Welcome to the ultimate peppermint cookie recipe, your new go-to for festive holiday baking. These cookies are perfectly soft, wonderfully chewy, and packed with a refreshing peppermint flavor that tastes just like Christmas. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers flawless results every time. Forget dry, crunchy cookies; prepare for a rich, buttery treat with delightful bursts of candy cane crunch.
We’ve crafted this recipe to be straightforward and fun, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The combination of creamy butter, rich vanilla, and cool peppermint creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating. Let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cookie Recipe
There are countless reasons this will become your favorite holiday cookie. It’s an incredibly easy-to-make recipe that delivers a soft, chewy texture that lasts for days. The festive look, with crushed candy canes sparkling on top, makes them a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Plus, they are perfect for gifting!
- Perfectly Soft & Chewy: We use a specific combination of ingredients to ensure a soft-baked texture that doesn’t get hard or crispy.
- Festive Flavor: A balanced infusion of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes provides a bright, festive taste without being overwhelming.
- Simple & Quick: The dough comes together in minutes, and the cookies bake in just over 10 minutes. No chilling required!
- Visually Stunning: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them ideal for holiday gatherings and cookie swaps. Check out our White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies for another festive option.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Peppermint Cookies
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to achieve its signature taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect batch.
For the Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a creamy, smooth dough.
- Granulated & Brown Sugar: A mix of both sugars creates that ideal chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and add moisture.
- Peppermint & Vanilla Extract: The duo that gives these cookies their signature holiday flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes: For that essential peppermint crunch and festive look.
For a different kind of no-bake holiday treat, you might also love these easy Buckeye Bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake the most delicious peppermint cookies you’ve ever had. We’ve broken it down to ensure your baking process is smooth and successful.
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside. In a separate small bowl, place your crushed candy canes.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create a lighter cookie.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Once the eggs are incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until just combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture you set aside earlier. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cookies. The dough will be soft and thick.
5. Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Gently press a few extra crushed candy cane pieces onto the tops of the dough balls for a more festive look. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look set. The cookies might appear slightly underbaked in the middle, but they will continue to bake on the hot pan.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up properly. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! If you’re a fan of holiday baking, don’t miss our classic Easy Banana Bread Recipe which is perfect year-round.
Baker’s Tips for Chewy Peppermint Cookies
Want to guarantee your peppermint cookies are the best on the block? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a soft and chewy cookie is to pull it from the oven when the center still looks a tiny bit soft. It will finish baking on the hot cookie sheet.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs mix together more evenly, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, resulting in dry cookies.
Storing Your Peppermint Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a festive treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Peppermint Cookie Recipe
Yes, chocolate and peppermint are a classic combination! You can stir in 1 cup of white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chunks into the dough along with the crushed candy canes.
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Yes, but use it sparingly! Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract. We recommend starting with just a few drops, tasting the dough, and adding more only if needed.
The key to soft cookies is not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly soft. Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature will also help maintain their chewy texture.
Place unwrapped candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag. Lay it on a flat surface and gently tap it with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan until you have small, crunchy pieces.
The Ultimate Peppermint Cookie Recipe
Peppermint Cookie Recipe: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently stir in 3/4 cup of the crushed candy canes.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Press the remaining crushed candy canes onto the tops of the cookie dough balls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tip 2: To easily crush candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Tip 3: Don't overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Share Your Creations!
We hope you love this Peppermint Cookie Recipe as much as we do! It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends this holiday season. If you make them, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it with us on Pinterest. Happy baking!
