Peppermint Cookies
Frosted peppermint cookies with a crisp exterior and chewy center, featuring refreshing peppermint flavor and crushed candies, perfect for holiday treats or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candies, egg, flour, salt, and baking powder until well mixed.
- Chill the dough for several hours to firm up.
- Roll the chilled dough into balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Cookies will remain doughy and not brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and a higher quality peppermint extract. If you don't have crushed peppermint candies, you can substitute with mini chocolate chips for a different twist. Make sure to chill the dough long enough to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint cookies are delightful on their own, but for an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. They also pair beautifully with Aunt Florence'S Moist Chocolate Cake for dessert lovers. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top for a decorative touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint Cookies contains roughly 90 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. The cookies may turn out slightly different in taste and texture, but they should still be delicious.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive feel, consider adding red and green sprinkles before baking or drizzling melted chocolate on top after they cool. You could also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes instead of rolling them into balls.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).