Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking cookies that fill your home with delightful aromas, especially during the festive season. These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing, marrying the richness of buttery dough with the invigorating crunch of peppermint candies. Each cookie is a little burst of winter magic, making them an ideal treat to share with family and friends or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: additional crushed peppermint candies for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a cozy baking environment.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost billowy in texture. This step is essential for creating wonderfully tender cookies!
- Add the egg and peppermint extract to the buttery mixture, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined and homogenous.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a little flour left visible is perfectly fine!
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into little balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet for ample room to spread.
- Using the bottom of a glass or your hand, flatten each cookie slightly—the perfect way to expose more surface for that golden, crispy edge.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just barely soft. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies while they are still warm, adding a festive touch!
Notes or Tips
For an extra special treat, consider dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate after they have cooled. This adds a decadent layer that pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor. You can also experiment with different types of peppermint candies for variation in flavor and texture.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe relies on a few fundamental techniques for success:
- Creaming: Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for the texture of the cookies; it incorporates air, leading to a light and fluffy cookie.
- Folding: Gently folding in the crushed candies preserves their texture and keeps the mixture airy.
- Chilling (Optional): For thicker cookies, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help them keep their shape.
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides a richer flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute. However, it may alter the texture slightly.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider freezing them.
Conclusion
Baking these Peppermint Sugar Cookies is a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit, creating a delightful treat that your loved ones will adore. With their festive flavor and crunchy textures, they are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your gatherings. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the magical process of cookie-making. Happy baking!