As I unwrapped the cozy scents of winter in my kitchen, a delightful surprise awaited—a batch of Peppermint Shortbread Cookies! These festive treats capture the essence of the season with their rich, buttery texture and a refreshing peppermint twist that instantly lifts spirits. With just five simple ingredients, this easy recipe promises to bring a touch of magic to your holiday cookie platter, making them a perfect choice for family gatherings or last-minute gifts. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can stash them away for those unexpected guests or cozy nights at home. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the joyous aroma of the holidays? Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure!
Why are Peppermint Shortbread Cookies a must-try?
Delightful aroma: The moment you start baking, your kitchen will fill with the captivating scent of warm butter and peppermint, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Easy preparation: With only five ingredients needed, this recipe ensures even novice bakers can achieve delicious results without stress.
Versatile treats: These cookies shine as festive gifts, perfect for cookie exchanges, or a sweet addition to holiday gatherings.
Crowd-pleaser: The combination of buttery richness and refreshing peppermint makes these cookies a hit with everyone!
Freeze for later: Make a double batch and freeze for unexpected guests or cozy nights—just thaw and enjoy!
Bring a little holiday magic into your kitchen with these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies!
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter – Provides richness and moisture; room temperature is essential for easy creaming.
• 2/3 cup white sugar – Sweetens the dough while contributing to its structure; you can substitute with confectioner’s sugar for a melt-in-mouth texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla powder – Enhances the flavor profile; feel free to substitute with vanilla extract or vanilla paste if needed.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cookie; ensure proper measurement for best results.
• 3/4 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips – Adds the signature peppermint flavor; avoid using crushed candy canes to maintain the right texture.
These ingredients come together to create delightful Peppermint Shortbread Cookies that will fill your home with warmth and cheer this holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Having your baking sheet ready will streamline your workflow, making it easy to transfer your Peppermint Shortbread Cookies when they’re shaped.
Step 2: Cream Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened salted butter and 2/3 cup of white sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder and mix until just combined, creating a rich base for your cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Carefully fold in 3/4 cup of Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The final consistency should be soft yet slightly tacky, signaling that your Peppermint Shortbread Cookie dough is ready for chilling.
Step 4: Chill Dough
Transfer the cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and firms it up, making rolling and cutting the cookies much easier when you’re ready to bake.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Once the dough is chilled, unwrap it and place it on a floured surface. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the surface. Using cookie cutters, shape the dough into festive holiday designs, then carefully transfer each cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven, and bake the Peppermint Shortbread Cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be pale and lightly golden around the edges. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you might bake them for a couple of extra minutes.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling period is essential; moving them too soon could cause breakage. After they’ve set slightly, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying or storing.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Shortbread Cookies are ideal for meal prep, making your holiday baking simpler and more enjoyable! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps and then chill the wrapped dough before rolling and cutting it. Once you’ve shaped the cookies, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your treats, simply bake them straight from the fridge for perfect Peppermint Shortbread Cookies in no time. Just remember, cooling the cookies completely before storing them in an airtight container ensures they remain just as delicious for days to come!
What to Serve with Peppermint Shortbread Cookies?
Indulging in Peppermint Shortbread Cookies transforms your cozy gatherings into memorable moments filled with warmth and joy.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, chocolatey goodness elegantly pairs with the crunchy peppermint, creating a delightful contrast that warms the heart. Top it with whipped cream for an extra touch of luxury!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream served alongside brings a refreshing balance to the buttery richness of the cookies. Drizzling with chocolate sauce can elevate this pairing to heavenly heights.
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Spicy Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon and cloves. The sweet and tart flavors beautifully complement the peppermint notes, evoking the essence of the holiday season.
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Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy almond or hazelnut biscotti adds a delightful texture, providing a perfect dip for your peppermint treats into coffee or tea. This combination invites long conversations around the table.
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Peppermint Tea: A cup of soothing peppermint tea will harmonize with the cookie’s flavor profile, enhancing the refreshing vibe of the festivities while serving as a calming end to a sweet indulgence.
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Colorful Fruit Platter: Bright, fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and citrus can lighten the palate, offering a burst of freshness against the buttery, sweet cookies. It’s a visual feast that invites exploration.
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Holiday Cocktails: Mix up a festive cocktail, like a cranberry mule or peppermint martini. The zingy flavors will dance alongside the cookies, ensuring a merry celebration all around!
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For a decadent dessert option, serve chocolate-covered strawberries. The sweetness and tang of berries work wonderfully against the coolness of peppermint, providing a luxurious touch.
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Gingerbread Cookies: For an additional festive flair, pair with spiced gingerbread cookies to create a winter wonderland of flavors on your cookie platter. The warmth of ginger complements peppermint seamlessly.
Each of these delightful pairings enhances the experience of enjoying delicious Peppermint Shortbread Cookies, making your gatherings truly memorable!
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Variations
Get creative in the kitchen with exciting twists on these delightful treats that will wow your loved ones!
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Slice-and-Bake: Roll the dough into a log, chill, and slice for perfectly uniform cookies with minimal effort.
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Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat, and sprinkle crushed peppermint for added flair.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and rich flavor contrast.
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Different Chips: Swap the Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for unique flavor combinations.
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Citrus Zest: Grate in some orange or lemon zest to elevate the flavor profile and bring a refreshing twist to the classic peppermint.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well with the mint.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
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Less Sweet: For a less sugary cookie, decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup; these still deliver a delightful flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Feel inspired to explore these variations or check out related recipes like vanilla shortbread cookies or chocolate chip cookies for even more delightful baking adventures!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
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Chill for Success: Don’t skip the chilling step; it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking.
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Test Bake: Consider baking a single cookie first to determine your preferred level of crunchiness—this can vary based on your oven.
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Prevent Breakage: Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet to avoid breakage when transferring them to a wire rack.
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Storage Solutions: Store Peppermint Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze layered between parchment paper for extended freshness.
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Flavor Enhancements: For a richer treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed peppermint for an added festive touch.
Storage Tips for Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Peppermint Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and delightful texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer preservation, you can refrigerate the cookies, which will keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks, but ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezer: Freeze your cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag to avoid sticking.
Reheating: For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Enjoy them warm and revitalized!
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right peppermint baking chips?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips, as they melt beautifully and offer a delightful peppermint flavor. Avoid crushed candy canes, as they tend to create a gritty texture instead of the smooth melt you want in your cookies.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Peppermint Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they’re in a sealed container to prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge while preserving their delightful flavor.
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Peppermint Shortbread Cookies! To do this, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring no cookies are sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked goodness!
What if my cookie dough seems too crumbly?
Very! If your dough is crumbly, it likely needs a touch more moisture. Adding a teaspoon of milk or water, then mixing gently, can help bring the dough together. Ensure that your butter is adequately softened at room temperature for easy blending of ingredients, as this can greatly affect the texture of your dough.
Are these cookies suitable for pets?
Unfortunately, no—these Peppermint Shortbread Cookies are not suitable for pets as they contain ingredients like butter and sugar that can upset their stomachs. It’s best to steer clear of sharing your cookie treats with your furry friends! Always keep those delicious homemade goodies just for humans!
Can I adjust the sugar for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For those looking to reduce sugar, consider substituting part or all of the sugar with a sugar alternative suitable for baking, such as erythritol or a similar sweetener. Just remember to check the conversion since different sweeteners have specific recommendations for substitution to maintain the right balance in texture and taste.
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies for a Cozy Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla powder and mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Transfer to the baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
