Soft, buttery, and dressed up in a dreamy swirl of pink peppermint frosting, these Peppermint Sugar Cookies feel like holiday cheer in cookie form. They have that classic sugar cookie tenderness everyone loves, but the cool peppermint finish makes them extra festive and a little more memorable.

What I love most is how pretty they look without needing complicated decorating skills. A simple layer of rosy frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes turns each cookie into something that looks bakery-worthy while still being easy enough to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Sugar Cookies

These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and full of buttery vanilla flavor under that refreshing peppermint topping. They are ideal for cookie trays, bake sales, holiday parties, and cozy weekends when you want something sweet that feels seasonal.

You will also appreciate how approachable they are. The dough is simple, the frosting comes together quickly, and the crushed peppermint on top adds color, crunch, and a bright finish that keeps every bite from feeling too heavy.

What Kind of Peppermint Should I Use?

For the cleanest peppermint flavor, I like using pure peppermint extract in the frosting rather than in the cookie dough. That keeps the cookie base soft and classic while letting the topping deliver that cool candy-cane taste.

Crushed candy canes are perfect for the finish because they add sparkle and texture. If you want a smoother look, crush them finely. If you like a little crunch, leave a few slightly larger bits for contrast.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe has a job to do, and together they create cookies that are tender, flavorful, and sturdy enough to hold that thick layer of frosting.

Unsalted butter gives the cookies richness and helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps the cookies bake up with lightly crisp edges.

Egg adds structure and keeps the dough smooth and easy to work with.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and rounds out the peppermint so the flavor feels balanced.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough and gives the cookies their shape.

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

Salt sharpens all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.

Powdered sugar is what makes the frosting smooth, fluffy, and easy to spread.

Heavy cream or milk loosens the frosting to the right consistency so it spreads beautifully.

Peppermint extract gives the frosting its cool, festive flavor.

Pink food coloring creates that cheerful bakery-style look that makes these cookies stand out on a dessert tray.

Crushed candy canes add crunch, color, and the finishing peppermint sparkle on top.

How To Make the Peppermint Sugar Cookies

This recipe comes together in a few easy stages: mix the dough, bake the cookies, whip the frosting, and finish with a peppermint topping.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture and gives the cookies a tender crumb.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should look smooth and creamy at this stage.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding them separately helps distribute everything evenly through the dough.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix or the cookies can turn firm instead of tender.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop the dough into even portions, roll gently into balls, and flatten slightly before baking. Bake until the edges are set but still pale, since that is the secret to keeping sugar cookies soft.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer them to a rack. They need to be completely cool before frosting so the topping stays thick and fluffy.

Step 7: Make the Peppermint Frosting

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, cream, peppermint extract, and a touch of pink coloring until smooth and airy. The frosting should be easy to spread but still hold soft swirls.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Spread the frosting over each cooled cookie and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them sit a bit so the frosting can set before serving or storing.

How to Serve and Store Peppermint Sugar Cookies

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size you scoop. They are lovely served on a holiday dessert platter, wrapped up for gifting, or enjoyed with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Store the cookies in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the freshest texture, let chilled cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Peppermint Sugar Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

A mug of rich hot chocolate makes the cool peppermint frosting taste even more festive.

Vanilla Latte

The mellow coffee and vanilla notes pair beautifully with buttery sugar cookies.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

If you are building out a holiday brunch spread, Christmas Breakfast Casserole adds a warm savory balance to a sweet cookie table.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Strawberries, raspberries, or sliced oranges bring brightness and a refreshing contrast.

Candy Cane Ice Cream

For an extra fun dessert plate, a scoop of minty ice cream turns these cookies into an easy holiday treat.

If these Peppermint Sugar Cookies put you in a baking mood, try a few more sweet favorites from Nora Nosh:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe for a buttery, delicate holiday classic.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies when you want something rich, nostalgic, and extra cozy.
Banana Bread Cookies for a soft cookie with comforting bakery flavor.
No-Bake Preacher Cookies when you need a fast dessert without turning on the oven.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Peppermint Sugar Cookies to your Pinterest holiday cookies board so you can come back to them anytime.

I would love to hear how yours turned out. Did you keep the frosting classic pink, or did you go for a red-and-white candy cane look? Maybe you added extra peppermint crunch on top.

Your twists and kitchen notes always make these recipes even more fun. Share your results, ask your questions, and let’s make holiday baking feel easy and joyful.

For more daily recipe inspiration, explore beautifully saved ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest.