Name: Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter (softened slightly); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 cups all purpose flour (240g); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (dutch processed); Red gel food coloring (as needed); White gel food coloring (optional); ¼ cup coarse sugar (for coating); 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies (or crushed candy canes)

There’s something deeply satisfying about a cookie that brings together cool peppermint, rich chocolate, and that classic comforting sweetness. This Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those special treats that brightens any day and makes holiday cookie swaps feel extra festive.

The image shows a group of round cookies with three clear layers on light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The outer layer is a rich dark brown with a rough texture, the middle layer is a white and red swirl pattern shaped like a pinwheel, and the edges of the cookies are decorated with small crushed red pieces. Around the cookies, there are whole and partial candy canes with red and white stripes and small red and white round peppermint candies. One pair of candy canes is arranged to form a heart shape near the top left corner. The scene has a cozy and festive look with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these cookies — the peppermint and chocolate combo instantly reminded me of cozy winter mornings with hot cocoa in hand. This recipe brings together that holiday magic in a way that’s surprisingly easy, even if you don’t feel like a baking pro.

Striking Design: The beautiful peppermint swirl inside each slice is eye-catching but doesn’t require fancy skills or special tools.
Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with soft, slightly chewy centers make every bite a joy — not too crunchy, not too soft.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Slice and bake means you can prep the dough well in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Refreshing Peppermint Flavor: The peppermint extract and crushed candy canes give a festive, fresh zing without being overpowering.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this peppermint sugar cookies recipe lies in the balance of ingredients. You’ve got your classic sugar cookie base and a touch of cocoa for a hint of chocolate depth. Then peppermint extract and crushed candy add that festive sparkle. Using gel food coloring helps achieve bold colors without extra moisture messing with your dough consistency.

Flat lay of a soft golden butter block, a small white ceramic bowl with granulated white sugar, a few coarse sea salt crystals scattered nearby, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, another small white bowl with clear peppermint extract, one large smooth brown egg with uncracked shell, a mound of light beige all purpose flour, a small pile of rich dark brown dutch-processed cocoa powder, a small white bowl filled with coarse clear sparkling sugar crystals, and a small heap of crushed red and white peppermint candies, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened but not melted butter adds richness and the perfect tenderness to your cookies.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create those crisp edges after baking.
Sea Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that complements peppermint beautifully.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor, so make sure it’s good quality — a little goes a long way.
Egg: Binds the dough together and adds necessary moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure provider — sifted for smooth results and easier mixing.
Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder: Adds subtle chocolate richness without making dough gritty.
Red Gel Food Coloring: Creates vibrant red dough without thinning the mix.
White Gel Food Coloring (Optional): Brightens the white dough for contrast, but you can skip it if you like.
Coarse Sugar: For that sparkly, sweet outer coating that adds crunch.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Gives a festive crunch and extra peppermint burst right on the outside.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap out the red gel for a bright green during the holidays to create a fun peppermint swirl wreath look. Or I’ll leave out the white dye for a more rustic, homemade vibe. It’s really flexible, so feel free to make it yours!

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate before rolling in the coarse sugar creates a fudgy surprise in every bite. I tried it last Christmas and it was a hit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows three round cookies stacked on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two clear layers: a dark brown outer ring with a rough texture and a smooth inner circle with a red and white peppermint swirl pattern resembling pinwheel sections. One cookie on top has a small bite taken from its side, showing a red inner layer under the dark brown ring. In the background, blurred red and white peppermint sticks add a festive touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together just until combined. Don’t wait for it to turn fluffy — you’re aiming for a smooth mix that holds together but still has some body. This helps ensure your cookies keep their structure while staying tender inside.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Egg

Mix in salt, vanilla, peppermint extract, and the egg. The dough might look a bit split here — that’s totally normal. Just keep blending gently until it comes together.

Step 3: Combine Flour and Divide Dough

Sift your flour into the bowl and mix just until a dough forms. Take about one third of the dough and set it aside — this will be used for your peppermint color layers. The rest will become your chocolate dough once we add cocoa.

