Name: Bake Irresistible BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies in Under 1 Hour
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; half teaspoon baking soda; quarter teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; half cup unsalted butter room temperature; half cup vegetable shortening; half cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; half teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup unsalted butter; half teaspoon peppermint extract; 3 and a half cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; pink food coloring; Sprinkles; crushed peppermint pieces

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Is there anything better than holiday baking? Seriously, the smells alone are enough to make me happy! But for me, it’s all about sharing those homemade treats with family and friends. And you know what flavor just screams “holidays”? Peppermint! There’s just something so festive about it.

I have this *amazing* memory of being a kid and helping my grandma make cookies. We’d crank up the Christmas tunes, and the whole house would smell like sugar and peppermint. Pure magic! I’ve been baking for, well, let’s just say a *long* time, and I think I’ve finally perfected my peppermint cookie game.

That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for the **BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies**! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with that perfect peppermint punch. Trust me, these are seriously addictive, and they’re so easy to make, even if you’re not a super experienced baker. This recipe will become a new holiday tradition, I just know it!

Why You’ll Love These BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, so why are these cookies so special? Well, first off, they’re seriously delicious! But more than that, this recipe is just *easy*. Perfect for whipping up a batch when you need a little holiday cheer, or, you know, a cookie emergency. Plus, they’re gorgeous! Who doesn’t love a pretty cookie?

Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are perfectly soft! They practically melt in your mouth. No one wants a crunchy sugar cookie, right?

Perfect Peppermint Flavor

The peppermint isn’t overpowering, it’s *just* right! It’s that perfect amount of holiday flavor that’ll have you reaching for another.

Easy to Make

Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is super simple, and the steps are straightforward. Even beginner bakers can nail it!

Festive and Fun

With their pink frosting and peppermint sprinkles, these cookies are *so* festive. They’re guaranteed to brighten up any holiday cookie platter!

Ingredients for the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, nothing too crazy here. Just make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start. It just makes life easier, trust me! Pay close attention to the butter – room temperature is key!

Cookie Dough Ingredients

3 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup vegetable shortening
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 large egg

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream (plus more if needed!)
Pink food coloring (gel is best!)

Topping Ingredients for the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Sprinkles (because, why not?!)
Crushed peppermint candies (I like to give them a rough chop!)

How to Prepare the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies – Step-by-Step

Okay, peeps, let’s get baking! Don’t be scared; I’m gonna walk you through every single step. Just follow along, and you’ll have the *best* peppermint sugar cookies in no time! Seriously, these are easier than you think. Let’s DO this!

Making the Cookie Dough

First things first: let’s get that oven preheating to 325°F (160°C). And go ahead and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper is your friend; it makes cleanup a breeze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, in a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the sugar, butter, shortening, and sour cream until it’s light and fluffy – about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until *just* combined. Don’t overmix!

Shaping and Baking the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Alright, dough’s done! Now, using a medium cookie scoop (or a spoon, if you’re feeling rustic!), form the dough into balls. Roll them gently in your hands to make them nice and smooth. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Now, take the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup and gently press down on each dough ball to flatten them slightly. Bake for 10-13 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are pale yellow. Remember, these are best when they’re slightly underbaked! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that frosting! In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened butter and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Once all the powdered sugar is added, add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If you want a pastel pink frosting (and who doesn’t?!), add a few drops of pink food coloring. Gel food coloring works best, but liquid will do in a pinch. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Taste and add more peppermint extract or food coloring, if desired.

Frosting and Decorating your BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: decorating time! Once the cookies are completely cool (this is important!), frost the tops with a generous layer of peppermint buttercream frosting. Now, sprinkle those cookies with crushed peppermint candies and sprinkles! Get creative; this is where you can really let your personality shine. And there you have it: the *best* peppermint sugar cookies ever! Now, go forth and spread some holiday cheer!

Tips for Making the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Want to make sure your cookies are *perfect* every time? Here are a couple of my top tips! Trust me, these little things make a BIG difference.

Don’t Overbake the Cookies

Seriously, this is key! You want these cookies to be soft and chewy, not crunchy. Err on the side of underbaking – they’ll firm up as they cool!

Chill the Dough

If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading. Plus, it intensifies the flavor! Worth it, trust me!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for your BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up? No problem! Here are a few substitutions that won’t totally wreck your cookies. We all have those days, right?

Flour Substitutions

Don’t have cake flour? You can use all-purpose, but the cookies won’t be quite as soft. You can also try a gluten-free blend, but watch the baking time!

Extract Variations

Not a peppermint fan? (Gasp!) Try vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a little lemon zest for a totally different, but still delicious, vibe!

FAQ About Making the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get asked all the time about making these amazing cookies. Don’t be shy – baking should be fun!

Can I freeze the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a month. You can also freeze the dough! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap!

How do I store the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Though, let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract?

Yep! If you’re not feeling the peppermint, try vanilla or almond extract. You could even add a little lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. Get creative and make them your own!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for your BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

So, you’ve baked these gorgeous cookies… and maybe you have some leftovers? (Okay, unlikely, but let’s pretend!) Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Instructions

Just pop ’em in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and yummy for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Honestly, these are so good cold, I never bother reheating! But if you *really* want to, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick. Careful, though – they can get melty!

Nutritional Information for the BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutrition info is an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the brands you use. So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Rate this BEST Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

So, did you love these cookies as much as I do? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!