Peppermint Holiday Cookies are the perfect treat to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. With their delightful blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing minty flavor, these cookies evoke the joyous spirit of the season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply to enjoy at home, Peppermint Holiday Cookies are sure to warm your heart and home.

What You’ll Need for Peppermint Holiday Cookies

Gather the following ingredients to create a batch of these festive delights:

1 cup butter, softened (225 g)
0.75 cup white sugar (150 g)
1 egg, beaten
3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
0.25 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candy canes (60 g)
0.75 cup confectioners’ sugar (90 g)
5 teaspoons warm water (25 mL)
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes, or to taste (30 g)

Step-by-Step Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the beaten egg to the bowl and continue to mix until it is fully incorporated.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt to form a soft dough. Once combined, gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy canes for that signature minty crunch.
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in your preheated oven until the edges are golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and warm water until smooth.
Dip the top of each cookie into the icing, then sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes. Repeat this step with the remaining cookies, and let the icing set for at least 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Peppermint Holiday Cookies

These cookies are delightful as they are, but they can also be beautifully presented. Arrange the cookies on a festive plate or tray, perhaps with a few extra crushed candy canes scattered around for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or holiday spice tea for a cozy touch. They also make lovely homemade gifts; simply package a few in a decorative box or tin for friends and family!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Holiday Cookies

Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just roll into balls and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Flavor Variations: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Cookie Size: You can make larger or smaller cookies depending on your preference, just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly!

Peppermint Holiday Cookies FAQs

Can I use other types of candy for this recipe?

Yes! While peppermint candy canes are traditional for a holiday touch, you could also try using crushed chocolate or toffee candies for a different flavor.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

The icing can be decorated with festive sprinkles or drizzles of melted chocolate for an even more decadent treat.

There’s nothing quite like baking cookies during the holidays, and Peppermint Holiday Cookies capture the festive spirit perfectly! So roll up your sleeves, mix up a batch, and enjoy the sweet scents and flavors of the season. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

Peppermint Holiday Cookies

Peppermint Holiday Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing minty flavor, making them ideal for festive celebrations.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baking, cookies, festive treats, Holiday Cookies, Peppermint Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories: 100kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened 225 g
0.75 cup white sugar 150 g
1 large egg, beaten
3 cups all-purpose flour 375 g
0.25 teaspoon salt 1.5 g
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candy canes 60 g

Icing Ingredients

0.75 cup confectioners' sugar 90 g
5 teaspoons warm water 25 mL
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes, or to taste 30 g

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the beaten egg to the bowl and continue to mix until it is fully incorporated.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt to form a soft dough. Once combined, gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy canes.
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Baking

Bake in your preheated oven until the edges are golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and warm water until smooth.
Dip the top of each cookie into the icing, then sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes.
Repeat this step with the remaining cookies, and let the icing set for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Adjust baking time if cookie size changes.