These peppermint Christmas cookies are a festive treat that combines the flavors of peppermint and vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are sure to delight family and friends.
The recipe is simple and can be made in under an hour, making it a great addition to your holiday baking list. You can also customize them with frosting or crushed candy canes for extra flair.
Creating the Perfect Holiday Treat
When the holiday season rolls around, the kitchen becomes a hub of activity, filled with the delightful scents of baking. Peppermint Christmas cookies are a classic choice that brings a festive spirit to any gathering. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, makes them irresistible.
These cookies are not just tasty; they also offer a visual appeal that enhances any holiday spread. The vibrant colors of crushed candy canes sprinkled on top create a cheerful contrast against the soft cookie base, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients That Shine
The ingredients for these cookies are simple yet effective. A buttery base infused with peppermint extract provides the foundation for flavor. The addition of both granulated and brown sugar results in a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
Crushed peppermint candies are the star of the show, adding a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie texture. For those who enjoy an extra touch of sweetness, a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation and taste.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing these cookies is a straightforward process that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Start by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Mixing the wet ingredients is the first step, where the butter and sugars come together to create a fluffy mixture. Incorporating eggs and extracts adds moisture and flavor, setting the stage for the dry ingredients that follow.
Mixing and Baking
Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, it’s time to fold in the crushed peppermint candies. This step is crucial as it distributes the peppermint flavor throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie for spreading. Baking them until the edges are lightly golden gives them that perfect chewy texture.
Cooling and Serving
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for achieving the ideal texture. Once cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar can be added for that festive touch.
These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their delightful appearance and festive flavor make them a must-have during the holiday season.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
To truly embrace the holiday spirit, consider how you present these cookies. Arrange them on a decorative plate, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. A small Christmas tree in the background can enhance the cozy atmosphere, making your cookie display a centerpiece for gatherings.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to enjoy yourself, peppermint Christmas cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Their combination of flavors and festive presentation makes them a delightful addition to any holiday tradition.
Festive Peppermint Cookies Recipe
These cookies feature a buttery base infused with peppermint extract, topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Peppermint: Fold in the crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g