Peppermint Holiday Cookies

Peppermint Holiday Cookies

Healthy Fact of the Day

While these are holiday treats meant for enjoyment, some adjustments can make them slightly healthier. Consider using whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber. Natural food coloring (like beet powder) can replace artificial colors. Dark chocolate can substitute for white chocolate to add antioxidants. The peppermint oil in candy canes may aid digestion. These cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of holiday celebrations. Consider making smaller cookies or freezing part of the batch. Remember that holiday treats are part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.

Ingredients

 

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Red food coloring
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • Additional crushed candy canes for topping
  • 2 tbsp milk (if needed for dough)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  2. Beat in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.

  3. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.

  4. Divide dough in half.

  5. Color one half with red food coloring.

  6. Chill both doughs for 1 hour.

  7. Roll each dough portion into 1/4-inch thick rectangles.

  8. Place red dough on top of white dough.

  9. Roll up tightly from long side, like a jelly roll.

  10. Wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.

  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  12. Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds.

  13. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

  14. Cool completely before decorating with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes.

 

Bite into these Peppermint Holiday Cookies and experience a festive swirl of cool mint and sweet vanilla in every crisp, buttery bite! Each cookie delivers a perfect spiral of red and white, topped with a snow-like dusting of crushed candy canes that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re leaving them for Santa or sharing at a cookie exchange, these spiraled delights bring candy cane magic to your holiday cookie platter. So roll up your sleeves, grab your rolling pin, and get ready to create cookies that’ll have everyone feeling merry and bright!

Recent Recipes

The Summer Cookbook You Never Bought

  • July 12, 2026
  • 11 min read

Sesame Ginger Edamame Bites

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean & Farro Bowls

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Golden Milk Baked Oat & Almond Cups

  • July 12, 2026
  • 15 min read

Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups

  • July 12, 2026
  • 17 min read

Ranch Slow Cooker Pork Chops

  • July 12, 2026
  • 9 min read

Krispy Kreme Just Turned Girl Scout Cookies

  • July 11, 2026
  • 3 min read

Huevos Rancheros

  • July 11, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Secret Life of a Farmers Market

  • July 11, 2026
  • 11 min read

How to Build a Week of Weeknight

  • July 11, 2026
  • 3 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Blog
Daily Disher

The Summer Cookbook You Never Bought

Preserving summer produce through techniques like freezing, making jam, and roasting in olive oil extends the availability of nutritionally dense peak-season ingredients well beyond their natural season — allowing the cook to access the higher vitamin and antioxidant content of in-season produce throughout the year. Berries frozen at peak ripeness retain most of their antioxidant content for up to a year, research shows, making the simple act of spreading fresh berries on a sheet pan and freezing them one of the most nutritionally efficient food preservation techniques available to any home cook.

Read More »
Asian
Amelia Grace

Sesame Ginger Edamame Bites

Edamame is one of the most complete plant-based protein sources available—delivering all nine essential amino acids in a single ingredient alongside significant fiber, folate, and isoflavones linked to cardiovascular health. At nearly as much protein per serving as a hard-boiled egg, it’s one of the hardest-working ingredients in any snack rotation.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Smoky Chipotle Black Bean & Farro Bowls

Farro and black beans together form one of the most nutritionally complete plant-based meal combinations available—the beans contribute lysine-rich protein that farro lacks, while the farro provides methionine-rich protein that beans lack, creating a complete amino acid profile equivalent to animal protein when eaten in the same meal. This is whole-food complementary protein done exactly right.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content