Peppermint Buttercream Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about peppermint and chocolate coming together during the winter months. It’s like a festive celebration in every bite! If you’ve ever tasted a cookie that makes you feel all cozy and festive inside, this peppermint buttercream cookie recipe will definitely be your new go-to. The soft, chewy cookies paired with a rich and creamy peppermint buttercream frosting are the perfect combination to get you into the holiday spirit.

I first came across this recipe during a family holiday gathering. It was one of those moments when you taste something and immediately know that it’s going to become a new tradition. The balance of cool peppermint and sweet, buttery frosting on top of a soft cookie is like the best of winter all wrapped up in one. Every bite is like a snowflake—beautiful and unique, yet utterly comforting.

Now, every holiday season, I make these cookies, and they never last long! Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, as a thoughtful gift, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies always bring joy. The best part? They’re simple to make, and you don’t need any special skills to make them turn out perfectly. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to make some of the most festive cookies ever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why should you make these peppermint buttercream cookies? Let me count the ways:

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just simple, straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Perfectly Soft & Chewy: These cookies are not the crunchy kind. They’re soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Creamy Peppermint Buttercream: The frosting is rich, creamy, and packed with peppermint flavor, which complements the soft cookie perfectly.
• Festive & Fun: With their colorful, minty frosting and sprinkles, these cookies look as good as they taste. Perfect for gifting or serving at your next holiday gathering.

Imagine biting into one of these cookies—the cool peppermint flavor of the buttercream frosting, the buttery richness of the cookie base, and the slight crunch of sprinkles. It’s the kind of treat that gets you excited for winter. Plus, the cookies are soft enough to melt in your mouth and light enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for baking, and 30 minutes for frosting)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size you roll them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a chewy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with the texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cookies.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The key to giving the cookies that peppermint punch.

For the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: This gives the buttercream that refreshing minty flavor we love.
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps to make the frosting smooth and spreadable.
• Red and white sprinkles (optional): For a festive touch on top of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the fun part—the baking! Here’s how to make these peppermint buttercream cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Set this bowl aside for now. These dry ingredients will help form the base of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which will make your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is combined. The peppermint extract is what makes these cookies so festive and gives them that refreshing minty kick!

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want!

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want bigger cookies, feel free to make the dough balls larger, just be sure to adjust the baking time.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. You don’t want to overbake them, as they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet once they’re out of the oven. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a large bowl, beat together:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Once the ingredients are combined, add 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you want a thicker frosting, add a little more powdered sugar, and if it’s too thick, add more cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them! Use a butter knife or an offset spatula to spread the peppermint buttercream frosting generously on each cookie. For an extra festive touch, top with red and white sprinkles.

How to Serve

These peppermint buttercream cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a dessert: Serve them at your holiday dinner party alongside other festive treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies.
• For gifting: Pack them in a cute box or tin as a homemade gift for family and friends.
• With coffee or hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or a latte for the ultimate cozy treat.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your peppermint buttercream cookies turn out perfectly:

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re baking. The edges should be golden, but the centers should still be soft. This is key to getting that chewy texture!
• Chill the Dough: If you find that your dough is too soft and sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes it easier to scoop and ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Room temperature butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough that bakes evenly.
• Frost When Cool: Always let the cookies cool completely before frosting them. If they’re still warm, the frosting might melt right off, and you’ll lose that perfect buttercream topping!
• Adjust the Peppermint Flavor: If you love peppermint, you can increase the peppermint extract in the frosting. Just be careful not to add too much, as peppermint extract is strong!

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a holiday classic!
• Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or white chocolate chunks into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your peppermint extract is gluten-free, too!

FAQ: Peppermint Buttercream Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, chill them, and then bake as usual. Frost the cookies after they have cooled completely to keep the frosting fresh and fluffy.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough:

• Baked cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour.
• Cookie dough: You can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

3. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade peppermint buttercream?

While homemade frosting always adds a personal touch, you can definitely use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time. Just make sure to add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting to get that refreshing peppermint flavor. You can also stir in a few crushed peppermint candies for added texture!

4. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If you find the frosting too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar by about 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Another option is to balance the sweetness with a bit more peppermint extract or a dash of salt to cut through the sweetness.

5. Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

If you’re not a fan of peppermint, feel free to swap it out with another extract! Vanilla or almond extract would work wonderfully in the buttercream frosting. You could also try chocolate mint extract for a more decadent twist.

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Conclusion

Peppermint buttercream cookies are everything you need for a festive, delicious, and easy holiday treat. With their soft, chewy texture and creamy peppermint frosting, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying with your loved ones while you relax by the fire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your baking supplies and get ready to enjoy the sweet, minty goodness of these peppermint buttercream cookies. Happy baking and happy holidays!