If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines classic sweetness with a festive twist, this Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe is just what you need. These soft, buttery cookies bring a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing peppermint crunch, making them an irresistible favorite during the holidays or any time you crave a bit of cheer. The crushed peppermint pieces on top add a beautiful pop of color and a cool burst of flavor that complements the tender cookie base perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, thoughtful ingredients is the key to baking these Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe. Each element plays a special role in crafting the cookie’s tender crumb, subtle tang, and that festive peppermint bite you’ll love.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crispness on the outside.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives the cookies a lovely moistness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 whole egg: Binds everything together while adding a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Infuses warmth and depth to every cookie bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to create a light, tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overtly salty.
- 2 ½ cups flour: The foundation that holds your cookie together with perfect structure.
- 10 peppermint candies (crushed): Provides that refreshing, crunchy burst that turns cookies into a festive delight.
How to Make Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a lovely, tender texture once baked.
Step 2: Add Sour Cream, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, while the egg helps bind everything seamlessly, and the vanilla gives the dough a beautifully fragrant base.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Slowly add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. This ensures your cookies hold their shape and have that perfect soft bite.
Step 4: Wrap and Chill Dough
Place your cookie dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least one hour—this step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and helping the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Keeping an even thickness ensures your cookies bake evenly with a consistent texture throughout.
Step 6: Cut and Arrange
Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough, then place each cookie carefully on a baking sheet. This is your chance to get creative with festive shapes that will look stunning once baked.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Crushed Peppermint
Generously sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie. The peppermint will add a cooling crunch and a splash of fun color, turning these cookies into an instant holiday hit.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-8 minutes. Keep a close eye so they come out just lightly golden around the edges but remain soft and chewy inside.
Step 9: Cool on a Rack
Once out of the oven, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps preserve their delicate texture and allows the peppermint to set perfectly on top.
How to Serve Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. Fresh mint leaves can also complement the peppermint flavor beautifully, making these cookies feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of creamy eggnog. The warmth of the drink enhances the minty freshness, creating a comforting, festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a bright holiday platter with sprigs of holly or small pinecones for seasonal charm. Or, wrap them in cellophane tied with a red ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts—nothing says love like freshly baked Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for nibbling long after baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. Baked cookies also freeze well—just place them in an airtight container with parchment between the layers.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes before serving to revive their soft texture and bring out the peppermint aroma. Avoid using the microwave, which can make them chewy or hard.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed peppermint candies?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract will give you a strong mint flavor throughout the cookie, but you’ll miss out on the delightful peppermint crunch that the crushed candies provide. You could even do both for maximum mintiness.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will still add moisture and a slight tang, keeping your cookies tender and flavorful.
How do I prevent the crushed peppermint from melting too much in the oven?
Sprinkle the crushed peppermint just before baking, and try to keep chunks on the surface rather than pushing them into the dough. This helps the peppermint maintain its texture and color during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy this Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the best results.
How do I keep my sugar cookies soft instead of crunchy?
Using sour cream and not overbaking your cookies are key factors for softness. Also, storing them in an airtight container ensures they don’t dry out and stay chewy longer after baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking these Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe and sharing them with friends and family. From the tender dough to the sparkling peppermint topping, every bite feels like a celebration. I hope you try making these cookies soon—they might just become your new seasonal favorite to enjoy year after year!
Print
Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Sugar Cookies with Crushed Peppermint—a perfect holiday treat combining a buttery, soft sugar cookie base with a refreshing peppermint crunch. These cookies are beautifully tender with a hint of vanilla and a crisp sweetness enhanced by crushed candy canes sprinkled on top, making them both visually appealing and deliciously flavorful.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- 10 peppermint candies (crushed)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the sour cream, whole egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until a cohesive dough forms without overworking it.
- Wrap and Chill Dough: Shape the cookie dough into a ball and place it on a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap the dough completely and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up and develop flavor.
- Roll Out Dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately ¼ inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Carefully place each cut cookie onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Sprinkle Peppermint: Generously sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the tops of each cookie, gently pressing them onto the dough so they adhere.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-8 minutes—until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, do not roll the dough too thin; ¼ inch thickness helps create a soft yet structured cookie.
- The dough must be chilled to prevent spreading during baking and to improve texture.
- Feel free to substitute peppermint candies with crushed candy canes or peppermint baking chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To soften peppermint candies before crushing, place them in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
