Peppermint Christmas Cookies: 7 Ways to Spread Joy

peppermint christmas cookies

By:

Julia marin

Oh, the smell of peppermint Christmas cookies baking in the oven instantly fills my heart with holiday cheer! There’s something so magical about this time of year, and these cookies capture that spirit perfectly. Whenever I bake these delightful treats, I can’t help but think of cozy family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones. The combination of buttery goodness, crunchy peppermint, and creamy white chocolate makes each bite a festive celebration. Trust me, they’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of holiday happiness! I love making these with my kids, and it’s become a cherished tradition that brings us all together. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on creating some holiday magic in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Peppermint Christmas Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss! Here’s what you’ll need for these festive delights:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the star of your cookie dough, providing that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that lovely golden color as they bake.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: The brown sugar adds a touch of caramel flavor and moisture to your cookies, making them chewy and delicious.
  • 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add richness. Bring them to room temperature for the best results!
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and brings warmth to the cookies.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough, giving it structure. Be sure to spoon and level it for accurate measuring.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies: This is where the magic happens! The peppermint adds a festive crunch and delightful flavor.
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips: These little morsels bring a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the peppermint.

Having everything ready to go makes the baking process so much smoother, so take a moment to gather these ingredients before diving in!

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How to Prepare Peppermint Christmas Cookies

Now, let’s get our hands a little floury and make some cookie magic! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of festive peppermint Christmas cookies ready to spread joy!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is so important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Nobody wants cookies that are burnt on the edges and raw in the center, right?

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture. I usually mix it for about 3-5 minutes—trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. I like to add the eggs one at a time to ensure everything blends nicely. This helps create a richer batter!

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies. This little detail can really impact the final result!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in two or three additions, mixing just until combined each time. You want to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies!

Step 6: Incorporate Peppermint and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips. This is where the fun begins—make sure not to overmix! You want those bits of peppermint and chocolate to stay intact for bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Forming the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they’ll spread while baking. I usually go for about 2 inches apart!

Step 8: Baking Time

Pop those trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden. You’ll know they’re done when the aroma fills your kitchen and you can see a slight golden color on the edges. Yum!

Step 9: Cooling the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial because it helps them maintain a soft, chewy texture. Trust me, you don’t want a cookie that’s too crumbly!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to bake, here are some of my top tips to ensure your peppermint Christmas cookies turn out absolutely amazing!

  • Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is too soft to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so take them out just before they look fully done!
  • Experiment with Peppermint: If you love a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies. Just remember, a little goes a long way—balance is key!
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients, using good quality butter and chocolate really makes a difference in flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!
  • Have Fun with Toppings: Get creative! Drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle some extra crushed peppermint for a festive touch. It adds that extra wow factor!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious peppermint Christmas cookies! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for these delightful peppermint Christmas cookies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 2g

These cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy during the holiday season, so indulge a little! Just remember, moderation is key to keeping those festive spirits high!

FAQ Section

Can I use regular candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
Absolutely! Crushed candy canes work beautifully and add a festive touch. Just make sure to crush them into small pieces to avoid any large chunks.

How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your peppermint Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready for you to enjoy!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into the oven—no thawing needed!

What’s the best way to tell when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to look completely set in the oven!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking to achieve the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and white chocolate creates a delightful holiday taste that’s sure to get everyone in the spirit!
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without breaking a sweat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These cookies are a hit at parties, gatherings, or just for sharing with friends and family. Everyone loves a good cookie!
  • Perfect for Holiday Traditions: Making these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition, just like it is in my family!
  • Customizable: You can adjust the amount of peppermint to suit your taste, or even experiment with different mix-ins for a unique twist!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of peppermint Christmas cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store them properly:

  • Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for a slightly firmer texture. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!
  • Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

As for reheating, if you’d like a little warmth in your cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. That’ll make the chocolate chips melty and the peppermint aroma waft through the air. Just don’t overdo it, or you might end up with a cookie that’s too hot to handle!

With these storage tips, you can enjoy the festive flavors of your peppermint Christmas cookies long after they come out of the oven. Happy snacking!

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peppermint christmas cookies

Peppermint Christmas Cookies: 7 Ways to Spread Joy


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Całkowity Czas: 27 minutes
  • Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
  • Dieta: Wegańskie

Opis

These peppermint Christmas cookies are festive and delicious, perfect for the holiday season.


Składniki

Skala
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instrukcje

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  6. Stir in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
  9. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.

Uwagi

  • Store cookies in an airtight container.
  • Use candy canes for a festive touch.
  • Adjust peppermint quantity to taste.
  • Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
  • Czas gotowania: 12 minutes
  • Kategoria: Dessert
  • Sposób: Baking
  • Kuchnia: American

Zasilanie

  • Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
  • Kalorie: 150
  • Cukier: 10g
  • Sód: 50mg
  • Kwasy: 7g
  • Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
  • Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
  • Tłuszcze trans: 0g
  • Węglowodany: 20g
  • Włókno: 1g
  • Białko: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Słowa kluczowe: peppermint christmas cookies

O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.

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