Crisp Peppermint Cookies (Printable View)
Light, crunchy cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and hints of white chocolate for a festive touch.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
→ Add-ins & Toppings
09 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
10 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
06 - Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
08 - Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.
09 - Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- They stay crispy for days, not going soft or stale like most holiday cookies do.
- The peppermint flavor feels bright and natural, not like you're chewing on a candy cane.
- They come together in under 30 minutes, so you can make them on a weeknight without stress.
02 -
- Don't overbake these chasing golden edges; they firm up as they cool and taste stale if you brown them too much.
- The peppermint extract is strong—if you use imitation, start with 1 tsp and taste as you go, because some brands are harsh.
03 -
- If humidity is high, bake an extra minute or two and let cookies cool on the sheet longer—air moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Crushing candy canes by hand gives you different-sized pieces that create better texture than perfectly uniform crushed candies.