Name: Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2 2/3 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Butter (softened); 8-ounce package Cream Cheese (softened); 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract; Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Bark Crunch

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly balances soft, buttery sweetness with a refreshing hint of holiday cheer, this Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These delightful treats offer a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, topped with a creamy, mint-infused frosting crowned by festive crushed candy canes. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a festive cookie exchange, or just because you love that classic peppermint flavor, this recipe delivers joy in every bite and is sure to become your seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need

Seven round cookies are placed on a gold wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two visible layers: a light golden-brown base layer with a soft texture, and a thick white frosting layer spread evenly on top. The frosting is decorated with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces that create a rough, crumbly texture. The cookies are arranged closely but not touching, and a small part of a rolled peppermint stick is visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a starring role—whether it’s bringing richness, structure, or that perfect burst of minty freshness. These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a timeless cookie that’s both tender and beautifully festive.

Unsalted Butter, 1 cup (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar, 1 ½ cups: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s light texture.
Large Egg, 1 and Egg Yolk, 1: Provide moisture, richness, and bind the dough.
Vanilla Extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Flour, 2 ⅔ cups: The foundation of the dough, giving cookies structure.
Baking Powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps cookies rise to a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking Soda, ½ teaspoon: Adds leavening and helps achieve a slight golden edge.
Salt, ¾ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Butter, ½ cup (softened) for frosting: Delivers velvety smoothness to the frosting.
Cream Cheese, 8-ounce package (softened): Brings tangy richness to the frosting’s creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar, 3 cups: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Peppermint Extract, ¼ to ½ teaspoon: Gives the frosting that unmistakable cool, minty pop.
Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Bark Crunch: Adds festive crunch and colorful charm on top.

How to Make Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl for about 4 minutes. You want the mixture light and fluffy, so be patient here—it really sets the stage for a tender cookie. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to keep everything evenly mixed. Then blend in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, carefully fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Be gentle; overmixing can activate too much gluten, which will turn these soft cookies into something tough and chewy. Your aim is a soft, pliable dough that holds together nicely without becoming dense.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This chilling step is key for controlling spread, developing flavor, and making it easier to handle when you’re ready to bake.

Step 4: Prepare and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a scoop or your hands to roll the dough into evenly sized balls, spacing them out to prevent sticking. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool completely to ensure the frosting will spread nicely without melting away.

Step 5: Make the Peppermint Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the peppermint extract to your taste—you want that beautiful burst of mint without overpowering the sweet creaminess.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once your cookies have cooled, spread the peppermint frosting generously over the top of each one. Finish them off with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or peppermint bark crunch for that signature festive look and a delightful crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows round sugar cookies with three layers. The bottom layer is a light golden cookie. The middle layer is thick, smooth white frosting spread evenly over the cookie. The top layer consists of small, crushed peppermint candy pieces in red, white, and pink colors sprinkled all over the frosting. The cookies are stacked slightly overlapping each other on a white plate with a red and black design, sitting on a white marbled texture. Nearby, there are other cookies with different decorations and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The crushed candy canes are more than decoration; they add a festive crunch and enhance that cooling peppermint flavor you love. For extra flair, try using finely grated white chocolate or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate to complement the peppermint frosting beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk—you really can’t go wrong. They also make a charming accompaniment to festive desserts like gingerbread or spiced pumpkin pie at your holiday table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your peppermint frosted sugar cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a red ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a tiered platter with fresh holly sprigs or sprinkle edible glitter on top for extra sparkle that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying through holiday celebrations or sharing with friends.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual. For frosted cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Warm cookies enhance the creaminess of the frosting and release that irresistible peppermint aroma.

FAQs

Can I use almond extract instead of peppermint extract?

While almond extract offers a lovely flavor, it won’t give you the refreshing minty kick that defines this Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe. For the classic taste, stick with peppermint extract or combine it with a tiny hint of almond for a subtle twist.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can substitute with an equal amount of softened butter for a buttery frosting, though it won’t have the same tangy richness. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can help boost flavor when skipping the cream cheese.

Can I roll the dough thinner for crispier cookies?

Absolutely! Rolling the dough thinner will yield crisper cookies with more crunch. Just watch the baking time carefully, as thinner cookies will bake more quickly.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure your cookies have fully cooled before frosting, and store frosted cookies in a cool environment. If it’s warm in your kitchen, consider refrigerating them briefly to keep the frosting firm.

Are these cookies allergen-friendly?

This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. For allergy-friendly versions, you’d need to find suitable substitutes, although it may change the texture and flavor. Let me know if you want tips on how to adapt it!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become a holiday staple in your kitchen. Soft, festive, and bursting with minty sweetness, these cookies are the perfect way to spread cheer and enjoy some delicious homemade treats. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get baking—you’re about to make some magic happen!

Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need