Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These soft and chewy peppermint sugar cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend sweet vanilla and refreshing peppermint flavors. Ideal for the holidays or any time you’re craving a festive cookie with a tender bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup crushed peppermints or candy canes
- ½ cup granulated white sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter and ¾ cup sugar on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed to combine.
- Step 4: Mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Stir in the crushed peppermint pieces with a spoon or spatula.
- Step 5: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Step 7: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions using a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Step 8: Roll each ball in the reserved ½ cup granulated sugar to coat, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 9: Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla, but be careful not to overpower the dough.
- Use crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and color, or substitute with finely chopped peppermint candies.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Try dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container, which helps maintain moisture. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Warm slightly to refresh their soft texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed peppermints?
Yes, you can substitute crushed peppermints with ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for flavor. However, the candy pieces add a pleasant crunch and festive look that extract alone can’t provide.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding overbaking are key to soft, chewy cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked, then let them cool on the baking sheet.
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Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies are festive and flavorful treats perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a tender, buttery dough infused with vanilla and studded with crushed peppermint candies, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and refreshing minty crunch. Rolled in sugar before baking, they develop a subtly crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy inside.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar (for dough)
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Add-ins and Coating
- ½ cup crushed peppermints (or candy canes)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar (for rolling dough balls)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Peppermint: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until barely combined. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold in the crushed peppermint pieces evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up for easier handling and improves the texture of the cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Portion Dough: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator. Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized dough balls.
- Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the ½ cup granulated sugar reserved for coating to evenly coat the surface.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Crushing peppermint candies can be done by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crushing with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting; store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optionally, add extra crushed peppermint on top of each cookie before baking for extra minty crunch.
- Using silicone baking mats can help prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint sugar cookies, holiday cookies, chewy sugar cookies, mint cookies, Christmas cookies
