absolutely! You can mix in a teaspoon of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! Package them in decorative tins or bags for a lovely holiday gift.

Conclusion

Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their festive flavor, coupled with the delightful aesthetic, makes them perfect for any celebration or gift. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or shared with friends and family, these cookies will surely evoke the joy and spirit of the season.

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