Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe — A Powerful Christmas Cookie Flavors Upgrade

Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe magic starts the second that buttery dough hits the bowl and the peppermint aroma sneaks into the air like it owns the place. The very first time I made these festive beauties, I knew they were going to be a forever kind of holiday staple. You know that moment when your oven is warming the house, the kitchen smells like Christmas, and you’re already planning which cookie you’ll “taste-test” first? Yeah… these cookies do that. They deliver that cozy, nostalgic, candy-cane-lane vibe every single time.

What surprised me most was how such a simple twist—peppermint—completely transformed my usual sugar cookie routine. I wanted something different, something that stood out from the predictable holiday cookie trays we all know and love (or pretend to love). Regular sugar cookies? Cute. Nice. Classic. But these? These felt like a Christmas Cookie Flavors upgrade in the best possible way. A little peppermint in the dough, a cool and creamy frosting, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes… suddenly they were the cookies everyone—kids, neighbors, coworkers—begged me to bring back.

Best part? They’re easy. Like, dangerously easy. Even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll look like you’ve got years of experience tucked under your apron. And IMO, that’s the best kind of holiday magic.

So if you’re ready for a cookie that brings sparkle, joy, and maybe just a tiny bit of chaos (looking at you, crushed candy canes that get everywhere), you’re absolutely in the right place.

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What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible

There’s something about this Peppermint Cookies Recipe that hits differently. Maybe it’s the soft, buttery cookie base. Maybe it’s the sweet-and-cool peppermint vibe that screams “holiday cheer.” Or maybe it’s the frosting—because let’s be honest, frosting makes everything better.

Here’s why these cookies rise above the rest:

They’re easy but impressive.
You don’t need complicated steps or special bakery tools. You just need pantry staples and some peppermint flair.

They taste like Christmas in every bite.
The peppermint flavor pairs perfectly with vanilla-scented dough. It’s like the dessert version of a cozy holiday movie night.

They work for everyone.
Kids? Obsessed. Adults? Shockingly into them. They’re sweet without being over-the-top.

They look gorgeous.
That frosting swirl topped with crushed candy canes instantly elevates your dessert table.

They’re customizable.
Dial the peppermint flavor up or down. Add sprinkles. Tint the frosting. Shape them however your heart desires.

And here’s the kicker—these cookies hold their shape. No spreading. No sad puddles of dough melting across the pan. These cookies stay exactly how you cut them. That’s a win.

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Ingredient List (With Short Descriptions You’ll Actually Use)

For the Cookies

• All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): Gives structure. Too little = floppy cookies. Too much = hockey pucks.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps them puff.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds extra lift.
• Kosher salt (½ tsp): Makes the sweetness pop.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Soft, creamy, dreamy.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and helps the cookies get soft edges.
• Egg (1 large): Holds everything together.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Warm, sweet background flavor.
• Peppermint extract (¾ tsp): The star of the show. Adjust to your liking.

For the Frosting

• Butter (½ cup): Softened for smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Makes the frosting silky.
• Milk or cream (2–3 tbsp): Controls texture.
• Peppermint extract (½ tsp): Gives your frosting personality.
• Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness.

For Decorating

• Crushed candy canes: Crunchy, festive, and very fun to smash.
• Holiday sprinkles (optional): Totally unnecessary but incredibly adorable.

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How to Make It (Simple + No Stress)

Prep the basics.
Let the butter soften. Crack an egg into a small bowl (no eggshell surprises today). Mix your dry ingredients so everything incorporates evenly. Crush the candy canes—go ahead, release the holiday stress.

Cream the butter and sugar.
Beat until fluffy, pale, and fluffy enough to look like frosting. This is your ticket to soft cookies.

Add the egg and extracts.
Mix well. The dough may look slightly separated at first—don’t panic.

Add dry ingredients.
Go slow. Stop mixing when the flour disappears. Overmixing is where cookies go to die.

Chill the dough.
Twenty minutes is all it takes to make rolling and cutting a million times easier.

Roll + cut.
Use cutters, a glass, or your hands. Keep them around ¼ inch thick.

Bake.
350°F for 8–10 minutes. Edges set, centers pale. Perfect.

Mix the frosting.
Cream butter. Add powdered sugar. Add peppermint extract. Add milk as needed. Frosting = done.

