Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies: 24 Festive Treats

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Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their festive colors but also bursting with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. Perfect for cookie exchanges or just to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, they offer that classic holiday spirit in every bite. The combination of soft, buttery dough with the invigorating taste of peppermint makes these cookies irresistible. As you prepare to create these sweet treats, let’s dive into why they’re a must-have this Christmas!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These cookies are not just any festive cookies; they are a celebration of flavor and joy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for all skill levels.
The light minty flavor adds a refreshing twist to traditional sugar cookies.
Great for holiday parties, they bring a pop of color and cheer.
You can easily customize them with fun decorations or toppings.
They make wonderful gifts and are perfect for cookie exchanges.
The combination of textures, from soft cookies to crunchy candy canes, is delightful.

These cookies are a great representation of how to make Christmas Peppermint Cookies, offering a sweet treat that embodies the joy of the season.

Ingredients for Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 Large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoon Salt
Red Food Coloring (Optional)
Crushed Candy Canes, for garnish

How to Make Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with a peppermint glaze and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking.
Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more intense flavor.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes to make your cookies unique.
Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These delightful cookies can be served in various ways:

Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy night in.
Offer them at holiday parties as a festive dessert option.
Include them in gift baskets for friends and family during the holidays.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh:

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

The secret lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar, ensuring a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Also, chilling the dough prevents spreading, keeping your shapes intact.

Can I make Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake the cookies fresh when you’re ready. This is a great way to save time during busy holiday preparations.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

Be cautious of overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure accurate measurements for the best results. Using room temperature ingredients helps create a better texture.

Variations of Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies You Can Try

Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:

For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed instead of eggs.
Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Add chocolate chips to create a chocolate-peppermint fusion!
Try incorporating different extracts, like almond or orange, for a unique flavor.

For more delicious holiday recipes, check out Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars.

Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies: 24 Festive Treats - Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies - additional detail

For more tips on baking, you can visit Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta or Banana Split Fruit Pizza.