Introduction to Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is crisp, and the scent of baked goods fills our homes. One of my absolute favorites to whip up are Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes; they melt in your mouth with buttery goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a cozy baking day with loved ones, this recipe is your perfect companion. Plus, they’re quick to make, so you can enjoy more time sipping hot cocoa by the fire!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies
These Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of ease and flavor. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. The soft, buttery texture paired with a hint of peppermint creates a taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity for the whole family! You’ll find that these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a sprinkle of joy to your festive gatherings.
Ingredients for Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies their delightful sweetness and helps with texture.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Peppermint extract: This is what gives your cookies that refreshing holiday zing!
- Milk: Used as needed to achieve the right dough consistency; it keeps the cookies tender.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth icing that tops your cookies.
- Gel coloring: Optional, but a few drops of white gel coloring can brighten your icing.
- Red and green gel icing: Perfect for decorating and adding festive flair.
- Crushed peppermint candies or sanding sugar: These add a delightful crunch and sparkle to your cookies.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Prepare the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough ready! In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent. In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This should take about two minutes. The fluffiness is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The aroma will be heavenly!
Chill the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to chill. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape while baking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! You can use this time to sip on some hot cocoa or catch up on your favorite holiday movie.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use snowflake cookie cutters to cut out shapes. The fun part is seeing those beautiful snowflakes take form! Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. This allows them to spread slightly while baking.
Bake the Cookies
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be just set, with pale edges—not brown. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overbaked in a flash! Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is essential before icing, or you’ll end up with a melty mess!
Prepare the Icing
While the cookies cool, let’s whip up that smooth icing. In a bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until you achieve a smooth, spoonable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too runny, sprinkle in some more powdered sugar. You want it just right for spreading or piping!
Decorate the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Use a piping bag or a simple spoon to spread the icing over the cooled cookies. Get creative! Immediately after icing, use red and green gel icing to create festive designs. A toothpick can help you drag the icing outward from the center, forming beautiful snowflake patterns. Finish off with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or sanding sugar for that extra sparkle. Your Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies are now ready to dazzle!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing; it should be at room temperature.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to help maintain the cookie shape while baking.
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to avoid overworking it.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they can brown quickly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing dry ingredients; a fork works in a pinch.
- Cookie cutters: Snowflake shapes are fun, but any shape will do!
- Parchment paper: For lining baking sheets; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Piping bags: Great for icing; zip-top bags can work just as well.
Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Snowflakes: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist. It pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or orange extract for a unique flavor profile that still complements the peppermint.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Serve them alongside a festive fruit platter for a colorful contrast.
- Arrange cookies on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Include them in holiday gift boxes for a sweet surprise!
FAQs about Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Can I make Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can substitute it with other extracts like vanilla or almond. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change, but it will still be delicious!
How do I store my Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I decorate the cookies in advance?
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth icing consistency?
To get that perfect icing consistency, start with a small amount of milk and gradually add more until it’s smooth and spreadable. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. You want it to hold its shape but still be easy to work with!
Final Thoughts
Baking Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that fills your home with warmth and joy. The soft, buttery cookies topped with smooth icing and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each bite is a reminder of the holiday spirit, bringing smiles and sweet memories. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, these cookies are sure to add a sprinkle of happiness to your celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday cheer, and let the baking begin!
Print
Peppermint Snowflake Sugar Cookies: Bake Festive Magic!
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies topped with smooth vanilla icing and decorated with peppermint candy stripes for a sparkling snowflake effect.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2–3 TBSP milk (only as needed, for dough consistency)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1–2 TBSP milk (for icing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract (for icing)
- Optional: a few drops white gel coloring (for brightness)
- Red gel icing (for decoration)
- Green gel icing (for decoration)
- Crushed peppermint candies or sanding sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (2 minutes).
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and peppermint.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until dough forms.
- If dough seems crumbly, add 1 TBSP milk at a time until smooth.
- Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use snowflake cookie cutters to cut shapes.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until edges are pale not brown.
- Cool completely before icing.
- Stir icing ingredients until smooth and spoonable.
- Pipe or spread icing over cookies.
- Immediately decorate with thin lines of red and green gel icing.
- Using a toothpick, drag lightly outward from the center to create snowflake patterns.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or sparkling sugar.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
- Adjust milk in icing for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
