These soft, cakey peppermint cookies are topped with a pretty pink peppermint frosting, and then sprinkled with crush candy canes! They are a gorgeous addition to your holiday cookie trays.

Why this recipe works

I actually tested several peppermint cookies and wasn’t crazy about any of them. So instead I adapted my frosted sugar cookie bars to come up with the perfect recipe.

I was testing Christmas cookies in September, so my neighbor was loving all the taste tests. My version of peppermint cookies won out over three others I tried. So I’m confident in saying that these are a real winner!

Ingredients you will need

labeled ingredients for peppermint cookies

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

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How to Make Peppermint Cookies

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer beat the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg until nice and frothy. About 4 minutes.
Add the vanilla and peppermint extract and beat for 1 minute more.
In a small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix them around so that all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat for about 2 minutes.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. The dough will be a little sticky.
Preheat oven to 350 F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Portion out dough balls with a cookie scoop or by heaping tablespoons and place 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake 11-13 minutes (mine were good at 12), edges should be very lightly browned.
Cool on pan ten minutes then move to racks and allow to cool completely.

To Make the Frosting

In a medium-sized bowl (or your stand mixer) combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat for about 2 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring. Mix for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.

Decorate the Cookies

When cookies are cool and you are ready to decorate, unwrap the candy canes and place in a zipper plastic bag. Crush with a meat mallet.
Spread 3-4 cookies with frosting and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Repeat until all cookies are decorated.

NOTE: Decorating a few at a time helps the candy cane stick to the frosting before it has a chance to dry.

pink frosted peppermint cookie with a bite out of it

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, as with most cookie doughs, you can make this dough ahead of time. Peppermint cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

How do I freeze peppermint cookie dough balls?

If you would like to freeze the dough balls to be baked later, portion out dough balls onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Place them close together, but not touching. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until dough balls are firm. Place frozen dough balls into a zipper plastic freezer bag or airtight container.

To bake, remove the number of dough balls you want to bake and place on a prepared baking sheet while the oven preheats (according to the recipe below). By the time the oven heats up, your dough balls should be thawed out and can be baked as the recipe directs.

How do I freeze finished peppermint cookies?

You can freeze completed cookies by following the same method as above. Place cookies on a sheet and freeze 2-3 hours, then place frozen cookies into an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature.

These peppermint cookies have turned out to be a family favorite! They are soft and delicious but not overly sweet. Make some for Christmas this year!

More Christmas Cookie Recipes

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2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

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