Decorate.
Frost the cooled cookies. Add crushed candy canes and sprinkles. Let the frosting set.

Boom. Holiday cookie perfection.

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The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe actually came from a moment of baking desperation. My cookie trays were looking… bland. You know how every holiday gathering has the same lineup? Peanut butter blossoms, gingerbread people, and maybe a chocolate crinkle if someone felt fancy.

I wanted a cookie that felt bright. Fun. Fresh. A little sparkly.

So I experimented.

First attempt: too minty. Like mouthwash-in-cookie-form minty.
Second attempt: too subtle. People asked, “Is this just sugar?”
Third attempt: perfection. Balanced, soft, festive, and totally irresistible.

That third batch started a tradition. I’ve made these cookies in tiny apartments, big kitchens, and once in July when I was nostalgic for winter. They’ve survived potlucks, office parties, and my nephew (who once stole six before dinner).

These cookies feel like my little holiday gift to anyone who needs a quick win in the kitchen.

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Pro Tips for the Best Outcome

Here’s how to make your cookies truly next level:

Chill the dough.
It makes everything easier and keeps the cookies from spreading.

Use room-temp butter.
Too cold, and it won’t cream. Too warm, and your dough melts.

Bake until barely golden.
Soft sugar cookies should stay pale. Golden edges = crisp cookie.

Sift your powdered sugar.
No one wants lumpy frosting. Trust me.

Add crushed candy canes right away.
The frosting helps them stick. If you wait, they bounce right off like sprinkles with attitude.

Stir the frosting with love.
Okay, maybe not “love,” but with care—frosting sets the vibe of the whole cookie.

Want thicker frosting?
Add more powdered sugar. Want thinner? More milk. Easy.

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Variations to Try

Ready to play around? Here are fun twists:

• Chocolate peppermint version: Swap part of the flour for cocoa powder.
• Soft and tangy twist: Add a spoonful of sour cream for bold, soft, cakey-style cookies—a nod to Peppermint Sour Cream Cookies.
• Cream cheese upgrade: Add cream cheese to the frosting for a richer finish—perfect if you’re aiming for that Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies vibe.
• Cheesecake-inspired: Fold white chocolate chunks into the dough for something similar to Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies.
• Natural coloring: Add a drop of red or green gel coloring to the frosting.
• Make them sparkle: White sanding sugar on top looks like frosty snow.
• Simplify it: Skip the frosting and roll the dough in sugar before baking.

The options are endless—peppermint is one of the most versatile holiday flavors, especially for Peppermint Baking.

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Best Way to Serve These Cookies

Serve these cookies with:

• Hot cocoa
• Coffee
• Milk
• Peppermint tea
• A cozy movie night
• A holiday charcuterie board (savory + sweet = magic)

They also make amazing gifts. Stack a few in a cellophane bag, tie with ribbon, and boom—homemade gift that people actually want.

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Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers

• Room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week if frosted.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: 7 seconds in the microwave (trust me—perfection).

If the candy canes get sticky, add a fresh sprinkle before serving.

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FAQs About This Recipe

How strong is the peppermint flavor?
Just enough to taste festive, not enough to feel intense. Adjust with extract if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Oh yes. These cookies vanish fast.

Can I make them ahead?
Yep—dough keeps 48 hours in the fridge and months in the freezer.

Can I frost them later?
Absolutely. Freeze cookies unfrosted, frost fresh.

Do I have to use candy canes?
Nope—white chocolate chips or sprinkles work too.

Can I shape these into cut-outs?
Definitely. They hold their shape beautifully.

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Final Thoughts on This Recipe

These peppermint cookies are more than a dessert—they’re a full-on holiday mood. They’re cozy, cheerful, and incredibly simple to make. Plus, they’re adaptable enough to match whatever celebration (or craving) you’ve got going on. Whether you lean classic or prefer your sweets with some extra bling, this recipe fits right in.

If you’re looking for festive treats that nail those nostalgic Christmas Cookies Recipe vibes while feeling fresh and new, these are the cookies for you. And hey—don’t be surprised when people ask for the recipe. It happens every time.

Bake a batch, pour yourself something warm, and enjoy the sweetest part of the season.

If you try them, send me a pic—I’m always down to see your creations! Print