If you want a holiday cookie that actually tastes like Christmas, these peppermint sugar cookies are it. Buttery, chewy, and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, they’ve got just enough peppermint to feel festive without being over the top. They’re the kind of cookie that looks pretty on a platter, disappears at cookie swaps, and tastes great next to a mug of hot chocolate.
// hot chocolate mug //
Buttery Sugar Cookies with Candy Canes
You know how every December someone shows up to the cookie exchange with “something peppermint”? Well, this is mine. These peppermint sugar cookies are buttery and soft with crushed candy canes baked right in, and no peppermint extract.
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I love a good twist on a classic, and these are exactly that, a candy cane cookie that keeps the cozy, chewy sugar cookie texture but adds a festive touch. If you’re making a tray for a holiday party or just setting out cookies for Santa, these will be a favorite.
The peppermint is light, not overpowering, so you still get all that buttery, vanilla flavor coming through.
And yes, they go perfectly with a mug of hot chocolate.
These cookies are also a nice break from the heavier Christmas desserts (though if you’re in a chocolate mood, my fudgy peppermint cookies are always a win).
The peppermint flavor comes entirely from the candy canes, no extracts, no syrups. Just the real thing, baked right into the top of the cookies so you can decide how minty you want them. Crush a few extra for a stronger kick, or sprinkle lightly for just a hint. For another holiday favorite, try these peppermint blondies, they’ve got the same festive flavor in a soft, buttery bar.
My daughter who does not typically like peppermint, loved these and gave her two thumbs up recommendation.
Pro tip: An easy way to remove the stubborn plastic around a candy cane is to break the candy cane in half and then you can easily peel it off.
Simple Steps
Step 1 – Make the dough
You’ll need an electric stand mixer, or hand mixer (these are the ones I use all the time).
Step 2 – Shape and roll
Use a cookie scoop to make evenly shaped cookies.
Step 3 – Bake
If you’re planning a whole cookie spread, try mixing these in with classic cut-out cookies or pecan pralines for a mix of textures and flavors.
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Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Crushed Candy Canes
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 14 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (about 6 candy canes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
- With an electric stand or hand held mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium until fluffy, 3-6 minutes. Add eggs, one at a t time, and vanilla and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low, slowly add flour mixture, and beat until combined. If your dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it briefly.
- Using a 2 tablespoon ice-cream scoop, roll dough into balls. Roll in about ½ cup of sugar and place on the prepared cookie sheet. Using a buttered and sugared bottom of a flat bottomed drinking glass, flatten each ball to about ¾ inch thickness. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and beginning to brown but centers are still soft and puffy. Let cool on sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- To crush candy canes, place in a ziplock bag and smash with a rolling pin or wine bottle.
- To remove the plastic from candy canes, break it in half first and the plastic will come right off.
- Add as little or as much peppermint candy to the top as you like.
- If the dough sticks to the scoop, rinse it off and continue.
- If the cookies stick to the bottom of the glass, dip it in sugar again.
Nutrition
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