Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a good Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe, especially when the peppermint flavor shines through that tender, buttery cookie base. I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, festive, and just a little bit minty. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want to brighten up a chilly afternoon, you’re going to adore how these cookies come together—and how they disappear fast once your friends and family get a taste!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a cookie dough that’s easy to work with and tastes amazing. Keep your baking staples stocked, and a quick trip to the store will cover any extras like the meringue powder for the royal icing.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, unbleached if possible for a cleaner flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps give these cookies a subtle lift so they’re not too dense.
• Salted butter: Cold and cubed, it makes the dough rich and tender.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar for sweetness and a nice texture.
• Egg: Binds everything and adds moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Almond extract: Just a hint for added complexity—it really makes a difference!
• Meringue powder: Essential for royal icing, it gives structure without the fuss of egg whites.
• Powdered sugar: The smooth base of the royal icing.
• Light corn syrup: Adds shine and helps keep the icing smooth.
• Peppermint extract: For that signature holiday flavor in your icing.
• Gel icing colors (white, pink, red, or green): For decorating and that Christmas flair.
• Tools like round cookie cutters, squeeze bottles, and toothpicks: These really help you get creative with your looks.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is to your flavor preferences and decorating style. I encourage you to make it your own and experiment a bit, especially with the icing colors and flavor accents.

• Chocolate Peppermint Twist: I tried adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a subtle chocolate base—it’s heavenly with the peppermint icing on top!
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures like regular flour, but keep a close eye on dough texture—you might need a touch more liquid.
• Extra Minty Kick: Double up on the peppermint extract in the icing, but be cautious—it’s potent and a little goes a long way to avoid overpowering.
• Festive Shapes and Colors: Beyond the classic round cookies, use holiday-themed cutters like snowflakes or trees and choose red and green icing colors for a vibrant holiday spread.

How to Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, parchment is a game-changer for easy cookie removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour and baking powder, then set it aside. Next, cream your cold, cubed butter with sugar using the paddle attachment on your stand mixer until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture really lightens in color, which means it’s ready. Then beat in your egg plus the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until everything is well combined. Now, add the flour mixture slowly, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent overworking the dough. After your last addition, the dough will look crumbly but don’t worry—that’s exactly right.

Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Chill the Dough

I like to line my rolling surface with wax paper and dust it generously with flour along with my rolling pin. This prevents sticking and helps with smooth rolling. Take a portion of dough and knead it gently just until smooth, then roll it out to about a quarter-inch thick. Dip your round cutter in flour before cutting your circles to keep edges clean—don’t forget to flour the surface again as you work! The dough is sturdy, so these cookies lift nicely without breaking. Place the cut cookies on your prepared sheets, then pop them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking—this step is crucial for crisp edges and keeping the cookie shape without spreading.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the chilled cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden. Watch them closely—oven times can vary, and you want tender, not overly browned cookies. When you take them out, let them cool for a few minutes right on the baking tray, then trim the edges with your cutter if you want perfectly round shapes. Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Step 4: Whip Up the Peppermint Royal Icing

Once your cookies are fully cool, it’s time to make the royal icing. In a large bowl with your mixer’s paddle attachment, whisk together the meringue powder, peppermint extract, and water until foamy—that little foamy stage is where magic starts. Sift in the powdered sugar and add the corn syrup for that glossy finish. Mix on low to incorporate, scraping the bowl sides as you go, then beat on medium-high to stiff peaks. The icing should be shiny and hold its shape well. Tint a small portion pink and add a touch of white gel color to the remaining icing to get that crisp white shade.

Step 5: Decorate Like a Pro

Using a squeeze bottle, pipe a crisp white outline around each cookie. Then thin the white icing with drops of water until it flows like thick syrup for flooding the centers. Fill them in with this flood consistency white icing. Next, pipe pink dots along the edges and gently drag a toothpick from the pink dots toward the cookie center to create that classic peppermint swirl effect. This design not only looks beautiful but is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Let the decorated cookies dry uncovered for at least 24 hours so the icing hardens fully—trust me, this patience pays off!

How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes minimal for these cookies since the royal icing peppermint swirl does the heavy lifting visually. Occasionally, I’ll sprinkle finely crushed peppermint candies on top before the icing dries for an extra festive crunch and color contrast—it really amps up that holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

These peppermint sugar cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint-infused latte. For gatherings, I serve alongside mini jars of eggnog or a warming mulled wine—the minty brightness of the cookies balances creamy or spiced drinks perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I packaged these cookies in small treat bags tied with rustic twine, and they made adorable gifts. Another favorite is arranging them on a festive platter with fresh evergreen sprigs and candy canes for a holiday dessert table centerpiece. The pretty colors and peppermint swirls really make the display pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint sugar cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They last perfectly fresh for up to a week at room temperature, which is plenty long since they tend to disappear quickly around my house!

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze nicely—either before decorating or after the royal icing has fully set. Just layer them with parchment and seal tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight on the counter; they come out just as fresh and tasty as the day you baked them.

Reheating

While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat or the icing may soften too much. This quick warming brings out the buttery notes without any mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s equal parts fun to make and absolutely delightful to eat. I remember the first time I decorated these—I was amazed at how simple techniques turned out stunning peppermint swirl patterns that wowed everyone. You’ll find baking these cookies a joyful way to create memories, whether for family, friends, or yourself. So grab your mixer, your favorite holiday playlist, and get ready—your kitchen is about to smell amazing and your taste buds are in for a treat!

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