Pin
These peppermint butter cookie sandwiches have become a must-bake in my house every December. With their crisp yet tender cookies and creamy mint filling, they deliver a perfect holiday treat that looks beautiful on a plate and delights both kids and grown-ups with a cooling sweetness.
My first batch disappeared in a single afternoon at our annual cookie swap and now my friends request the recipe every year. The playful color and the peppermint candies always get the kids excited about helping in the kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: ensures a rich yet clean-tasting base. Use the best quality butter you can find for creamier results
- Powdered sugar: brings a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Try sifting it for extra smoothness
- Salt: sharpens all the sweet vanilla and peppermint layers
- Large egg: binds the dough for just the right chewiness. Choose fresher eggs for vibrant color
- Pure vanilla extract: deepens and rounds out the cookie’s flavor. Warm notes pair perfectly with cool mint
- All-purpose flour: forms the sturdy yet tender crumb. Always sift to avoid dense cookies
- Peppermint extract: gives that unmistakable winter zing. Use real extract not imitation
- Red food coloring or beet powder: creates a cheery swirl in half the dough. Natural beet powder adds a subtle earthy undertone
- More unsalted butter for the filling: makes it creamy smooth
- Plenty of powdered sugar for a fluffy filling texture
- Heavy cream or milk: thins the filling to perfect spreading consistency
- Peppermint extract: turns the buttercream into a cooling cloud
- Crushed peppermint candies for rolling: give bright color crunch and a finishing sparkle. Pick the clearest peppermint sticks for best visuals
How to Make It
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar and salt using a hand mixer, beating until the mixture is very light and airy, which typically takes three to four minutes. This step ensures the cookies bake up with a delicate crumb.
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
- Add your beaten egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Pause and scrape down the bowl so all ingredients are evenly blended. This boosts the subtle vanilla undertone.
- Add Flour Gradually:
- Gently add in the sifted all-purpose flour. Mix on low just until no streaks remain, which prevents overworking the dough and helps keep the cookies tender.
- Split and Color the Dough:
- Divide dough evenly into two bowls. Into one bowl, stir in the peppermint extract and either your red food coloring or beet powder. Mix just until the color is even, taking care not to overmix. Marbling is beautiful too.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap both dough portions in plastic and chill for at least forty minutes. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and sharper cookie shape.
- Roll and Shape:
- On a floured surface, roll each dough to about a quarter inch thick. For swirls, layer the colored and plain doughs, roll tightly into a log, then slice. Even circles or shapes also work well.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange on a parchment lined tray and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until edges are moving from pale to the faintest golden, about twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch closely to avoid overbaking. Let cool fully on wire racks.
- Prepare the Peppermint Buttercream:
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Drizzle in the heavy cream or milk along with peppermint extract. Beat until the frosting is airy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Pair cookies of equal size. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on one and top with a second, gently pressing together.
- Roll in Crushed Peppermint:
- Pour the crushed peppermint candies onto a plate. Gently roll the sandwich cookies edges in the candies, which will stick to the creamy frosting.
- Store Airtight:
- Let the sandwiches rest at least twenty minutes for the buttercream to set. Place in an airtight container to keep cookies tender and fresh for several days.
Crushed peppermint is my favorite ingredient here. Every year someone sneaks a few extra candies just to nibble while we roll the cookies. Last Christmas my niece insisted on rolling every single sandwich herself as the kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of mint.
Flavor Boosters
You can swap regular butter for plant based alternatives if you are dairy free. Almond extract adds a different twist for those not fond of mint. Natural beet powder is a fun alternative to food coloring and gives a surprisingly vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange on a platter with mini candy canes or chocolate shavings for a beautiful dessert tray. These cookies also pair well with a mug of hot cocoa or holiday tea. At our family parties they often vanish before dinner is served thanks to their sweet peppermint aroma.
Creative Twists
Peppermint has been a winter tradition across many cultures symbolizing both freshness and celebration. Combining it with sugar cookies brings together the cheer of European cookie traditions and the American love for sandwich treats. During the holidays these cookies are a modern echo of the classic peppermint bark.
These peppermint sandwiches are sure to add a dash of joy to your holiday festivities. Make extra—they disappear quickly!
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What ingredient gives the cookies their peppermint flavor?
The peppermint extract added to both the cookie dough and filling delivers the signature refreshing mint flavor.
- → Can I use natural coloring for the cookies?
Yes, beet powder is used as a natural alternative to red food coloring to achieve the festive red hue.
- → How is the filling texture achieved?
The filling combines softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, peppermint extract, and crushed peppermint candies for a creamy yet slightly crunchy texture.
- → What is the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness, ensuring the filling stays firm.
- → Are these cookies suitable for holiday celebrations?
Yes, their peppermint flavor and festive colors make them perfect for winter holidays and seasonal gatherings.