Peppermint Sugar Cookies have always been my favorite part of the holiday season, ever since I was a little kid helping my mom in the kitchen. The smell of peppermint and butter baking in the oven instantly transports me back to those cozy Christmas mornings. This easy peppermint sugar cookies recipe is a faithful rendition of that classic taste and aroma, bringing a delightful festive cheer to any gathering. I love how simple they are to whip up, making them perfect for even last-minute baking. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Sugar Cookie Recipe
- An unforgettable sweet and minty flavor that screams holiday cheer.
- Quick preparation means you can enjoy homemade peppermint sugar cookies in no time.
- A budget-friendly treat, using common pantry staples for a festive bake.
- These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for family gatherings.
- You’ll achieve beautiful, festive results with simple decorating techniques.
- They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and a refreshing peppermint kick.
- This is a truly classic homemade peppermint sugar cookies recipe that’s easy to master.
- Enjoy the comforting aroma filling your home while they bake.
Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect batch of holiday cookies. Using quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor and texture for your peppermint sugar cookie dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter provides richness and helps create that classic cookie texture. Make sure it’s softened, not melted, for the best results.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – This gives the cookies their sweetness and contributes to a slightly crisp exterior.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – This is where the magic happens, giving you that signature festive peppermint flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – Flour provides the structure for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, preventing them from being too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Optional: Red and green food coloring – For festive color!
- Optional: Frosting and sprinkles for decorating
How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the foundation for your delightful peppermint sugar cookies.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and the crucial peppermint extract. You’ll start to smell that wonderful minty aroma here!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for your sugar cookies with peppermint.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the peppermint sugar cookie dough; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Step 6: If you’re feeling festive, divide the dough and add a few drops of red or green food coloring to create vibrant colors for your Christmas celebrations.
- Step 7: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential for making easy peppermint sugar cookies that hold their shape beautifully during baking.
- Step 8: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled peppermint sugar cookie dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Aim for an even thickness so your sugar cookies with peppermint bake uniformly.
- Step 9: Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
- Step 10: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them to prevent them from touching as they bake.
- Step 11: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. For the best soft peppermint sugar cookies, avoid overbaking.
- Step 12: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent cracking in your beautiful sugar cookies with peppermint.
- Step 13: Once cooled, it’s time to decorate your holiday peppermint sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles to make them truly special!

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Want to elevate your holiday baking? Follow these simple tips for truly exceptional peppermint sugar cookies that will impress everyone. A little extra care goes a long way!
- Always use good quality peppermint extract; it makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t overwork the dough once the flour is added to ensure tender cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly – this is crucial for easy handling and preventing spread.
- Bake in batches to ensure even cooking, as oven temperatures can vary.
What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookies?
The real secret to perfect peppermint sugar cookies lies in the chilling of the dough and not overmixing. This combination ensures they hold their shape beautifully and remain wonderfully soft, not tough. For more baking tips, check out these latest recipes.
Can I make Peppermint Sugar Cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peppermint sugar cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Sugar Cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls like why are my peppermint sugar cookies flat, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and that you chill the dough sufficiently. Overmixing is also a culprit for tough cookies. Learn more about proper baking techniques at blueberry blondies.
Best Ways to Serve Decorated Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Once your beautiful frosted peppermint sugar cookies are ready, the fun really begins! Serving these festive treats is all about presentation and pairing. They are absolutely perfect on their own as a sweet holiday treat, but I love arranging them on a festive platter alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For a more elaborate dessert spread during Christmas gatherings, consider serving them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread or shortbread. They also make wonderful edible gifts, so package them up in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon!

Nutrition Facts for Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delightful peppermint sugar cookies, calculated per cookie. These estimates help you understand the profile of this classic holiday treat.
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size. For more healthy options, explore keto white chicken chili.
How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Sugar Cookies
To keep your delicious peppermint sugar cookies tasting their best, proper storage is key. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’re aiming for chewy peppermint sugar cookies, storing them with a slice of bread can help maintain that texture. For longer storage, wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them gently in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Sugar Cookies
How to make peppermint sugar cookies that are soft and chewy?
To ensure your peppermint sugar cookies are soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are just starting to turn golden, but the centers still look slightly underdone. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven also helps them set up perfectly while retaining that desirable chewiness. For more cookie inspiration, try these cinnamon coffee cake cookies.
What are peppermint sugar cookies and why are they so popular?
Peppermint sugar cookies are classic sugar cookies infused with peppermint extract, giving them a refreshing minty flavor. They’re popular, especially during the holidays, because they combine a simple, buttery sugar cookie base with a festive peppermint taste and aroma. Their versatility for decorating with frosting and sprinkles makes them a fun and visually appealing treat for Christmas cookie exchanges and parties. You might also enjoy these apple snickerdoodles.
Can I use a different type of sugar for peppermint sugar cookies?
While granulated sugar is standard for achieving the classic texture and crisp edges, you can experiment slightly. Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar can add a bit more chewiness and moisture. However, for the best structure and that signature crisp-sweet balance in your peppermint sugar cookies, granulated sugar is generally recommended.
What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can still make delicious sugar cookies! For a classic sugar cookie flavor, simply double the amount of vanilla extract. If you want a hint of mint without peppermint extract, you could very cautiously add a tiny drop of spearmint extract, but be warned, it’s much stronger and easy to overdo in your peppermint sugar cookies.
Variations of Peppermint Sugar Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic peppermint sugar cookies, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on this beloved holiday treat. I love experimenting with different flavor combinations and additions to make these cookies even more special.
- White Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies: For an extra decadent treat, stir in some white chocolate chips along with the flour. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Swap the white chocolate for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic flavor pairing that never disappoints.
- Gluten-Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
- Spiced Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, more complex flavor profile that complements the peppermint.
Amazing Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Easy Festivity
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for classic peppermint sugar cookies, perfect for holiday baking. These cookies are easy to make and offer a festive peppermint flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Red and green food coloring
- Optional: Frosting and sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This creates the base for your peppermint sugar cookies.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for your homemade peppermint sugar cookies.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the peppermint sugar cookie dough.
- If desired, divide the dough and add a few drops of red or green food coloring to create festive colors for your Christmas peppermint sugar cookies.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for making easy peppermint sugar cookies that hold their shape.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled peppermint sugar cookie dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. For the best peppermint sugar cookies, ensure consistent thickness.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for soft peppermint sugar cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent cracking in your sugar cookies with peppermint.
- Once cooled, decorate your holiday peppermint sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles as desired.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- Chill the dough sufficiently to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust peppermint extract to your preference, but be mindful that too much can be overpowering.
- Decorate these best peppermint sugar cookies after they have completely cooled to prevent frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg









