Festive Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Get ready to fall head over heels for these irresistible cookies! Our Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a holiday miracle for your taste buds and your busy schedule. Here are four reasons why they’ll become your new seasonal favorite:

1. Effortlessly Simple: Forget complicated baking projects! With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve perfect, bakery-quality shortbread. The “easy” in Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a promise!
2. Festive Flavor Explosion: Imagine the buttery crumble of classic shortbread meeting the cool, invigorating burst of peppermint crunch. It’s a match made in winter wonderland heaven, delivering that quintessential holiday cheer in every bite.
3. Perfectly Make-Ahead: This recipe is a dream for holiday prepping. The dough needs to chill, making it ideal for making in advance. Bake them fresh when you need them, or stash the dough in the freezer for impromptu cookie cravings.
4. A Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors, serving them at a holiday party, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these beautiful, flavorful cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. They’re universally loved!

Unwrap a Little Holiday Magic with Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies!

The air is getting crisp, the lights are twinkling, and that unmistakable holiday buzz is filling every corner. What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies? But let’s be real – the holidays are hectic enough. That’s why we’re here to introduce you to the ultimate stress-free, show-stopping treat: our incredible Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies! Forget complicated recipes and endless clean-up. This delightful concoction brings together the rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic shortbread with a festive pop of peppermint, all wrapped up in a recipe so simple, it feels like magic. Get ready to sprinkle some joy and deliciousness into your holiday season – one easy, minty-sweet bite at a time!

Gather Your Holiday Baking Essentials

Creating these delightful Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies starts with a few simple, high-quality ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, making this recipe even more convenient for those spontaneous baking moments. Here’s what you’ll need to make approximately 30 festive cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes (2 sticks)
• 1 ¼ cups Andes peppermint crunch baking chips
• 1 teaspoon extract (vanilla, almond, or peppermint – choose your favorite!)
• Red food coloring (optional, for festive color)
• Extra granulated sugar (optional, for coating before baking)

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Baking these Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies is a joy from start to finish. Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful, buttery, and minty cookies ready to enjoy or share in no time!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and the ¾ cup of granulated sugar. This ensures an even distribution of sweetness throughout your shortbread.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add your cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Now, grab a pastry blender or use your fingertips (the warmth of your hands can soften butter, so work quickly!) to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, with no large pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial for that signature shortbread texture.
3. Add Flavor and Color: Stir in your chosen extract (vanilla, almond, or peppermint for an extra minty kick!), a few drops of red food coloring if you desire a festive blush, and the peppermint crunch chips. Mix until everything is well distributed throughout the crumbly dough.
4. Form the Dough: This is where your hands come in! Use them to gently knead the dough right in the bowl. Don’t overwork it, but keep kneading until all the ingredients come together, forming a smooth, cohesive ball of dough. It might seem crumbly at first, but patience will pay off.
5. Chill for Perfection: Shape the dough into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is absolutely key! It allows the butter to firm up, making the dough much easier to slice neatly and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat & Prep: When your dough is sufficiently chilled and you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
7. Slice and Sparkle (Optional): Unwrap the chilled dough log. If you want an extra touch of sparkle and a bit more crunch, roll the log in additional granulated sugar before slicing. Then, carefully cut the dough log into ¼-inch thick slices.
8. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the cookie slices about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or just until the edges are lightly set and the cookies look firm. Remember, shortbread should remain pale and tender, not deeply browned, to maintain its delicate texture.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes. They’ll be quite delicate when warm. Once slightly firm, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their crisp texture.

Presenting and Serving Your Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Once your Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies are baked and cooled, the fun continues with presentation! These festive treats are as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Here are some ideas for how to serve and present them:

Creative Presentation Ideas:

• Simply Elegant: Arrange them artfully on a festive platter. The subtle red tint and scattered peppermint chips are often enough to make a statement.
• Chocolate Dipped: For an extra layer of indulgence, melt some white or dark chocolate. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with a few extra peppermint crunch chips or crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
• Glazed Perfection: Whisk together powdered sugar with a tiny bit of milk or cream and a drop of peppermint extract to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for a sweet, shiny finish.
• Gifting Gold: Stack the cookies neatly in a decorative tin or tie a small stack with a festive ribbon in cellophane bags. These Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies make thoughtful and delicious homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors.
• Cookie Assortment: Include them on a holiday cookie platter alongside other favorites like gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies for a beautiful spread.

How to Serve:

• With Hot Beverages: These cookies are the perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee, tea, or, of course, a rich hot cocoa with extra whipped cream!
• Dessert Delight: Serve them as a light dessert after a holiday meal. Their buttery texture and refreshing peppermint cut through richer flavors beautifully.
• Holiday Parties: Place them out for guests to snack on at your next festive gathering. They’re easy to pick up and enjoy.
• Quiet Moments: Don’t forget to save a few for yourself! Enjoy them during a quiet moment, perhaps curled up with a book or watching a holiday movie.

Storing Your Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies: Keeping Freshness Alive

One of the best things about these Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies is their excellent shelf life, making them perfect for holiday prepping. Knowing how to store them properly will ensure they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

At Room Temperature:

Once your cookies have cooled completely (this is crucial to prevent condensation and sogginess), store them in an airtight container. A cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic food storage container works perfectly. Kept at room temperature, your delightful shortbread cookies will stay fresh and tender for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing for Future Treats:

If you’re making a big batch or want to enjoy these peppermint wonders well beyond the immediate holiday season, freezing is an excellent option. Place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day they were baked.

FAQs About Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Got questions about making the perfect batch of Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies? We’ve got answers!

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, you can! If using salted butter, you might want to omit any extra salt that’s sometimes added to shortbread recipes (though this particular recipe doesn’t call for it). The slight saltiness can actually enhance the flavor of the butter.
2. What if I don’t have a pastry blender to cut in the butter?
   Your fingertips are your best tool! Just work quickly to prevent the butter from melting too much from the heat of your hands. You can also use two knives, “scissoring” them through the butter and flour, or even a fork.
3. Is the chilling time really necessary, or can I skip it?
   The chilling time is crucial for shortbread! It allows the butter to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading excessively during baking and makes the dough much easier to slice into uniform pieces. Don’t skip it for the best results!
4. How do I know when my shortbread cookies are done baking?
   Shortbread should remain pale. Look for the edges to be lightly set and just barely firm to the touch. They should not be golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly, rather than tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
5. Can I use a different type of baking chip if I don’t have peppermint crunch?
   Absolutely! While Andes peppermint crunch chips give them their signature festive flavor, you could experiment with white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a different twist. Just remember, they won’t be “peppermint” shortbread then!
6. Is the red food coloring essential for the recipe?
   No, the red food coloring is entirely optional and purely for aesthetic appeal, giving your Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies a festive pink hue. They will taste just as delicious without it!
7. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time and bake later?
   Yes, this recipe is fantastic for make-ahead! You can prepare the dough log and store it, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before slicing and baking. You can also freeze the dough log for up to 3 months.
8. Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
   This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or if your kitchen was too warm. Ensuring the butter is very cold before baking helps the cookies hold their shape.
9. What’s the best way to cut uniform slices from the dough log?
   A sharp knife and a steady hand are key! Make sure the dough is thoroughly chilled. For extra precision, you can use a ruler to mark your ¼-inch increments before slicing.
10. Can I halve or double this Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies recipe?
    Yes, this recipe scales well! You can easily halve the ingredients for a smaller batch or double them for a larger crowd, just ensure you maintain the ingredient ratios. Adjust your baking sheets accordingly for larger batches.