Festive Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

Name: Festive Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies; Red food coloring (optional)

Posted on November 13, 2025

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The scent of peppermint swirling through the air and the sight of colorful sugar cookies fresh out of the oven—it’s enough to make anyone’s holiday season extra magical! These Festive Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just because, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer.

I remember the first time I made these peppermint sugar cookies. It was late December, and the kitchen was already alive with the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and pine from other seasonal baking. But when I added crushed peppermint candies to a batch of sugar cookies, something clicked—it became my holiday go-to! With their soft texture, vibrant colors, and addictive flavor, these cookies are a crowd favorite every single year.

Trust me, this recipe is worth every minute of effort. It’s festive, customizable, and the perfect combination of holiday charm and indulgence. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, these cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Simple Ingredients: Most of the items you need are pantry staples, with just a few festive extras to give them that Christmas flair.
Perfect for Gifting: These peppermint sugar cookies are ideal for cookie tins or holiday platters—they look as good as they taste!
Crowd-Pleaser: Adults love them, kids adore them, and they’re always the first treat to disappear at parties.
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of buttery sugar cookie dough and refreshing peppermint is so indulgent, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds).

What makes this recipe a standout is the balance of flavors and textures. Unlike overly sweet cookies, the peppermint adds a cool, refreshing note that cuts through the richness. Plus, the crushed peppermint candies bring a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie base. It’s a holiday dessert dream come true!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple and festive ingredients that come together to create a holiday masterpiece. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich and tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough beautifully and balances the peppermint flavor.
Egg: Acts as a binder and provides structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show, providing that signature holiday taste.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough—don’t forget to measure accurately!
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Crushed peppermint candies: For a festive crunch and a pop of color.
Red food coloring (optional): Perfect for swirling in some holiday cheer!

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free batch. Feel free to experiment with the peppermint extract—some people like a stronger flavor, while others prefer it subtle.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
Electric mixer or handheld mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking, so make sure you have these handy.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding the dough.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the cookie dough evenly.
Cookie cutters: Festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes will make these extra special.
Baking sheets: Use non-stick or line them with parchment paper.
Cooling rack: To cool the cookies evenly without making them soggy underneath.

If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly for a rustic look. And if you’re missing an electric mixer, you can mix everything by hand—it’s a bit more work, but totally doable!

Detailed Preparation Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Mix in wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the bowl. Beat until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Make the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, divide the dough in half and color one portion with red food coloring.
Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
Add toppings: Press crushed peppermint candies gently onto the surface of each cookie before baking.
Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake!
Cool and enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Baking cookies is an art, and a few simple tips can make all the difference:

Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps them retain their shape.
Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Use fresh peppermint extract: Old extract can lose its potency, so check the expiration date before you start.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the cookies room to spread slightly while baking.
Watch for doneness: The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Fun tip: If you want an extra peppermint kick, sprinkle crushed candies on the cookies right after they come out of the oven—they’ll melt slightly and create a glossy finish.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to customize these Festive Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies:

Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough and use white chocolate chips as a topping instead of crushed peppermint.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix that’s suitable for cookies.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Seasonal Twist: Skip the food coloring and use festive sprinkles instead of crushed peppermint for a more general holiday vibe.
Personal Favorite: I’ve added a touch of almond extract in place of vanilla before—it pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served at room temperature, with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee by your side. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a holiday platter or package them in decorative tins for gifting.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 10g

These cookies are a treat, but they also offer a little holiday happiness that can brighten your day. Plus, peppermint has natural soothing properties—perfect for keeping stress at bay during busy holiday seasons.

Conclusion

These Festive Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a tradition, a little piece of holiday magic, and a sweet treat that brings people together. With their fun, festive look and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking lineup.

Whether you follow the recipe to a T or put your own spin on it, these cookies will always deliver smiles and compliments. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. I’d love to hear your unique variations and see your cookie creations! Happy holidays and happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just let it thaw slightly before rolling and cutting.

Do I need to use peppermint extract?

While peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can omit it or replace it with vanilla extract for a more classic sugar cookie taste.

Can I use pre-crushed peppermint candies?

Yes, pre-crushed candies work perfectly and save time. Just make sure they’re not overly fine—larger chunks add a nice texture.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place unwrapped candies in a zip-top bag, cover with a kitchen towel, and gently crush with a rolling pin or mallet. Easy and effective!

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens if the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.