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Creamy Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

creamy peppermint sugar cookies - featured image
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Soft, creamy sugar cookies infused with refreshing peppermint and topped with fluffy buttercream frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in, these cookies deliver nostalgic comfort with a festive twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or almond milk)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or dairy-free alternative, for frosting)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for decorating)
  • Festive sprinkles (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Measure out all ingredients and let butter and egg come to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Add milk and mix until dough comes together.
  6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 20-30 minutes.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten gently with your palm or a glass.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just set and centers are soft and pale. Do not overbake.
  9. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely (at least 30 minutes) before frosting.
  10. For the buttercream frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
  11. Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Decorate with crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles. Let cookies set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps cookies stay thick and soft. For a milder peppermint flavor, reduce extract to ½ teaspoon. Bake one test cookie first to check spread and flavor. Store cookies with a slice of bread to keep them soft. Frosting can be adjusted for sweetness or consistency. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint sugar cookies, buttercream frosting, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, easy sugar cookies, festive dessert, peppermint dessert, cookie exchange, baking, winter treats

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-peppermint-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-buttercream-frosting-tips/