June 4, 2024
Review RecipePeppermint Shortbread Cookies
![close up shot of Peppermint Shortbread Cookie stacked on top of each other](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Recipe-Card-268x268.jpg)
Table of Contents
- Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions
- How To Make This Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- How To Serve
- How To Store Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Why This Recipe For Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Is The Best
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- Even More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for a delicious and festive cookie to add to your holiday spread, look no further than these peppermint shortbread cookies. They’re a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a delicious peppermint flavor.
![close up shot of Peppermint Shortbread Cookie stacked on top of each other](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Hero1.jpg)
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
![Peppermint Shortbread Cookie raw ingredients that are labeled](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Ingredients.jpg)
These Christmas cookies combine the classic flavor of buttery shortbread with an unmistakable hint of peppermint, creating a delightful winter-time confectionary.
With pops of color from the pieces of peppermint candy in every bite, these sweet cookies will have you dreaming of the holidays.
You’ll Need:
- 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon of peppermint extract
- ¾ cup (4.67-ounce box) of Andes Peppermint crunch candies, finely chopped
PRO TIP: Make sure you are using peppermint extract and not one labeled as just mint. The mint extract tastes like spearmint (think chewing gum or toothpaste flavor). The peppermint extract is the kind that tastes like candy canes, making it perfect for this shortbread recipe.
Substitutions And Additions
If you need to tweak this peppermint shortbread cookies recipe to fit your preferences, dietary needs, or ingredient availability, here are some substitution and addition suggestions to consider. Keep in mind that altering ingredients may affect the taste and texture of the final product.
Peppermint Extract: Instead of peppermint extract, you can experiment with vanilla extract for a classic flavor profile. For a festive twist, consider using almond extract to complement the buttery richness of the shortbread.
Andés Peppermint Crunch Candies: If you can’t find Andes Peppermint Crunch candies, try using Andés Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips. You can also use crushed mini candy canes or peppermint candies.
Chocolate Chips: You can make chocolate peppermint shortbread ccookies by adding up to 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
Cocoa Powder: Add up to ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cookie batter to give the cookies a rich chocolatey flavor.
Melted Chocolate Chips: Dip the edges or one side of your cookies into melted chocolate to make chocolate dipped mint shortbread cookies.
Flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so you might want to add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
Butter: To accommodate dairy-free diets, use vegan butter or margarine instead of unsalted butter. Make sure it’s a suitable option for baking to maintain the buttery flavor and texture of the cookies.
Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture of the cookies slightly.
Salt: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt to the dough. This will balance the sweetness and elevate the overall taste of the cookies.
How To Make This Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Once the dough is made for this easy cookie recipe, you’ll add the peppermint candy before forming the dough into a log and chilling it up to overnight.
The next day, you will be able to slice the cookies and bake them for a peppermint-flavored treat.
To make this peppermint candy shortbread cookies recipe, follow our step-by-step directions:
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
STEP TWO: In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed, beat the softened butter and sugar for two to three minutes or until light and fluffy.
You will need to stop the mixer halfway through and scrape down the bowl and paddle attachment to ensure that you get a nice, smooth mixture.
![butter and sugar combined in a bowl](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Step1.jpg)
STEP THREE: Add the peppermint extract to the beaten butter and beat for 30 seconds to incorporate.
STEP FOUR: Next, combine butter with half of the dry ingredients in the bowl of the stand mixer.
Mix on medium-low speed just until the flour mixture has been incorporated into the butter.
![ingredients combined in a bowl](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Step2.jpg)
STEP FIVE: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle attachment and add the remaining half of the dry ingredients.
Mix again just until the flour has been incorporated.
STEP SIX: Lastly, add the finely chopped Andes Peppermint crunch candies. Mix the peppermint pieces into the dough on medium speed for 30-45 seconds or just until fully incorporated, and the dough forms a rough ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
![peppermint candies added to the ingredients in the bowl](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Step3.jpg)
STEP SEVEN: Form your cookie dough into a log that measures approximately 12 inches long by 2 inches in diameter.
STEP EIGHT: Wrap your shortbread cookie dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least six hours or up to overnight.
Pro Tip: You want your shortbread dough to be really cold before slicing and baking your cookies. This helps minimize the spreading of your cookies when they bake. You can chill your dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking them.
STEP NINE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP TEN: Slice your chilled dough into ½-inch thick slices. Place your sliced cookie dough two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
PRO TIP: If your room temperature is on the warm side, then you will want to keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator between baked batches of cookies.
![using a knife slice chilled dough](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Step4.jpg)
STEP ELEVEN: Bake for 12 minutes or just until the center is set and the edges are just barely starting to get a light golden brown.
You do not want to overbake your cookies.
PRO TIP: Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as the suggested baking time approaches.
![cookies before and after being baked on a cookie sheet](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Step5.jpg)
STEP TWELVE: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How To Serve
When the holidays come around, it’s cookie season! If you’re wondering what to make to go along with your Peppermint Shortbread, here are some excellent ideas:
To make a holiday cookie spread, serve your Mint Shortbread Cookies with easy M&M Christmas Cookies, our pretty Christmas Pinwheel Cookies, and soft Sugar Cookie Bars.
Take this delicious cookie recipe to your holiday cookie swaps or office parties. To complement the peppermint flavor of these cookies, serve on holiday cookie trays with our addictive peppermint bark and rich and dreamy peppermint brownies.
A tall glass of cozy homemade eggnog, a cup of coffee, or a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate will be just the thing to wash them down. Our chocolate chip shortbread cookies, butter cookies, and millionaire shortbread are more delectable buttery treats that you’ll love.
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How To Store Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with leftovers, here’s your guide on how to store these festive treats:
MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking or simply plan for a busy week, you can make the shortbread cookie dough in advance.
After preparing the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for two to three days or in the freezer for two to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake the cookies as directed in the original recipe.
ON THE COUNTER: These peppermint shortbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
IN THE FRIDGE: We don’t recommend storing this cookies in the fridge as they become too hard and lose their moisture. If you can’t finish them up within a week, freeze them instead.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the cookie dough log for up to two months, tightly wrapped, in two layers of plastic wrap.
You will need to thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight once you are ready to slice and bake your cookies.
Why This Recipe For Peppermint Shortbread Cookies Is The Best
When it’s time to bake holiday cookies, you want a no-fail recipe that’s going to bake up easily and perfectly every time. Because who has time to waste on cookie recipes that don’t turn out? This is one of our favorite cookies, and here’s why:
HOLIDAY CHEER: The refreshing combination of buttery shortbread and holiday-inspired peppermint creates a festive and cheerful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
BUTTERY PERFECTION: The rich, buttery texture of the shortbread is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each bite is tender and crumbly, making these cookies a true indulgence.
PEPPERMINT TWIST: The addition of peppermint extract provides a subtle, minty flavor that’s not overpowering. It adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the shortbread without being too strong.
This buttery peppermint shortbread cookie recipe adds a perfectly festive hint of peppermint that makes them ideal for the holiday season.
This year, they will be a great addition to your cookie trays and gift boxes.
![Peppermint Shortbread Cookie piled on a plate](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Hero2.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
This shortbread cookie recipe will be too soft to create shapes with cookie cutters. Our no-spread sugar cookies are perfect for cookie cutters.
To achieve soft cookies and prevent them from spreading in the oven, the dough needs time to chill in the fridge.
The best way to make these cookies ahead of time is to make the dough and then freeze it. Thaw and bake them when you are ready to enjoy them.
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![close up shot of Peppermint Shortbread Cookie stacked on top of each other](https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Peppermint-Shortbread-Cookie-Recipe-Card-268x268.jpg)
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¾ cup Andes Peppermint crunch candies, finely chopped (4.67-ounce box)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, on medium speed, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. You will need to stop the mixer halfway through and scrape down the bowl and paddle attachment to ensure that you get a nice smooth mixture.
- Add the peppermint extract to the beaten butter and beat for 30 seconds to incorporate.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the bowl of the stand mixer and mix on medium-low just until the flour has been incorporated into the butter.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle attachment, add the remaining half of the dry ingredients and mix again just until the flour has been incorporated.
- Add the finely chopped Andes Peppermint crunch candies and mix on medium speed for 30 to 45 seconds or just until the candies are fully incorporated, and the dough comes together in a rough ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Form your cookie dough into a log that measures approximately 12 inches long by 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap your cookie dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice your chilled dough into ½-inch thick slices. Place your sliced cookie dough 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or just until the center is set and the edges are just barely starting to get a light golden brown. You do not want to overbake your cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure you are using peppermint extract and not one labeled as just mint. The mint extract tastes like spearmint (think chewing gum or toothpaste flavor). The peppermint extract is the kind that tastes like candy canes making it perfect for this shortbread recipe.
- You want your shortbread dough to be really cold before slicing and baking your cookies. This helps minimize the spreading of your cookies when they bake. You can chill your dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking them.
- If your room temperature is on the warm side, then you will want to keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator between baked batches of cookies.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cookies as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
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Comments
Georgina Walker says
I would make these Mint Chocolate Fudges as a gift for friends or family.
LynnePryor says
I’m excited about being Ble to have on hand when unexpected company comes! I have home made hot chocolate mix to serve with it. Looking forward this!
Susan Dickey says
Great cookies! I will give as gifts and cookie plate for Christmas!
Norma says
I would like homemade hot chocolate with these peppermint cookies. I can’t wait to make these cookies, 😋
Shaunda Snider says
Yes I would drink a cup of hot chocolate with these cookies!
Susan says
I would definitely drink hot cocoa with all of the desserts!
Pauline Wilson says
I’d drink a cup of hot chocolate with these cookies
Denise says
Wow! I just love all your cookie recipes, it’s hard to narrow down which ones to make. My grandson can’t wait to try them, and to also try his hand at making fudge. I’m so glad one of my grandchildren love to help make the holiday goodies for sharing with friends and family.
Ann DeMell says
I would definitely serve the candy shortbread cookies with homemade hot chocolate!
Heather N says
This look DELICIOUS! I would most certainly eat these with a cup of hot chocolate!
Colleen Bannick says
I will love these mint varieties. Definitely would enjoy with my family and hot chocolate.
Thx for an excellent job.
Dawn towner says
I would definitely make these and would have them with hot chocolate or apple cider. I might actually make them this week. I would make the fudge as well and might do that thus week too!!
Ruby Richmond says
Something fun to do and make with my kiddos.
Karen says
These would taste excellent with homemade hot chocolate!
Sheryl Clark says
I bet these shortbread cookies would be delicious with a nice cup of hot chocolate. I love your site and the unique recipes. Definitely going to add quite a few to freshen up my usual holiday baking. Thank you!
Pam Steel says
It’s hard to answer just ONE of your questions so YES, my grandchildren and I would make these cookies for gifts but enjoy them ourselves with some hot chocolate when they were warm out of the oven. Of course you know we get to eat any we “accidentally” break transferring from cookie sheet to platter. Thank you Spaceships and Laserbeams for all of your tasty recipes!
Carole Napoli says
These taste great with almost everything, but my favorite is just a plain cup of cold milk.
Karen Templin says
Delicious cookies
Hot chocolate goes great with the mint. H who doesn’t love mint and chocolate together. Also tried the cookies with egg nog or spiced apple cider. Hot chocolate rated number one with us. Thank you for an awesome recipe.
barbara quinn says
The recipe says to use Andes peppermint crunch candies. Are they the candies that are more like a bar, or like the candy canes that have been crushed? No picture to see what was used and there are 2-3 different Andes peppermint products available that could be used. Thank you.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Barbara – the candies are pictured several times in the post. It’s the candies that are a bar. Enjoy!
Therese Souza says
The Candy Cane Shortbread Cookie recipe would be a wonderful cookie to make next week with my grandson’s with hot chocolate on the side. They come over on their break and help Grandma (me) with my Christmas baking.
Doreen Steinke says
I would most certainly enjoy these cookies with peppermint hot chocolate of course.
Debbie Rusk says
Would absolutely make these with my grandchildren!! These would be great Christmas
gifts with hot chocolate packs.
Thank you for sharing.
Karen says
I am positive that these would taste excellent with homemade hot chocolate! Great recipe to get help from my little grandson 🙂 thank you!
Lynda Conklin says
Yes, I would enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with these delicious Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies.
Debra Gordon says
This cookie looks so festive & sounds yummy. It would be perfect with a cup of hot cocoa! I’m hoping I can find the Andes mints at my small town grocery store. Thanks for the recipe.
VICKIE BROWN says
Yes! I would love to drink a cup of homemade hot chocolate with these candy cane shortbread cookies?
Mmmmmm❣️ Yummmy❣️
Rosemary says
These would be fun to make with kids
Berni Malek says
I LOVE everything peppermint!! These are the perfect match with some mint hot chocolate. What a wonderful idea for baking these cookies on a cold, wintry day like today. (BINGHAMTON, NY) Thank you for giving us a different cookie recipe. Berni Malek
Debra says
Oh, yes. I would definitely have kids help me make these.
Sara says
These make a great gift for family and friends.