Introduction
Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something undeniably cheerful about baking cookies, and these Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie, enhanced with the refreshing burst of peppermint and a delightful crunch from crushed candies. With their festive flavor and beautiful dusting of sugar, these cookies bring a touch of whimsy and sweetness to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Additional sugar for rolling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some delightful baking.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set this aside for now.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, filling your kitchen with that irresistible buttery aroma.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the batter feels fluffy.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the flour is absorbed without overmixing.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, making sure they’re evenly distributed for that perfect burst of holiday flavor in every bite.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and then roll each ball in additional sugar to create a sweet, sparkly crust.
- Place the cookies on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown, filling your home with a delightful aroma.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks, allowing them to firm up and making them easier to enjoy!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, try using high-quality peppermint candies. You can also adjust the amount of crushed candies if you prefer a more subtle minty flavor. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gift-giving or indulging throughout the holiday season!
Cooking Techniques
The key to these cookies is the creaming method — ensure your butter is well softened for a fluffy texture that yields cookies that are both tender and chewy. Don’t skip rolling the dough in sugar; it adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the refreshing peppermint.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and baking.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can substitute it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for a lovely flavor variation.
Conclusion
These Easy Christmas Peppermint Sugar Cookies bring not just flavor but joy and warmth to your festivities. Every bite is a celebration of the season, and they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. Embrace the sweet moments of the holidays by baking a batch of these delightful cookies and watch them disappear quicker than you can say “Merry Christmas!”