Step 4: Color and Chill the Peppermint Dough

Cut your reserved dough in half. Add red gel food coloring one drop at a time into one half until you get a festive, vibrant red. Roll it into a short log on parchment and freeze about 20 minutes until solid. For the other half, if you want that crisp peppermint contrast, add white gel coloring and do the same freezing process.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dough

Mix the cocoa powder into the larger dough portion until it turns a deep chocolate brown. Leave this at room temp while the peppermint logs chill.

Step 6: Slice the Peppermint Logs and Create Swirls

Once frozen solid, slice the red and white logs lengthwise into 8 thin wedges each. Alternate and press them together to form two new peppermint logs, then join those two logs into one larger log — pressing and smoothing the joint for a seamless look. Freeze 10 minutes so it holds shape.

Step 7: Wrap the Peppermint Log in Chocolate

Flatten your chocolate dough into a rectangle about the length of your peppermint log. Place the peppermint log on top and wrap the chocolate dough all around it, smoothing and trimming excess. This forms the outer chocolate layer that makes these cookies extra tasty and beautiful.

Step 8: Coat, Chill, and Bake

Mix the coarse sugar and crushed peppermint candy, then roll your wrapped cookie log in this sugary coating. Wrap in parchment and chill 20-30 minutes until firm. When ready, slice into ½ inch rounds, place on lined baking sheets spaced apart, and bake 9-11 minutes. Look for a non-shiny top and slightly underbaked centers for the perfect texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Transfer cookies carefully to a rack to cool completely before snacking. Watching those peppermint swirls reveal on each slice always brings a smile!

Top Tip

After making this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe a handful of times, I learned a few simple tweaks that make a big difference in how these cookies turn out:

Freeze Properly: Don’t skip chilling the logs firm — it’s key to cutting clean slices and keeping those peppermint swirls crisp and defined.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid colorings can loosen your dough, making rolling tricky — gel keeps things vibrant without extra moisture.
Cut with a Sharp Knife: Use a large sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices to avoid dragging or tearing the dough design.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be lightly set with shiny tops; underbaked centers keep them delightfully soft and chewy.

How to Serve Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe

peppermint sugar cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually just sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint candy over the cookies once they’ve cooled—it adds a pretty sparkle and subtle crunch. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a snowy effect during the holidays. Either way, keeping the garnishes simple lets the peppermint swirls shine.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a rich hot chocolate or peppermint mocha to double down on those cozy peppermint vibes. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a cheese platter with mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or mascarpone for a sweet and savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I like stacking these cookies in little towers tied with a festive ribbon for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can also arrange them on a platter around a glass of eggnog or cream for a nostalgic, inviting display that guests love to nibble through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, the cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I usually keep mine out on the counter covered with a tea towel for a day or two, then transfer to sealed containers once the initial soft texture develops.

Freezing

This slice and bake dough freezes wonderfully. I always freeze the formed logs either before rolling in sugar or after, wrapped tightly in parchment and foil. When I want fresh cookies, I slice and bake right from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a couple cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up nicely without drying them out. They taste almost freshly baked this way, especially with a cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is just for the classic peppermint swirl look, but the dough will still taste wonderful without it. Your cookies will have a more natural, homemade appearance.

How long can I store the dough logs in the freezer?

The dough logs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in parchment and foil to prevent freezer burn. Slice and bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready for fresh cookies.

What’s the best way to get clean peppermint wedges for the swirl?

Use a very sharp knife and slice the frozen logs gently. Wiping the blade clean between cuts helps keep the edges crisp and prevents the dough from dragging or distorting the design.

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

While peppermint extract is key for that signature fresh flavor, you could try spearmint extract or even a mix with vanilla for a more subtle twist. Just use less at first and adjust to taste since these extracts vary in strength.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to festive treats because it’s just so charming and approachable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a peppermint-laced indulgence yourself, these cookies deliver that perfect holiday crunch and cheerful look without fuss. I hope you’ll try making these at home—nothing beats the joy of fresh, homemade peppermint cookies you can slice and bake on demand.