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!