Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Delightful peppermint sugar cookies, soft and sweet, perfect for holiday gatherings with a rich frosting topped with crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream Adjust for desired consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch salt
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for decoration)
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Preparation
- Let butter come to room temperature. Crack the egg into a small bowl.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Crush candy canes for topping.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high until pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix. If dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for 10 minutes if in a rush).
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters or a glass. Place cookies 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter until creamy.
- Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting on each cookie. Top with crushed candy canes and sprinkles if desired.
- Let frosting set for 15 minutes before stacking or serving.
Notes
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as sweet gifts for friends and family. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. They also make a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table, especially during festive occasions. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or freeze without frosting for up to three months.