Description
Soft, buttery cookies topped with a festive peppermint glaze that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for glaze)
- Crushed candy canes (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter and 1 cup (120g) of powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Taste and adjust if you’d like a stronger peppermint flavor.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup (30g) of cornstarch until fully combined. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to be soft!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if the glaze is too thick.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive finish.
- Let the cookies rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
[‘Softened butter is key for achieving the creamy texture of the dough.’, ‘Use fresh candy canes for better flavor and crunch.’, ‘Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if your kitchen is warm to prevent sticking.’, ‘Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.’, ‘Crush candy canes evenly by placing them in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin.’]
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 1
Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, festive dessert, easy baking, peppermint glaze