Irresistible Frosted Peppermint Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Baking Joy

The holiday season ushers in a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Among the countless seasonal delights, Frosted Peppermint Cookies stand out as a true classic. These aren’t just any cookies; they are wonderfully soft, delightfully pillowy, and infused with the crisp, refreshing flavor of peppermint candy. Each cookie is then generously crowned with a smooth, luscious peppermint vanilla buttercream and sprinkled with vibrant, crushed candy cane pieces, making them a visual and culinary masterpiece perfect for any festive occasion.

There’s nothing quite like gathering in the kitchen with loved ones during the holidays, and baking Christmas cookies with my kids is one of my most cherished traditions. This particular recipe for Frosted Peppermint Cookies has become an absolute staple in our home. The cookies possess an incredibly tender texture that practically melts in your mouth, while the vibrant peppermint flavor creates a truly memorable taste experience. And let’s be honest, the peppermint vanilla buttercream is nothing short of amazing – a velvety, sweet cloud that perfectly complements the cookie base. My children eagerly participate in every step of the process, from mixing the dough and carefully scooping it onto cookie sheets to spreading the creamy frosting and, their favorite part, showering each cookie with sparkling crushed peppermint pieces. It’s a truly hands-on, joyful activity that creates lasting memories along with delicious treats.

Simplify Your Holiday Baking: Smart Time-Saving Tips for Frosted Peppermint Cookies

We all know the holidays can become incredibly busy, often feeling like a whirlwind of activities and preparations. To help you savor the joy of baking without the added stress, here are some invaluable time-saving strategies for making this spectacular Frosted Peppermint Cookies recipe. These tips are designed to streamline your process, allowing you more quality time with your family and less time worrying about kitchen logistics.

Prepare Dough and Frosting in Advance: One of the most effective ways to simplify your baking day is to get a head start on the foundational elements. Both the cookie dough and the peppermint vanilla buttercream can be mixed and prepared well in advance. Once made, simply store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to proceed. This is an incredibly easy and practical method to accelerate the cookie-making process, especially when involving excited children. I frequently opt to prepare both the dough and the frosting the night before our big baking session. This way, the next day, when the kids are eager to start decorating and transforming the dough into festive Christmas cookies, much of the initial groundwork is already done, making for a much faster, smoother, and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Freeze Cookie Dough for Future Baking: Did you know you can easily prepare portions of cookie dough and freeze them for later? Simply scoop out individual dough balls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Once the dough balls are formed, freeze them until they are solid. After they’ve hardened, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to label it with the date. When you’re ready to bake, you can either let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, you’ll generally need to add an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the recommended baking time to compensate for the colder dough. This method offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to have freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
Purchase Pre-Crushed Candy Cane Pieces: This tip might seem small, but it makes a significant difference during the bustling holiday season. Many grocery stores, especially in their holiday baking aisles, now carry pre-crushed candy cane pieces. Instead of buying whole candy canes and manually crushing them – a task that can be sticky, messy, and time-consuming – look for these convenient bags. Purchasing them ready-to-use not only shaves off valuable prep time but also means fewer dishes to wash afterward, which is always a welcome bonus in a busy kitchen! These pre-crushed pieces are perfect for sprinkling on top of your frosted cookies, adding into the dough, or even for decorating other holiday treats like hot cocoa.
Double the Recipe for Gifts and Exchanges: While not strictly a time-saving tip in terms of process, doubling your recipe can be a massive time-saver for your overall holiday preparations. If you’re already going through the effort of baking these delicious cookies, why not make enough to share? Prepare a larger batch of Frosted Peppermint Cookies to give out as thoughtful, homemade gifts to friends, neighbors, teachers, or colleagues. They’re also perfect for cookie exchanges, ensuring you have a festive contribution that everyone will adore. This approach allows you to combine a fun, family-friendly baking activity with crossing multiple items off your holiday gift list, making your efforts incredibly efficient and impactful. Plus, having extra means more for your family to enjoy!

The Perfect Frosted Peppermint Cookies Recipe

These soft, delightful cookies, baked with a hint of peppermint and generously topped with a rich vanilla buttercream, are a holiday tradition waiting to happen. This recipe yields approximately 3 dozen cookies, making it ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your loved ones throughout the festive season. The combination of textures and flavors is truly enchanting, promising a treat that will be remembered long after the last crumb is gone.

Ingredients for Frosted Peppermint Cookies:

1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick, unsalted is recommended for better control over saltiness)
1 cup granulated sugar (for that perfect balance of sweetness)
1 large egg (helps bind the dough and adds richness)
3/4 cup milk (adds moisture and creates a tender crumb)
1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances all the other flavors)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of your soft cookies)
1/2 tsp baking soda (the leavening agent for that pillowy texture)
1/2 tsp salt (balances sweetness and enhances flavor)
3/4 cup peppermint candy* (for that signature festive crunch and flavor)

Instructions for Frosted Peppermint Cookies:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your dough is ready.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 1 minute. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy, incorporating air that will contribute to the cookie’s tender texture. Then, add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add half of this dry mixture to your wet ingredients in the mixing bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until almost fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the peppermint candy. The dough will naturally be softer and a bit stickier than typical cookie dough, which is perfectly normal for these pillowy treats.
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should appear set but still soft. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for an additional 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cookies set up and makes them easier to transfer without breaking. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies have fully cooled to room temperature (this is crucial for the frosting to set properly), it’s time for the best part! Frost each cookie with about 1 tablespoon of the prepared peppermint vanilla buttercream. Spread it evenly using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Immediately after frosting, top each cookie generously with crushed candy cane pieces for an extra burst of peppermint flavor and a beautiful festive sparkle. Store the finished Frosted Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

*For the peppermint candy in the cookie dough, I found that a delightful combination of peppermint baking chips and finely crushed candy cane pieces works best, offering both a melt-in-your-mouth flavor and a satisfying textural crunch.

Peppermint Vanilla Buttercream: The Crown Jewel

This rich and creamy buttercream is the perfect topping for your peppermint cookies, offering a balance of sweet, minty, and vanilla notes that will elevate your holiday baking.

1/2 cup room temperature butter (1 stick, unsalted is recommended)
1 tsp peppermint extract (use sparingly, as it’s potent!)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
2-3 TBSP milk (dairy or non-dairy, as needed for consistency)
3 rounded cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
1/2 cup crushed candy cane pieces (for an extra festive touch and crunch)

Instructions for Peppermint Vanilla Buttercream:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter on medium power for approximately 3 minutes. The butter should transform into a light, whipped, and pale yellow consistency, incorporating plenty of air. This step is essential for a truly fluffy buttercream.
Add in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 cup of the powdered sugar to the whipped butter. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and adjust as needed later.
Mix on low speed for 1 minute until the sugar is mostly incorporated. Then, add in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 3-4 minutes. During this time, observe the consistency of your buttercream. If it appears too thick or stiff, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, or even half a tablespoon at a time, until your desired smooth, spreadable consistency is achieved. The key is to have a frosting that is easy to spread but holds its shape.

Why Frosted Peppermint Cookies are a Holiday Must-Have

Peppermint and the holidays go hand-in-hand for a reason. The invigorating, cool flavor of peppermint candy evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer. These Frosted Peppermint Cookies capture that essence perfectly. The combination of the soft, tender cookie base with the vibrant kick of peppermint and the smooth, sweet vanilla buttercream creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exhilarating. They are not just a dessert; they are an experience, a delightful bite that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland. They’re also incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various holiday scenarios, from a quiet family evening to a bustling Christmas party.

Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Cookies Ever

To ensure your Frosted Peppermint Cookies (and all your future cookie endeavors) turn out perfectly every time, keep these general baking tips in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs unless specified otherwise. This allows ingredients to cream together more smoothly, creating an emulsified mixture that traps air and results in a lighter, fluffier texture.
Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate measurement, spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like a knife). Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, making cookies tough and chewy instead of tender and soft.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes for super easy cleanup.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking apart.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which leads to even baking and a professional-looking final product.

After you try these delicious Frosted Peppermint Cookies, explore some of our other favorite Christmas Cookie recipes for more holiday cheer:

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups: A cozy treat reminiscent of a warm mug of cocoa.
Holiday Star Cookies: Beautifully decorated and delightful for any festive spread.
Chocolate Orange Slice Cookies: A sophisticated combination of rich chocolate and bright orange.
Best Snickerdoodle Recipe: A classic favorite with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you love mint, these are a must-try!

Frosted Peppermint Cookies

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Course: Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 3

Author: Jessica & Nellie

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going to sleep

Ingredients

1/2 cup softened butter 1 stick
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup peppermint candy*

Peppermint Vanilla Buttercream

1/2 cup room temperature butter 1 stick
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 TBSP milk
3 rounded cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup crushed candy cane pieces

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cream together butter and sugar for 1 minute. Add in egg, milk and vanilla and mix again until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients and add 1/2 to the mixing bowl, mix, then add the other half. Add in peppermint candy and mix to combine. Dough will be softer & stickier than normal cookie dough.
Scoop out about 2 TBSP of cookie dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes and let cool for an additional 2 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Once fully cool, frost with about 1 TBSP of peppermint vanilla buttercream per cookie. Top with crushed candy cane pieces. Store cookies in an airtight container.
*For peppermint candy I used a combination of peppermint baking chips and crushed candy cane pieces.

Peppermint Vanilla Buttercream

Mix butter in a mixing bowl on medium power for about 3 minutes, until whipped and light in color.
Add in vanilla, peppermint extract, milk and 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
Mix for 1 minute. Add in the other 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix on medium for 3-4 minutes, adding additional milk if needed until desired consistency is achieved.

Video

Notes

yields 3 dozen cookies

Tried this recipe?Mention @familycookierecipes or tag #familycookierecipes!

In summary, these Frosted Peppermint Cookies are everything you could wish for in a holiday treat: soft, pillowy cookies baked to perfection with an delightful peppermint infusion, generously topped with a velvety peppermint vanilla buttercream, and finished with a festive sprinkle of candy cane pieces. They are the perfect Christmas cookie recipe for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of hot cocoa.

Baking these cookies isn’t just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about making memories. Just like my kids love to explore creative outlets like pottery painting, the kitchen offers another fantastic space for family fun and creativity. If you haven’t tried pottery painting, I highly recommend searching for a local studio – it’s a fantastic, mess-contained activity where all the supplies are provided, and cleanup is a breeze. Similarly, baking these cookies can be a wonderful, engaging, and relatively easy activity that brings everyone together, fills your home with incredible aromas, and creates treats that bring smiles to faces. So gather your ingredients, call your little helpers, and get ready to bake some holiday magic!