Peppermint Holiday Cookie Magic: Recipes to Sparkle Your Season

‘Tis the season for festive flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with peppermint holiday cookies? These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones, leaving out for Santa, or simply enjoying as a cozy indulgence on a chilly winter evening. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to bake batches of unforgettable peppermint cookies, from classic recipes to innovative twists. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of peppermint and holiday cheer!

## Why Peppermint Cookies are a Holiday Staple

Peppermint and the holiday season are practically synonymous. The refreshing, invigorating flavor of peppermint perfectly complements the warmth and joy of the holidays. Peppermint candies, peppermint bark, and, of course, peppermint cookies, are all essential components of a festive celebration. The coolness of peppermint also provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, decadent flavors often associated with holiday baking, creating a balanced and satisfying treat.

## Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Perfection

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s review the key ingredients that will ensure your peppermint cookies are a resounding success:

* **Unsalted Butter:** Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness of your cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Provides sweetness and structure to the cookies.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the richness and texture of the cookies.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
* **Peppermint Extract:** The star of the show! Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor. Be careful not to overdo it, as peppermint extract can be quite potent. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the cookie dough. Make sure to measure it accurately to avoid dry or tough cookies.
* **Baking Soda:** A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread.
* **Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Peppermint Candies (Crushed):** For topping or incorporating into the dough, adding a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor. Use candy canes, peppermint swirls, or any other peppermint candies you like.
* **Chocolate (Optional):** Dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used to drizzle, dip, or incorporate into the cookies for a delightful chocolate-peppermint combination.

## Classic Peppermint Sugar Cookies

This recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for decorating and sharing. The soft, buttery cookies are infused with peppermint flavor and topped with crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.

**Yields:** About 24 cookies
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Chill Time:** 1 hour
**Bake Time:** 8-10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Egg and Extracts:** Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Chill Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. **Roll and Cut Out Cookies:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
8. **Place Cookies on Baking Sheets:** Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. **Cool and Decorate:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with frosting and crushed peppermint candies.

## Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

For chocolate lovers, these double chocolate peppermint cookies are a decadent delight. The rich, fudgy cookies are infused with peppermint flavor and studded with chocolate chips for an irresistible combination.

**Yields:** About 24 cookies
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Bake Time:** 10-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Egg and Extracts:** Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
3. **Add Cocoa Powder:** Beat in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
9. **Cool and Decorate:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are still slightly warm, press crushed peppermint candies into the tops.

## Peppermint Meringue Cookies

These light and airy meringue cookies are a delicate and delightful treat. The crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior are infused with peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to any holiday dessert platter.

**Yields:** About 36 cookies
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Bake Time:** 1-1.5 hours

**Ingredients:**

* 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
* 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* Pink or red food coloring (optional)
* Crushed peppermint candies, for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Beat Egg Whites and Cream of Tartar:** In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
3. **Gradually Add Sugar:** Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should be smooth and hold its shape.
4. **Add Peppermint Extract and Food Coloring (Optional):** Beat in the peppermint extract and food coloring (if using).
5. **Pipe or Spoon Meringue onto Baking Sheet:** Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or use a spoon). Pipe or spoon small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
6. **Sprinkle with Crushed Peppermint Candies:** Sprinkle the meringue cookies with crushed peppermint candies.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This will help prevent them from cracking.
8. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

## Peppermint Bark Cookies

These cookies combine the best of both worlds: the classic flavor of chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible taste of peppermint bark. The buttery cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and topped with a layer of melted chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.

**Yields:** About 24 cookies
**Prep Time:** 25 minutes
**Bake Time:** 9-11 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

**For the Peppermint Bark Topping:**

* 12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
* 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Prepare Peppermint Bark Topping:** While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips and shortening (if using) in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
10. **Spread Chocolate over Cookies:** Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over the tops of the cooled cookies.
11. **Sprinkle with Crushed Peppermint Candies:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate.
12. **Let Set:** Let the chocolate set completely before serving. You can speed up the process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

## Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Enjoy delicious peppermint cookies without any dairy or eggs! These vegan chocolate chip cookies are infused with peppermint extract and loaded with vegan chocolate chips for a festive treat that everyone can enjoy.

**Yields:** About 24 cookies
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Bake Time:** 10-12 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 2 tablespoons applesauce
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Vegan Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Applesauce and Extracts:** Beat in the applesauce, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the vegan chocolate chips.
6. **Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
8. **Cool and Decorate:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are still slightly warm, press crushed peppermint candies into the tops.

## Tips for Peppermint Cookie Perfection

* **Use High-Quality Peppermint Extract:** The quality of your peppermint extract will greatly impact the flavor of your cookies. Choose a reputable brand for the best results.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (When Required):** Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and brittle. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
* **Cool Completely Before Decorating:** Frosting and decorations will melt if applied to warm cookies.
* **Store Properly:** Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

## Variations and Creative Twists

* **Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies:** Add hot chocolate mix to your favorite cookie recipe for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Peppermint Mocha Cookies:** Combine peppermint extract and coffee extract for a mocha-infused cookie.
* **Peppermint Macarons:** A sophisticated twist on a classic French macaron.
* **Peppermint Brownie Cookies:** Combine the fudgy goodness of brownies with the refreshing flavor of peppermint.
* **Peppermint Cookie Sandwiches:** Sandwich frosting or ice cream between two peppermint cookies for a decadent treat.

## Serving and Gifting Ideas

* **Cookie Platters:** Create a festive cookie platter with a variety of peppermint cookies and other holiday treats.
* **Cookie Exchanges:** Participate in a cookie exchange with friends and family to share your peppermint creations.
* **Homemade Gifts:** Package peppermint cookies in decorative tins or boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.
* **Santa’s Snack:** Leave out a plate of peppermint cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.
* **Holiday Parties:** Serve peppermint cookies at your holiday parties for a festive and delicious treat.

## Embrace the Peppermint Holiday Spirit

Peppermint holiday cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a symbol of the joy, warmth, and togetherness that define the holiday season. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to bake batches of unforgettable peppermint cookies that will delight your loved ones and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and embrace the peppermint holiday spirit! Happy baking!