Oh my gosh, the first time I made these Soft Peppermint Delights, my whole kitchen smelled like candy canes. They’re soft, cool, and melt right on your tongue. Every bite feels like winter magic.

I love how easy they are to make, and the best part is, you don’t even need fancy tools. Just a few simple ingredients and a little mixing. Before you know it, you’ll have the prettiest peppermint treats ever.

So, if you want something sweet and cozy for the holidays, these are it. I make them every year for family and friends. Let’s make a batch together — you’ll love how soft and dreamy they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Holiday Favorite: These cookies bring a festive touch to your holiday dessert table.
Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under an hour.
Customizable: Add a pop of color or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for extra cheer.
Perfectly Peppermint: The combination of peppermint and vanilla extracts creates a balanced and refreshing flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves these soft, buttery cookies, and they’re ideal for sharing!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make Soft Peppermint Delights, gather the following tools:

Large Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: To ensure a smooth, creamy dough.
Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Parchment Paper: Keeps the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking your cookies evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delightful cookies to life:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base for a rich, tender cookie.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – Provides that cool, minty flavor.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Balances the peppermint with warm sweetness.
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted – Ensures a smooth, fluffy dough.
Red and green food coloring (optional) – Adds a festive flair.
Candy cane pieces, finely crushed (optional) – A crunchy, colorful topping for extra holiday charm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace

Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the Flavorings

Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. These two flavors are the heart of the recipe, creating a perfectly balanced minty sweetness.

4. Incorporate Food Coloring (Optional)

Divide the dough into two or three portions if you want to create colorful cookies. Add a drop or two of red or green food coloring to each portion, and mix until the color is evenly distributed. You can also leave some dough uncolored for a classic white peppermint cookie.

5. Shape the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. If desired, gently flatten the tops with your fingertips.

6. Decorate with Candy Canes (Optional)

For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with finely crushed candy cane pieces. This adds both a decorative element and a delightful crunch.

7. Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just slightly firm. Avoid overbaking; these cookies are meant to be soft and tender.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the ultimate holiday treat!

Variations for Soft Peppermint Delights

Add Chocolate

Dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a luxurious upgrade.

Make Sandwich Cookies

Spread a layer of chocolate ganache or peppermint buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Peppermint Mocha Twist

Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a peppermint mocha-inspired cookie.

Extra Minty

Double the peppermint extract for a bolder mint flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of holiday drinks and desserts:

Hot Cocoa: Dunk them into a steaming mug of cocoa for a heavenly combo.
Eggnog: Enjoy alongside a creamy glass of eggnog for a festive treat.
Ice Cream: Crumble over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a quick and easy dessert.
Gift Boxes: Package them in holiday tins or cellophane bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Storing Soft Peppermint Delights

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	5mg
Total Carbs	13g
Sugars	10g
Protein	0.5g