Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies bring a wave of nostalgia, warmth, and festive spirit to your kitchen. These delightful treats are perfect for the holiday season or simply to enjoy any time of the year. Featuring a soft, chewy texture coated in sugary crystals and embellished with crushed peppermint, this recipe balances sweetness with a refreshing minty zing. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, these cookies are sure to become a go-to holiday favorite, bringing smiles and delicious aromas that fill your home. Join me for a step-by-step guide on how to create these scrumptious peppermint-infused sugar cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring alone.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cup 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)
The ingredients for these Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies are simple yet contribute to an inviting final product. The all-purpose flour serves as the perfect foundation, while baking soda and sea salt create the ideal texture and flavor. Softened unsalted butter lends creaminess, working harmoniously with the granulated sugar to bring out a delightful sweetness. The splash of vanilla extract adds warm undertones, perfectly complemented by the brightness of peppermint candy. Together, these elements create a sensory experience that is just heavenly.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. This step is essential for evenly distributing the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring perfectly risen cookies. -
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar on high speed. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air into the dough and creates a delightful texture. -
Add Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until well incorporated; you’ll notice the mixture will become even creamier and richer. -
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as the flour is just barely combined. This will ensure your cookies maintain their tender texture. Then, use a spoon or mixing spatula to gently fold in the crushed peppermint pieces. -
Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is important, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. -
Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, or for even easier cleanup, use silicone baking mats. -
Portion the Dough
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the dough to form tablespoon-sized balls. This helps ensure uniform baking. -
Sugar Coat the Cookies
Roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading while baking. -
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. -
Cool & Transfer
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This waiting period helps them set perfectly. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar, resulting in a better texture.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing your cookie dough once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Crushing Peppermints: For easier crushing, place the candies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into smaller pieces. This method reduces mess and keeps the peppermint dust to a minimum.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies make an incredible pairing with hot chocolate or a warm cup of tea. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a sweet treat for after-school snacks, the Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies are versatile. You might also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, adding a charming festive touch.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional information of your homemade cookies can help you balance your diet. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, with 4 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and less than 1 gram of protein. While these cookies are a delightful treat, enjoy them in moderation and balance them with healthy meals.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your cookies, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For variations, consider adding chocolate chips or using different flavored extracts, such as almond or coconut, for a twist. You can also experiment with different types of crushed candies to suit your preference.
Conclusion
I encourage you to bring a little magic into your kitchen by trying this Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies recipe! Whether for a festive occasion or a simple cozy day at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your mood. Share your baking experience with others and let your loved ones taste the joy in every bite. Happy baking!
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. -
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
While it’s not absolutely essential, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhance the flavors. I highly recommend it! -
Can I substitute the peppermint?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a different flavored candy in place of the peppermint. -
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try refrigerating it for a bit longer. You can also lightly flour your hands while rolling the dough balls. -
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Soft and Chewy Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then beat on medium speed until well incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined. Fold in the crushed peppermint pieces.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled dough and portion it into tablespoon-sized balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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