Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Peppermint Sugar Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

There’s something undeniably magical about the crisp snap of a peppermint sugar cookie fresh from the oven—its sweet vanilla base accented with cool, refreshing mint that dances on your palate. Whether you’re preparing them for holiday gift exchanges, festive cookie platters, or cozy winter evenings by the fire, these cookies bring joy and nostalgia in every bite. With their snowy white glaze, vibrant red sprinkles, and unmistakable aroma, peppermint sugar cookies have become a beloved tradition across homes in North America and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making the perfect batch—from the history behind this seasonal favorite to detailed instructions, variations, health considerations, and expert tips.

The History of Peppermint Sugar Cookies

The roots of peppermint sugar cookies can be traced back centuries, weaving through European confectionery traditions and American culinary innovation. Sugar cookies themselves originated in 17th-century Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, where bakers used simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and spices to create sweet treats for special occasions. As settlers brought these recipes to America, they evolved into the soft, slice-and-bake or rolled sugar cookies we recognize today.

Peppermint, on the other hand, has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes since ancient times. The Romans chewed mint leaves to freshen breath, while medieval Europeans infused it into syrups and sweets. It wasn’t until the 18th century that peppermint—a hybrid of watermint and spearmint—was first cultivated in England. By the 19th century, peppermint candies, including striped candy canes, became popular during the Christmas season, symbolizing purity (white) and faith (red stripes), as well as the shepherds’ staffs from the Nativity story.

The fusion of peppermint flavor with sugar cookies likely emerged in the early 20th century as flavored extracts became more widely available. Candy cane-inspired desserts gained momentum mid-century, especially in the United States, where home bakers began crushing candy canes to decorate cookies, cakes, and brownies. Today, peppermint sugar cookies are a staple of holiday baking, celebrated not only for their taste but also for their visual appeal and nostalgic charm.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes These Cookies Shine

The magic of peppermint sugar cookies lies in the balance between classic sugar cookie simplicity and the bold flair of minty freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in texture, flavor, and appearance:

• Butter (unsalted): Provides richness and tenderness. Using room-temperature butter ensures proper creaming with sugar, creating a light, airy dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their tender crumb. It also helps form a delicate crust when baked.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture and structure. A large egg is ideal for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile, balancing the sharpness of peppermint.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the backbone of the dough. Sifting ensures no lumps and even distribution.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives the cookies slight rise without making them cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show. Use high-quality food-grade extract for a clean, refreshing mint flavor. Avoid using essential oils, which are not safe for consumption.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, glossy glaze that hardens slightly for decorating.
• Milk or Cream (for icing): Thins the icing to the right consistency for drizzling or flooding.
• Food Coloring (optional): Red or green gel food coloring adds festive flair to the icing.
• Candy Cane Pieces or Crushed Peppermints (for topping): Adds crunch, visual interest, and an extra burst of mint with every bite.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Follow this detailed guide to bake soft, flavorful peppermint sugar cookies with a professional finish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• Optional: ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Icing Ingredients

• 1½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring (optional)
• Crushed candy canes, for decoration

Directions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no clumps for a smooth dough.
4. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. If using crushed candy canes, fold them in gently by hand at this stage.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). Chilling prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters (stars, circles, trees, etc.) to cut shapes. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still look soft. Overbaking will result in crunchy cookies.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Icing: While cookies cool, make the icing. Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) until smooth. Adjust thickness: thicker for outlining, thinner for flooding.
11. Decorate: Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the icing sets. Allow icing to harden completely (about 30–60 minutes) before storing.

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to dense cookies. Leave butter out for 30–60 minutes before starting.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling firms up the fat, preventing excessive spread and preserving sharp cookie cutter shapes.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once flour is added, mix only until combined. Overworking develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
• Uniform Thickness: Roll dough evenly using guide strips (like wooden dowels or rolling pin rings) for consistent baking.
• Bake One Sheet at a Time: For even heat distribution, bake in the center rack and rotate the pan halfway if your oven has hot spots.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Later: Baked cookies (undecorated) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze dough balls or rolled logs for quick baking later.
• Adjust Mint Intensity: Start with ½ tsp peppermint extract; increase gradually if you prefer a stronger flavor. Too much can taste medicinal.

