Every year when the holiday season rolls around, I find myself craving something soft, sweet, and a little festive. These Peppermint Sugar Cookies check every box for me. They have that classic buttery sugar cookie base I love, but the pink peppermint frosting and little sprinkle of crushed candy canes make them feel extra special.

What I love most is how cheerful they look on a cookie tray. They are simple enough to make for a cozy baking afternoon, but pretty enough to bring to a party, wrap up for a neighbor, or set out with hot chocolate on a cold evening. If you love bakery-style cookies with a holiday twist, this is one of those recipes you will want to bake again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and full of sweet peppermint flavor without being overpowering. The cookie itself stays buttery and delicate, while the frosting adds a creamy layer that makes every bite feel a little more indulgent.

I also love how easy they are to dress up. A few crushed peppermint candies on top instantly make them look festive, and the soft pink frosting gives them such a fun holiday bakery feel. They are wonderful for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or adding to a spread with treats like Candy Cane Cheesecake Parfaits and Quick Christmas Peppermint Pie.

What Kind of Peppermint Should I Use in Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

I usually like to use peppermint extract in the frosting because it gives the cookies a clean, classic mint flavor that feels perfect for the holidays. A little goes a long way, so it is best to add it carefully to keep the flavor balanced and not too strong.

For the topping, crushed candy canes are my favorite because they add a bright pop of color and a little crunch. If you want a slightly softer finish, peppermint baking bits also work well. Either way, that final sprinkle on top is what really gives these Peppermint Sugar Cookies their festive personality.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

The ingredient list for these cookies is wonderfully simple, which is one reason I come back to them every holiday season. Each ingredient has a job to do, and together they create that soft cookie texture with a creamy peppermint finish.

Butter brings richness and gives the cookies their soft, tender bite.

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.

Egg adds structure and helps the dough come together smoothly.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor and keeps the cookie base warm and balanced.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough and gives the cookies enough body to hold their shape.

Baking powder helps the cookies rise just enough so they stay soft instead of dense.

Salt sharpens the flavors and keeps the sweetness from tasting flat.

Cream cheese makes the frosting smooth, tangy, and rich.

Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it that fluffy spreadable texture.

Peppermint extract gives the frosting its signature holiday flavor.

Pink food coloring gives the frosting the pretty blush color that makes these cookies stand out on a dessert tray.

Crushed candy canes add crunch, sparkle, and that unmistakable peppermint finish.

How To Make the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Making these Peppermint Sugar Cookies is easier than you might think, and the process feels like such a fun holiday baking project. I like to break it into simple stages so nothing feels rushed.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft cookie texture, so I always give it a couple of extra minutes.

Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough base looks smooth and creamy. This is what gives the cookies their rich flavor and helps everything blend evenly.

Step 3: Stir in the dry ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix just until a soft dough forms. I try not to overmix here because that can make sugar cookies less tender.

Step 4: Portion and bake

Scoop the dough into even portions and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are just set and the centers still look soft. That is the sweet spot for keeping them tender after they cool.

Step 5: Cool completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. I always make sure they are fully cool before frosting so the topping stays thick and creamy.

Step 6: Make the peppermint frosting

Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a touch of pink food coloring until fluffy. The frosting should be smooth, easy to spread, and lightly minty.

Step 7: Frost and finish

Spread the frosting over each cooled cookie, then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Once finished, they look beautiful next to other holiday favorites like Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies or Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies.

Serving and Storing Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are best served once the frosting has had a little time to settle. I love putting them on a holiday dessert tray, bringing them to cookie exchanges, or packing a few into little treat boxes for friends and family. This recipe usually feeds about 18 people, depending on how large you make the cookies and whether you are serving one or two per person.

To store them, I keep the cookies in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. Because of the frosting, they are best kept in the refrigerator if you are holding them for more than a few hours. Before serving, I like to let them sit at room temperature for a bit so the frosting softens back up.

What to Serve With Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

These cookies are sweet and festive on their own, but I love pairing them with a few simple extras to turn them into a full holiday dessert moment.

Hot chocolate is my first pick because the creamy cocoa and peppermint cookies feel like such a cozy winter combination.

Coffee or espresso balances the sweetness nicely and makes these cookies feel right at home at an afternoon gathering.

Vanilla ice cream turns them into a simple plated dessert that feels a little more special.

Holiday dessert boards with truffles, fudge, and bars make these cookies stand out beautifully among other treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Peppermint Sugar Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, and I actually think they are great for make-ahead baking. You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance, then frost and decorate them closer to serving time. That makes holiday prep feel much easier.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, the unfrosted cookies freeze very well. I like to cool them completely, layer them between parchment paper, and freeze them in an airtight container. Then I thaw them and frost them fresh when I am ready to serve.

Do I have to use pink frosting?

Not at all. I love the pink frosting because it gives the cookies a festive bakery look, but you can leave it white if you prefer a more classic peppermint cookie. The flavor will still be just as delicious.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

The biggest thing is not overbaking them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look soft. Storing them properly in an airtight container also helps them stay tender.

Absolutely. These cookies are pretty, festive, and sturdy enough for gifting once the frosting has set. I love adding them to treat boxes alongside buttery favorites and bars. They also fit beautifully into a holiday baking spread with treats like Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Peppermint Sugar Cookies recipe to your Pinterest holiday cookies board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a bold peppermint flavor or keep it soft and sweet? Did you use classic candy canes on top or swap in peppermint baking bits?

I always love seeing how other bakers make these cookies their own. For more daily recipe inspiration, you can find me on Pinterest at Life With Rosa.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Sugar Cookies are one of those cheerful holiday bakes that feel just as fun to make as they are to eat. The soft sugar cookie base, creamy peppermint frosting, and candy cane topping come together in a way that feels festive, simple, and completely irresistible.

I love that they work for everything from cookie swaps to quiet winter weekends at home. If you are putting together a seasonal baking list, these cookies deserve a spot right next to your favorite peppermint and dessert recipes. They are easy to share, beautiful on the table, and always one of the first treats to disappear.