Name: Peppermint Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Every Time
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 73 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Provides moisture and richness; substitute with margarine if dairy-free.); 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar (Sweetens and contributes to texture; brown sugar can add deeper flavor.); 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; a flax egg works as a vegan option.); 1 large Egg Yolk (Enhances richness and moisture in the cookies.); 1.5 tsps Peppermint Extract (Offers a refreshing flavor that brings the holiday spirit alive.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Adds depth and complements the peppermint perfectly.); 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms the structure of the cookies; a gluten-free flour blend is a good substitute.); 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (Creates a tender texture; can be omitted if in a hurry.); 1 tsp Fine Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.); 0.5 tsp Baking Soda (This leavening agent helps cookies rise.); Red Gel Food Coloring (Adds festive color; avoid liquid coloring.); 1 cup Granulated or Sanding Sugar (Adds delightful texture and sweetness.)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies has a way of wrapping you in a warm hug, doesn’t it? Just picture it: the cheerful colors of my Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies cooling on the counter, their crisp edges hinting at a blissfully soft, chewy center, and that invigorating burst of peppermint flavor waiting for you. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these festive treats not only brighten up the dessert table but also make a delightful impression on family and friends alike. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time in the kitchen. Want to discover the secret to their enchanting swirl and festive flair? Let’s bake!

Why Are Peppermint Sugar Cookies So Irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: These cookies pack a refreshing peppermint punch with every bite, perfect for evoking holiday cheer.

Festive Appeal: Their striking colors make them eye-catching additions to any dessert spread, bringing joy and vibrancy to your celebrations.

User-Friendly: Simple to prepare, even novice bakers can create these cookies with ease—just like my delightful Brown Butter Cookies will quickly have you baking like a pro!

Versatile Variations: Customize your treats! Swap peppermint for almond or vanilla for a unique twist, or add crushed peppermint candies for extra texture and delight.

Make-Ahead Magic: Enjoy the convenience of preparing cookie dough in advance; it can be refrigerated or frozen, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!

With these charming Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies, not only will you impress guests, but you’ll also create warm memories that last beyond the season.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Provides moisture and richness; substitute with margarine if dairy-free.
• Granulated Sugar (1 3/4 cups) – Sweetens and contributes to texture; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
• Large Egg (1) – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; a flax egg works as a vegan option.
• Large Egg Yolk (1) – Enhances richness and moisture in the cookies.
• Peppermint Extract (1 1/2 tsp) – Offers a refreshing flavor that brings the holiday spirit alive; almond extract works for a variation.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds depth and complements the peppermint perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups) – Forms the structure of the cookies; a gluten-free flour blend is a great substitute.
• Cornstarch (1 Tbsp) – Creates a tender texture; this can be omitted if you’re in a hurry.
• Fine Salt (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor for that perfect bite.
• Baking Soda (1/2 tsp) – This leavening agent helps your cookies rise to fluffy perfection.

For Coloring
• Red Gel Food Coloring – Adds that festive color; using liquid coloring may alter the dough’s consistency.

For Coating
• Granulated or Sanding Sugar (1 cup) – For coating, adds delightful texture and an extra hint of sweetness to your cookies.

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes; let’s bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. This crucial step sets the stage for your scrumptious Peppermint Sugar Cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and maintain their delightful texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ¾ cups of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, showcasing tiny air bubbles. This creamy base is essential for achieving soft, chewy centers for your Peppermint Sugar Cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, introduce 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of peppermint extract to the buttery mixture. Blend these ingredients on low speed until they are fully incorporated. This step brings a burst of holiday flavor into your dough, creating a cohesive mixture ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of fine salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined, ensuring no dry flour remains visible. This careful incorporation helps maintain the soft, chewy texture characteristic of Peppermint Sugar Cookies, so avoid overmixing here.

Step 5: Color the Dough
Once the dough is well-mixed, divide it in half. Take one half and knead in a few drops of red gel food coloring until the desired vibrant hue is achieved. Make sure to blend thoroughly for uniform color throughout the dough while leaving the other half plain. This festive color transformation is what makes your Peppermint Sugar Cookies truly special!

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, take small portions of both the plain and red dough. Roll these into smooth balls and place them together—an equal number of each color—next to each other. This playful arrangement is key to creating that irresistible swirl effect, setting up for the charming visual appeal of your Peppermint Sugar Cookies.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Place the alternating colored dough balls side by side and gently press them into a single dough ball, rounding it into shape. Repeat this process until all your dough has been shaped. These beautifully combined balls will bake up with a delightful marbled pattern that adds to the festive flair of your Peppermint Sugar Cookies.

Step 8: Chill the Dough
To ensure the cookies maintain their shape, transfer the formed dough to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 minutes. This cooling step is vital, as it firms up the dough, preventing overspreading while they bake—leading to those perfect edges and soft centers.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Once chilled, arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes. They should appear set around the edges but remain pale in color, keeping that delightful soft texture intact.

Step 10: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cookies cool on the trays for about 15 minutes. Once they are slightly firm, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final cooling creates the perfect balance of textures in your Peppermint Sugar Cookies, ensuring they are ready for immediate enjoyment or festive gifting!

Peppermint Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your peppermint sugar cookies, adding unique twists that will delight your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine, creating a luscious cookie suitable for dairy-free diets. The flavor remains rich and delightful!
Vegan Delight: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). This swap creates a chewy cookie that keeps the peppermint flavor shining bright.
Add Some Crunch: Mix in crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips to create a tantalizing texture contrast. The added crunch elevates the cookie’s appeal and adds a festive touch.
Flavor Boost: Swap out peppermint extract for almond or vanilla extract for an entirely different flavor profile. Almond brings out a nutty richness, while vanilla adds warmth.
Festive Colors: Use multiple colors for different occasions! Consider green and red for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. The vibrant colors will make your cookies a party favorite.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that marries beautifully with peppermint—perfect for cozy winter gatherings!

These variations allow you to personalize these festive cookies further. For a chewy experience in every bite, try pairing them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa while savoring the flavors, just like with my scrumptious Brownie Cookie Cookies! Enjoy mixing it up!

What to Serve with Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies

The holiday season is filled with delightful flavors, and pairing these festive cookies with complementary treats can elevate your gatherings to new heights.

Rich Hot Cocoa: Nothing warms the soul like a steaming cup of rich hot cocoa. The creamy chocolate flavor perfectly balances the refreshing peppermint, creating a cozy pairing.
Frosted Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet and spiced, these rolls add a wonderful contrast to the coolness of the cookies, making breakfast or brunch even more exciting.
Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with fudge or caramel sauce turns dessert into a dream. The combination of warm and cold, along with the minty cookies, is a true indulgence.
Candy Cane Milkshakes: Blend up a festive milkshake using vanilla ice cream, milk, and crushed candy canes. The minty coolness matches the cookies beautifully, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Peppermint Tea: For a lighter option, a warm mug of peppermint tea harmonizes with the cookies’ flavor, offering a soothing, aromatic experience that compliments every bite.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The rich, decadent chocolate pairs wonderfully with the peppermint flavor, creating a rich yet refreshing dessert experience amidst the sweetness.
Sparkling Cranberry Punch: A festive non-alcoholic drink that adds a bright, tart flavor to the table while the bubbles enhance the celebratory spirit of your gathering.

Choosing these delightful accompaniments not only enhances the flavors but also creates a warm atmosphere perfect for sharing and celebrating with loved ones!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sugar Cookies

• Creaming Matters: Thoroughly cream butter and sugar together to create a light and fluffy mixture for chewy cookies that melt in your mouth.

• Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! It firms up the dough to prevent overspreading, ensuring your Peppermint Sugar Cookies hold their beautiful shape.

• Spacing is Key: Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet, allowing room for them to spread while baking without merging into one another.

• Monitor Baking: Keep a close eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. They should be set around the edges while remaining light in color to preserve their soft, chewy centers.

• Dough Consistency: Always opt for gel food coloring over liquid; the latter can alter the dough’s consistency, affecting the final result of your delightful cookies.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your baked Peppermint Sugar Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh, chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they are in a sealed container to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Enjoy them for up to 2 months!

Reheating: To enjoy that just-baked warmth, reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, bringing back their delightful softness.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by refrigerating it, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To prep, simply follow the instructions until shaping the cookie balls, then refrigerate or freeze the dough. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the dough from the fridge to soften slightly before baking. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh cookies with the same delightful taste and texture as if they were made on the spot. With these make ahead options, you can have holiday treats ready to go without the last-minute stress!

Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Peppermint Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! For the freshest flavor, make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy blending. Your granulated sugar should be free from clumps, and when selecting your peppermint extract, look for pure extracts that are clear and aromatic. This attention to ingredient quality will elevate your cookies’ taste and texture.

What is the best way to store Peppermint Sugar Cookies?
To keep your baked Peppermint Sugar Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just remember, the slower they cool off, the better they’ll remain soft and chewy!

Can I freeze Peppermint Sugar Cookies, and how should I do it?
Very! You can freeze your Peppermint Sugar Cookies both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked dough, roll into balls and chill in the freezer for about an hour. Once firm, pack them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and enjoy them for up to 2 months. For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw your cookies at room temperature for a delightful treat later on!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough ends up too sticky, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a little extra flour, about a tablespoon at a time, and mix gently. This should help bring the dough back to a workable consistency. Just remember not to add too much, as it might affect the final texture!

Are these cookies safe for those with allergies?
Great question! My Peppermint Sugar Cookies contain dairy and eggs. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine or vegan butter. For eggless cookies, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a binding agent. Always check for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern!

Can I make these Peppermint Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, which provides the necessary structure for soft and chewy cookies. Happy baking!