Introduction
During the festive holiday season, one of the most delightful treats to indulge in is soft Christmas peppermints. These homemade peppermint cookies for Christmas bring a touch of joy and sweetness to any holiday gathering. The best part is that they are easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let’s dive into the world of easy soft Christmas peppermint recipes and discover how to create the best soft peppermint cookie recipe for your holiday cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These soft peppermint cookies are not only delicious but also a healthier option for those looking for low sugar Christmas peppermint treats. With options for gluten-free and vegan variations, these cookies cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. The easy peppermint desserts are perfect for adding a festive touch to your Christmas tray.
Indulging in these homemade peppermint cookies for Christmas will transport you to a world of soft peppermint holiday treats that are both comforting and satisfying. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For these delightful soft chewy peppermint cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Unsalted butter
– Granulated sugar
– Egg
– Peppermint extract
– Red food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and food coloring to the butter mixture and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure to use peppermint extract for that authentic peppermint flavor.
– Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
– For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking.
– Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a healthier version of these soft peppermint cookies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan alternative. Feel free to experiment with different food coloring options to match your festive decorations.
Serving Suggestions
These easy peppermint desserts are perfect for serving with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. You can also create a beautiful Christmas cookie tray by pairing them with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies. The festive colors and flavors will surely impress your guests.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
Q: How can I make the cookies more festive?
A: You can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and top with crushed candy canes for a festive look.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on your holiday baking journey, these soft peppermint cookies will be the star of your Christmas-themed dessert table. With their irresistible flavor and chewy texture, they are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and enjoy the process of creating these delightful Christmas treats. Happy baking!
Easy Soft Christmas Peppermints for your holiday cookie tray
Delight in these homemade soft peppermint cookies for Christmas, bringing joy and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for sharing and cater to various dietary preferences with gluten-free and vegan options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, peppermint extract, and food coloring to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly with a spoon.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
