Peppermint Snickerdoodles are the perfect holiday treat that marries the classic comfort of a snickerdoodle with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with festive flavor. This delightful twist on the traditional snickerdoodle has gained a special place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere, making it a must-bake during the winter months. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or savoring them with a cup of hot cocoa at home, Peppermint Snickerdoodles bring warmth and joy to any occasion, blending nostalgia with a seasonal twist that is simply irresistible.
What Is Peppermint Snickerdoodles
Peppermint Snickerdoodles are a delightful variation on the classic cinnamon sugar cookie. These cookies are characterized by their soft, pillowy texture and are rolled in a mixture of sugar and crushed peppermint candies before baking. The result is a cookie that has the familiar, comforting taste of a traditional snickerdoodle but with a refreshing peppermint kick. Unlike standard snickerdoodles, which are often enhanced with cinnamon, these festive treats introduce a minty flavor that dances on your palate, making them an exciting choice during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Easy to make, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Deliciously unique flavor that combines sweet and minty notes.
- Family-friendly recipe that kids will love rolling in the peppermint sugar.
- Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in.
How Does It Taste?
The taste of Peppermint Snickerdoodles is a harmonious blend of sweet and minty flavors. Each bite delivers a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, while the sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. The subtle warmth of the cookie, combined with the invigorating essence of peppermint, creates a flavor experience that is both comforting and refreshing. The cinnamon undertones from the original snickerdoodle recipe provide a cozy backdrop, making these cookies not just a treat, but a festive celebration in every bite.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
Key ingredients in Peppermint Snickerdoodles include:
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, making the cookies perfectly soft.
- Peppermint Extract: Offers natural digestive benefits and invigorates the senses.
- Flour: Provides structure, helping the cookies achieve that delightful chewy texture.
- Sugar: While it adds sweetness, opting for less refined sugars can offer a more wholesome touch.
These ingredients come together to create a cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also captures the essence of the holiday spirit. So, gather your loved ones and get ready to bake a batch of Peppermint Snickerdoodles that will surely become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure and a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar – Adds a slight tang and helps create the characteristic snickerdoodle texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture to the cookies.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Infuses the cookies with a refreshing minty flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) – Creates a sweet, crunchy exterior when rolled with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling) – Adds warmth and spice, complementing the peppermint beautifully.
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes – Provides a festive crunch and an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – For combining the ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Baking sheets – For placing the cookie dough before baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – For portioning the dough uniformly.
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Gluten-free flour – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan butter and flax eggs – Use vegan butter and a flaxseed mixture instead of butter and eggs for a vegan option.
- White chocolate chips – Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the peppermint.
- Chocolate drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Make Peppermint Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to transfer the cookies later.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside as you focus on the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is key for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in fluffy cookies.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined, making sure there are no streaks of egg visible.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 7: Incorporate Peppermint Candies
Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The candies will add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Roll the Dough
In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked but still soft. They should look lightly golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delicious aroma of peppermint filling your kitchen!
What to Serve With
Peppermint Snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters alongside gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this allows for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you find the dough too soft; chilling helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Use fresh peppermint extract for the most vibrant flavor.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent over-baking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Baking on an ungreased or unlined sheet can cause sticking; always use parchment paper.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies.
- Skipping the rolling in cinnamon-sugar can make the cookies less flavorful and visually appealing.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Store your Peppermint Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, until just warmed through. This will refresh their soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different flavor extract? Yes! If you prefer, you can use almond extract or vanilla instead of peppermint for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
- What’s the best way to crush candy canes? Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
- Can I make these cookies smaller or larger? Yes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly; smaller cookies will bake faster, and larger cookies will take longer.
Nutritional Info
Each Peppermint Snickerdoodle contains approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Keep in mind that adding toppings or substitutions can alter these values.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your holiday baking, you absolutely must try these Peppermint Snickerdoodles! The delightful combination of warm spices and refreshing peppermint creates a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Each bite offers a perfect balance of chewy texture and festive flavor, making them an ideal treat for any gathering or cozy night in. I can’t recommend Peppermint Snickerdoodles enough—their cheerful appearance and irresistible taste are bound to spread joy and holiday cheer. So grab your ingredients and let the baking begin; you won’t regret it!
Peppermint Snickerdoodles
Give your snickerdoodle a holiday makeover with these Peppermint Snickerdoodles. Soft and crinkly with a touch of peppermint flavor, these cookies are perfect for any holiday cookie platter or party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 candy canes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
-
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner. -
Step 2
Cream together the butter, shortening, and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. -
Step 3
Add in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. -
Step 4
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. -
Step 5
Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix until it forms a dough. -
Step 6
Crush the candy canes into fine crumbs and mix with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. -
Step 7
Roll the dough into balls with about 2 tablespoons each. Roll each ball in the candy cane crumbs until coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet, keeping them at least 3 inches apart. -
Step 8
Bake just until the edges are set, about 9 minutes. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: ~350 calories. Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Allergy Information
Always check labels for specific allergen information.