Variations and Customizations

While traditional peppermint sugar cookies are timeless, feel free to get creative with flavors, textures, and decorations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if not included in the mix.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter (like Earth Balance) and non-dairy milk in the icing.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins) and use vegan butter and sugar.
• Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark, white, or semi-sweet chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before setting.
• Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Roll dough balls in confectioners’ sugar before baking for a snow-dusted effect.
• Stuffed Cookies: Place a small piece of soft peppermint candy in the center of each dough ball before baking for a gooey surprise.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with peppermint frosting or chocolate ganache in between.
• Colored Dough: Divide dough and tint with gel food colors before shaping for rainbow or holiday-themed batches.
• Mini Thumbprints: Press your thumb into each dough ball and fill with crushed peppermints or a dab of jelly before baking.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm contrast to the cool mint.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Peppermint sugar cookies are undoubtedly a treat best enjoyed in moderation. While delicious, they are high in refined sugars and saturated fats. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on a 2-inch cookie, un-frosted):

• Calories: ~120–140
• Total Fat: 6–8g (mostly from butter)
• Saturated Fat: 3–4g
• Carbohydrates: 16–18g
• Sugars: 9–11g (including added sugars)
• Protein: 1–2g
• Sodium: 50–70mg

Health Notes:

• Sugar Content: High sugar levels may affect blood glucose, so individuals with diabetes should consume sparingly or consider sugar substitutes.
• Dental Health: Sticky icing and sugary treats can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage good oral hygiene after indulging.
• Allergens: Contains dairy, wheat (gluten), and eggs. Always check labels on extracts and candy toppings for hidden allergens.
• Peppermint Benefits: In small amounts, peppermint can aid digestion and soothe nausea—but don’t expect therapeutic effects from cookies!
• Portion Control: Serve smaller-sized cookies to manage calorie intake while still enjoying the festive experience.
• Healthier Swaps: Try reducing sugar by 25%, using coconut oil instead of butter (with caution for texture), or adding almond flour for protein and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use candy cane extract instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, candy cane extract is typically a blend of peppermint and vanilla and offers a sweeter, more balanced flavor. Use it as a 1:1 substitute.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Common causes include warm dough, overcreaming butter, too much sugar, or skipping the chilling step. Always chill dough thoroughly and avoid overbeating.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling.

How do I crush candy canes finely?
Place candies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. For ultra-fine dust, pulse in a food processor (avoid melting from friction).

Can I use liquid food coloring in the icing?
Gel coloring is preferred because it’s concentrated and doesn’t thin the icing. Liquid coloring may require adjusting the sugar-to-liquid ratio.

Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes! Store undecorated cookies in a single layer in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature before icing.

Is homemade peppermint extract safe?
Only if made properly with food-grade alcohol and organic mint. Commercial extracts are safer and more consistent. Never use essential oils internally.

Can I make these cookies without artificial colors?
Yes! Use natural red colorants like beet juice powder or pomegranate extract. Note that colors may be less vibrant.

What’s the best way to ship peppermint sugar cookies?
Pack in a rigid box with layers separated by parchment. Fill empty space with crumpled paper to prevent movement. Include silica packets to reduce moisture.

Can kids help make these cookies?
Definitely! Children can help with rolling, cutting shapes, mixing icing, and decorating—supervised around hot ovens and sharp tools.

Summary

Peppermint sugar cookies combine the timeless charm of classic sugar cookies with the invigorating flavor of mint, making them a holiday favorite for bakers of all levels. With careful attention to ingredients, chilling, and decoration, you can create beautiful, delicious treats that delight the senses and warm the heart.