The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about baking peppermint frosted sugar cookies during the holidays. Every December, the cool minty aroma brings me right back to my childhood kitchen in Crete. I still remember standing on my tiptoes just to peek over the counter while my grandmother shaped trays of cookies with her warm, flour-dusted hands. She believed that simple recipes made with love had the power to bring people together, especially women who shared the joy of creating sweet little memories through baking.
Now, at 38, living far away from those early days, I still find comfort in recipes like peppermint frosted sugar cookies. They’re soft, sweet, festive, and ridiculously fun to make even if your kitchen ends up covered in powdered sugar (trust me, mine always does). Whenever I add peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes on top, I feel like I’m sprinkling tiny bits of holiday magic.
These cookies are one of those treats that instantly make a home feel warmer. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie boxes, or even last-minute baking nights with kids. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills to make them. Just a little patience, a little creativity, and the willingness to enjoy each moment.
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s cheerful, comforting, and impossible not to love, peppermint frosted sugar cookies are about to become your new favorite tradition. Let’s make them together and create memories that taste as good as they feel.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but wonderful)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- A pinch of salt
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter & Sugar
Start by beating the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and light. This step determines how soft your sugar cookies will be, so don’t rush it give it a good 2–3 minutes.
2. Add Egg & Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. The almond extract is optional, but it adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30–45 minutes. It helps the cookies keep their shape and stay extra tender.
5. Roll & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop or roll the dough into balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten each one with your palm.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Don’t overbake!
6. Make the Peppermint Frosting
Beat the butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, salt, and cream until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust cream amounts to reach your preferred thickness.
7. Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for the perfect festive crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These peppermint frosted sugar cookies are wonderful with:
- Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream
- A glass of cold milk
- Peppermint mocha
- Holiday dessert platters
- Cookie exchange boxes
Their soft texture, sweet frosting, and holiday sparkle make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
Notes
- For thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar.
- For softer cookies, underbake slightly they continue to set as they cool.
- If you want extra holiday color, add a drop of pink food coloring to the frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
💌 Marilyn’s Short 100-Word Story Version (Add to recipe card)
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, I learned to cook beside my grandmother, who taught me that simple recipes made with love create the sweetest memories. These peppermint frosted sugar cookies remind me of those cozy winter days when the whole kitchen smelled like butter and vanilla. I love making these cookies because they’re soft, festive, and bring a little joy to anyone who tastes them. Whether you’re baking for your family or starting a new holiday tradition, these cookies make every moment feel warm and magical.
📌 Recipe Card
Peppermint Frosted Sugar Cookies 🍪✨
Time:
⏱️ Prep: 15 min
⏱️ Chill: 30 min
⏱️ Bake: 10 min
⏱️ Total: 55 min
Ingredients:
📌 Sugar cookie dough
📌 Peppermint frosting
📌 Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cream butter and sugar.
2️⃣ Add egg and extracts.
3️⃣ Mix dry ingredients, combine, and chill dough.
4️⃣ Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
5️⃣ Frost cooled cookies and top with candy canes.
Notes:
💡 Don’t overbake the cookies should stay soft.
💡 Add pink food coloring for a peppermint-pink frosting.
Nutrition:
🔥 Around 210 calories per cookie.
Conclusion
These peppermint frosted sugar cookies bring together everything we love about holiday baking soft buttery dough, creamy peppermint frosting, and that joyful crunch of crushed candy canes. Whether you make them for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to create sweet memories in your kitchen, they’re guaranteed to become a holiday tradition. Bake them once, and you’ll come back to this recipe every December!