Peppermint Shortbread Cookies: A Cozy Holiday Treat
The chill in the air is a gentle reminder that the Holiday season is almost upon us, and with it comes the warmth of familiar flavors that draw us back to childhood memories. Imagine walking into the kitchen, the scent of buttery, sweet cookie dough filling the air, mingling with the crisp peppermint of crushed candies—it’s truly like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cold day! This Peppermint Shortbread Cookies recipe is not just a delicious treat; it’s a symbolic embrace of the Holidays, making it one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly buttery, these cookies melt in your mouth and provide that satisfying crunch.
- The vibrant peppermint bits add a refreshing twist that makes them ideal for any Holiday gathering.
- Easy to whip up, they come together in just one bowl—making clean-up a breeze.
- Great for gifting! Package them prettily in a box, and you’ve got a stunning homemade present.
- Versatile as a base, you can tweak flavors to cater to your family’s preferences!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The texture should be almost cloud-like; this is where the cookies’ tenderness begins!
- Mix in the vanilla extract, embracing the warmth of the holiday scent as you do.
- Gradually stir in the flour and salt until just combined—a gentle touch will ensure these cookies remain tender.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, letting those bits stir in joyfully, visually sparkling like festive confetti!
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space for them to spread.
- Slightly flatten the balls—think little fluffy clouds waiting to bake to golden perfection.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they’ll be invitingly fragrant!
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving, giving them a moment to set into their cozy little forms.
Variations & Creative Twists
Delicious Variations to Try
- Replace peppermint with zesty orange peel for a bright, citrusy burst that delights.
- Add chocolate chips or drizzles on top for a decadent pairing—rich chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Incorporate crushed gingerbread cookies for a spiced twist that makes these shortbread stand out.
- Roll the cookie balls in powdered sugar before baking for a snow-kissed look and additional sweetness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make-ahead advice: You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to two days! Just roll into balls when you’re ready to bake.
- For a deeper flavor, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes after mixing; it becomes easier to work with and bakes more evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; take them out when the edges look golden, but the centers still feel soft.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!
Nutrition Information per Serving
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 50mg
(Note: Serving size is 1 cookie)
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader FAQs About Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or even frozen for later use.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can swap the peppermint for another extract or even try different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does it last? These cookies can stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
Final Thoughts
Wrapping It Up
There’s something truly special about these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies that reminds us of the warmth and joy of gathering with loved ones during the Holidays. With their delicate crunch and refreshing sweetness, they’re sure to become a beloved part of your festive traditions. Don’t forget to save this Peppermint Shortbread Cookies recipe to your Holiday Treats board, so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat to share or savor all for yourself!
Print
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery Peppermint Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth and are perfect for the Holiday season, featuring a refreshing twist of peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Slightly flatten the balls.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled for up to two days. Store leftovers in an airtight container 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: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: holiday cookies, peppermint, shortbread, festive treats, easy baking