Peppermint Sugar Cookies

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The first time I made these Peppermint Sugar Cookies, I wanted something that felt festive without turning into an all day baking project. What came out of the oven was exactly what I hoped for: soft sugar cookies with a buttery vanilla base, a fluffy pink peppermint frosting, and just enough crushed candy cane on top to make every bite feel bright and holiday ready.

I love how these cookies look on a dessert tray, but I love even more how easy they are to pull together. They have that classic bakery style charm with their thick layer of frosting, yet the flavor is simple, nostalgic, and incredibly crowd pleasing. Whether I am baking for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just for a cozy weekend at home, these Peppermint Sugar Cookies always disappear fast.

What Makes Peppermint Sugar Cookies So Good for the Holidays?

What I like most about these Peppermint Sugar Cookies is the balance. The cookie itself is soft, buttery, and mellow, which gives the peppermint frosting room to shine without tasting overpowering. The crushed candy canes add a little crunch and a pop of color, so the final result feels festive, sweet, and refreshing all at once.

They are also a great make ahead dessert. I can bake the cookies one day, frost them later, and still end up with something that looks beautiful on a party platter. If you want a holiday cookie that feels cheerful, easy, and bakery worthy, this is the one I reach for.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Every ingredient in these Peppermint Sugar Cookies has a job to do, and that is part of why the texture and flavor work so well together.

Butter

Butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb. It also helps the frosting turn smooth and creamy.

Granulated sugar

Sugar sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture with lightly crisp edges and soft centers.

Egg

The egg adds structure and moisture so the cookies hold together while still staying soft.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla rounds out the flavor and keeps the peppermint from tasting too sharp.

Peppermint extract

A little goes a long way here. It gives the frosting that cool holiday flavor that makes these cookies stand out.

All purpose flour

Flour forms the base of the dough and keeps the cookies sturdy enough to hold a generous layer of frosting.

Baking powder

Baking powder helps the cookies puff slightly and bake up soft instead of dense.

Salt

Salt balances the sweetness and makes the butter, vanilla, and peppermint taste more vivid.

Powdered sugar

Powdered sugar is what gives the frosting its fluffy, spreadable texture.

Milk or heavy cream

A splash of milk or cream loosens the frosting just enough so it spreads easily over each cookie.

Pink food coloring

This is optional, but I love using a tiny amount for that cheerful bakery style finish.

Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

These go on top for crunch, sparkle, and the unmistakable peppermint look.

How To Make the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

I like to make these in two simple stages: bake the cookies first, then frost and decorate once they are completely cool.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft cookie with a tender texture.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. If you want a hint of peppermint in the cookie base itself, you can add a very tiny drop of peppermint extract here, but I usually save most of that flavor for the frosting.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms. I try not to overmix so the cookies stay tender.

Step 4: Shape and bake

Scoop the dough into even portions and place them on a lined baking sheet. Gently flatten them a little so they bake into thick, round cookies. Bake until the edges are just set and the tops still look pale. That is the sweet spot for soft sugar cookies.

Step 5: Cool completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. They need to be fully cool before frosting or the topping will melt.

Step 6: Make the peppermint frosting

Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy. Add a touch of pink food coloring if you want that pretty pastel finish.

Step 7: Frost and decorate

Spread a generous layer of frosting over each cooled cookie. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top right away so they stick to the frosting.

Step 8: Let the frosting set

Give the cookies a little time to set before stacking or storing them. This makes them easier to handle and keeps the tops looking neat.

How I Serve and Store Peppermint Sugar Cookies

I love serving these Peppermint Sugar Cookies on a holiday tray with other festive desserts because the pink frosting makes them stand out right away. They are especially good served slightly cool, when the frosting feels silky and the candy topping still has a bit of crunch.

For storing, I keep them in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for a couple of days, and I usually move them to the fridge after that if I want the frosting to hold its shape longer. If I am making them ahead for a gathering, I often bake the cookies first and frost them the next day.

What to Serve With Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with all kinds of cozy drinks and holiday desserts.

Hot Chocolate

A mug of rich hot chocolate turns these cookies into the ultimate winter treat. The creamy chocolate softens the cool peppermint flavor in the best way.

Coffee or Peppermint Mocha

I love serving them with coffee when I want something simple. A peppermint mocha is especially great if you want to lean into the holiday flavor.

Vanilla Ice Cream

If you want to make dessert feel extra special, serve a cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold ice cream and soft cookie is so good.

Holiday Dessert Boards

These cookies fit right in with brownies, truffles, fudge, and other small sweets on a holiday dessert board. They add color and a refreshing minty note that breaks up richer treats.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love these Peppermint Sugar Cookies, you might want to bake a few more sweet favorites next. I would start with Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for something nostalgic and classic, then add Twix Cookie Cups if you are craving a caramel chocolate twist.

For a bakery style treat, Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a fun pick, and Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect when I want something deep, rich, and extra chocolatey.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Peppermint Sugar Cookies to your Pinterest holiday desserts board so you can come back to them any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a stronger peppermint frosting, or keep it light and sweet? Did you use crushed candy canes on top or leave them plain and simple?

I always love hearing how other bakers make these cookies their own. Questions are welcome too, and if you are looking for even more recipe inspiration, explore more daily favorites on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest.

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