Festive Mint Cookies have always been a favorite in my family, especially during the holiday season. Every year, I look forward to baking these cookies, the minty scent filling the house and making everything feel more festive. The recipe for Festive Mint Cookies has been passed down for generations, and it’s one of those treats that just brings people together. It’s simple, yet the burst of mint combined with the sweetness makes each bite special.
Perfect for Sharing
I love how easy it is to make these Festive Mint Cookies, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether we’re having a big holiday gathering or just enjoying a quiet night at home, these cookies always find their way to the table. The chocolate and mint flavor seems to bring out smiles from everyone who tastes them. They’re not only delicious but also fun to decorate with colorful sprinkles, making them extra festive.
Baking with Love
The best part of making these Festive Mint Cookies is the memories they create. I usually bake them with my kids, and it’s such a joy to see their excitement as they help mix the dough and place the mint on top of each cookie. It’s always a bit of chaos in the kitchen, but the laughter and the mess are all part of the fun. As we wait for the cookies to bake, we’re already thinking about how we’ll decorate them and who we can share them with.
A Taste of the Holidays
When the Festive Mint Cookies are finally ready, it feels like the holidays have truly arrived. The sweet, minty flavor brings back so many memories, and it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies always make things feel more festive.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Festive Mint Cookies
- Measure Ingredients Properly: Accurate measurements are key for success, especially when baking. Use dry measuring cups for flour and a liquid measuring cup for the water in the icing.
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar. This creates a light, airy dough that bakes beautifully.
- Consistent Dough Balls: To ensure even baking, try using a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough, making sure all the balls are the same size. This helps avoid some cookies being underbaked and others overbaked.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Customize Mint Flavor: If you love mint, feel free to add more crushed candy canes or even a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. Just be mindful not to overpower the flavor.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that the cookies won’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust the water in the icing based on how thick or thin you prefer the glaze. A thicker icing will stay on top of the cookies, while a thinner icing will run down the sides.
- Let the Icing Set: Give the icing a few minutes to firm up before serving or storing. This helps maintain the beautiful appearance of the cookies.
Festive Mint Cookies
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes225
kcal15
minutes40
minutesCrafted with joy, these Festive Mint Cookies bring holiday cheer to your kitchen! Perfectly balanced with buttery richness and vibrant peppermint crunch, each bite promises delightful flavors that celebrate the season. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or looking for a sweet treat to share, these cookies are sure to impress. Simple to make and customizable to your taste, they’re a must-have for your holiday repertoire. Embrace the festivities and indulge in these irresistible mint-infused delights today!
Ingredients
2/3 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
sea salt a pinch
3 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 2/3 teaspoons warm water
1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candy canes optional
- Icing:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 2/3 teaspoons warm water
1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candy canes optional
- Alternative Ingredients:
Butter: Can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar: Use coconut sugar or honey as alternatives.
Egg: Replace with 1/3 of a flax egg 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water for vegan cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: Almond flour or gluten-free flour blend can be used for gluten-free cookies.
Peppermint Candy Canes: Substitute with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Powdered Sugar: Use a gluten-free powdered sugar if needed.
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients – Begin by ensuring all ingredients are measured and ready. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Combine Wet and Dry – Gradually add the beaten egg to the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a smooth dough, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Peppermint – Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candy canes into the dough, distributing them evenly. This step should take around 1 minute. For an optional flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract at this stage.
- Shape and Bake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Using a tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll into small balls, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Ice – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which takes an additional 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and warm water until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing and sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes if desired. Let the icing set for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 225kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Festive Mint Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made a day or two ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze the cookies for up to a month.
Can I substitute the peppermint candy canes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have peppermint candy canes, try using peppermint extract, or substitute with chocolate chips for a different twist.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with margarine or coconut oil, the egg with a flax egg, and use a plant-based milk for the icing.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies after they have been iced, and thaw them before serving.
Can I decorate the cookies with something other than icing?
Yes! For a fun variation, you can sprinkle the cookies with additional crushed candy canes, drizzle with melted chocolate, or even top with sprinkles to match the holiday theme.
