Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Delicious and Festive Treat
Get ready to add a dash of magic to your holiday celebrations with these Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies!
Infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint and topped with a sprinkle of edible glitter, these sweet treats are sure to spread joy and cheer to all who taste them.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of sparkly peppermint sugar cookies, exploring the recipe, ingredients, and essential tools needed to make these delicious treats.
Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe – A Quick Overview
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Recipe Description | Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies, a sweet and festive treat perfect for the holiday season |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 32 minutes |
| Type of Dish | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Quantity Produced | 24-30 cookies |
| Calories per Cookie | 120-150 calories (approx.) |
About Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint and topped with a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra touch of sparkle.
These sweet treats are perfect for the holiday season, adding a festive touch to any gathering or celebration. With their soft and chewy texture, subtle peppermint flavor, and dazzling sparkle, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies is a Must-Try?
- Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of sweet sugar cookies and refreshing peppermint is a match made in heaven, creating a delightful flavor experience that will leave you wanting more.
- Festive and Fun: The edible glitter on top of the cookies adds a touch of sparkle and festivity, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, and celebrations.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that’s simply irresistible, making them a delight to eat.
- Perfect for Gift-Giving: Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies make a wonderful gift for friends, family, and coworkers, adding a personal touch to your holiday gifts.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners, making them a great option for holiday baking.
- Versatile: These cookies can be customized with different flavors, colors, and decorations, making them perfect for any occasion or theme.
- Instagram-Worthy: The sparkly, glittery top of these cookies makes them a social media sensation, guaranteed to get you likes and comments on Instagram and other platforms.
Ingredients For Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (for decoration)
Optional Ingredients:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Essential Tools For Making Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer is necessary for creaming together the butter and sugars, as well as incorporating the eggs and peppermint extract.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary for combining the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining them.
- Whisk Attachment: A whisk attachment is necessary for creaming together the butter and sugars, as well as incorporating the eggs and peppermint extract.
- Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is necessary for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl and folding in the crushed candy canes (if using).
- Baking Sheets: Baking sheets are necessary for baking the cookies. Line them with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Medium-Sized Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is necessary for cooling the cookies after they’re removed from the oven.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is necessary for cooling the cookies completely before decorating.
- Edible Glitter or Sprinkles: Edible glitter or sprinkles are necessary for decorating the cookies. Choose your favorite colors and designs to make them sparkle!
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Parchment paper or a silicone mat is necessary for lining the baking sheets, making cleanup a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Peppermint Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Crushed Candy Canes (Optional)
If using crushed candy canes, fold them into the dough at this stage.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with edible glitter or sprinkles.
Step 11: Enjoy Your Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies!
Your Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a ball.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the texture and consistency of the cookies. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Not Leaving Enough Space Between Cookies: Cookies need room to spread during baking. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to ensure they don’t merge.
- Overbaking: Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies are best when lightly golden. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
- Not Cooling Cookies Completely: Cooling cookies completely is crucial for them to set properly. Make sure to cool them on a wire rack before decorating.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not Decorating Cookies Immediately: Decorate the cookies as soon as possible after baking, while they’re still slightly warm. This helps the edible glitter or sprinkles stick better.
- Not Storing Cookies Properly: Store Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
Best Ways to Serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Holiday Parties: Serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies at holiday parties, such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties, for a festive touch.
- Cookie Exchanges: Participate in cookie exchanges with friends and family, and serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as a unique and delicious contribution.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate bar with Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as a sweet treat to pair with hot chocolate.
- Gift Giving: Package Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies in decorative tins or jars and give them as gifts to friends, family, or coworkers.
- Dessert Table: Create a dessert table with Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by other sweet treats and festive decorations.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as the “buns” for ice cream sandwiches, adding a fun twist to a classic dessert.
- Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying pairing.
- Kids’ Parties: Serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies at kids’ parties, such as birthday parties or holiday parties, for a fun and festive treat.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as a sweet treat at brunch or breakfast gatherings, paired with fruit or yogurt.
- Photo Shoot Props: Use Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies as props for holiday-themed photo shoots, adding a pop of color and festivity to your photos.
Tips For Preserving Freshness and Flavor for Longer
- Store in an Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, to keep them fresh.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies at room temperature (around 68-72°F/20-22°C) to preserve their texture and flavor.
- Avoid Humidity: Keep the cookies away from humid environments, as moisture can cause them to become soft or soggy.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the cookies taste their best.
- Avoid Overbaking: Avoid overbaking the cookies, as this can cause them to become dry and stale.
- Cool Completely: Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before storing them to prevent moisture from building up.
- Use Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Store the cookies between layers of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Keep Away from Strong-Smelling Foods: Store the cookies away from strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors easily.
- Consume Within 5 Days: Consume the cookies within 5 days of baking for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (assuming 24-30 cookies) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 |
| Total Fat | 6-7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5-4g |
| Cholesterol | 10-12mg |
| Sodium | 50-60mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18-22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0-1g |
| Sugars | 8-10g |
| Protein | 1-2g |
How to Make This Recipe Perfect Every Time?
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients, including butter and eggs, for a better texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure peppermint extract, for the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dough to firm up.
- Scoop Uniformly: Scoop the dough into uniform balls to ensure even baking and a consistent texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Don’t overbake the cookies, as this can cause them to become dry and hard.
- Cool Completely: Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their freshness and flavor.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly. Keep trying, and you’ll soon be a pro at making Sparkly Peppermint Sugar Cookies!
Conclusion
Sparkly peppermint sugar cookies are a delicious and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With their refreshing peppermint flavor and edible glitter decoration, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to making these delicious cookies that are sure to sparkle and shine. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season one to remember!
FAQs
Q: Can I use artificial peppermint flavor instead of peppermint extract?
A: While you can use artificial peppermint flavor, we recommend using peppermint extract for a more authentic and intense peppermint flavor.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar?
A: While you can experiment with different types of sugar, we recommend using granulated sugar for the best results.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to the dough?
A: Yes, you can add other mix-ins to the dough, but be careful not to overmix the dough.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q: Can I make these cookies in a different shape, such as a heart or star?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies in a different shape using a cookie cutter. Simply cut out the desired shape from the dough and bake as instructed.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
