Peppermint Shortbread Cookies: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season — a cozy atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, the scent of pine wafting through the air, and, of course, the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. One recipe that brings all the warmth and cheer to my home is these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies. Each bite is like a delicious hug, with creamy butter and a hint of mint that dances on your taste buds, perfect for cozy evenings spent by the fire or holiday gatherings with friends and family.
As a child, I often found myself helping my grandmother in her warm, bustling kitchen, where we would experiment with various cookie recipes. The joy of mixing the ingredients and waiting for the cookies to bake was a cherished holiday tradition. Now, I carry that joy into my own kitchen, where these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies have become a staple. With their simplicity and festive spirit, they are an easy addition to your holiday dessert table and perfect for gift-giving. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy these tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With their bright peppermint flavor, these cookies are sure to impress everyone at your holiday gathering.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a festive tin for a delightful homemade gift that family and friends will cherish.
- Customizable: Easily switch up the peppermint candies or add festive sprinkles for a colorful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create your magical batch of cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy steps to whip up your Peppermint Shortbread Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy — you want it to feel airy like a cloud!
- Gently mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, blending the flavors beautifully.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until everything is lovingly combined into a soft dough.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, adding delightful crunch and festive sparkle to each bite.
- Roll the dough into balls (don’t worry about making them perfect!) and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten them slightly for a lovely, classic shortbread look.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, letting your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of baked goods.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Variations to Try
While these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies are delightful as is, here are a few creative twists you can easily incorporate:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a rich and indulgent touch.
- Nutty Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a cozy, nutty flavor.
- Zesty Citrus: Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist to complement the mint.
- Festive Sprinkles: Roll the cookie balls in colorful sprinkles before baking for a fun, festive look.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few practical tips to elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect Peppermint Shortbread Cookies:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. Just roll it out and bake when you’re ready!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have peppermint extract, almond extract makes a lovely substitution for a unique flavor.
- Storage Suggestion: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week — if they last that long!
- Slicing Trick: For even shapes, you can roll the dough into a log, chill it until firm, then slice into rounds before baking.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 35mg
Reader FAQs About Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to experiment with flavor extracts or festive mix-ins.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does it last? These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to a week in proper storage.
Wrapping It Up
These Peppermint Shortbread Cookies are more than just a treat; they carry with them memories of laughter, love, and warmth during the holiday season. Easy to make and utterly delightful, they remind us of the joy of sharing sweet moments with loved ones. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your cozy baking board so it’s ready whenever you need a festive touch! Happy baking!
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Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peppermint shortbread cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until everything is combined into a soft dough.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint, shortbread, cookies, holidays, baking, gift