Ingredients Gathering
To begin, assemble all your essential ingredients, ready to transform them into delightful cookies. You'll need all-purpose flour, providing the structural
base for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape during baking. Next, powdered sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the iconic crinkle appearance. Butter, the star of the show, delivers richness and a tender crumb, playing a crucial role in the cookie's texture. Eggs bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive dough. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, causing the cookies to rise slightly and achieve a light texture. Salt enhances the overall flavors, balancing the sweetness, while peppermint extract infuses the cookies with their distinctive refreshing taste, and finally, granulated sugar will coat the cookies. With all ingredients ready, you're set to proceed to the next stage of the cookie-making process.
The Dough Creation
The next step focuses on preparing the cookie dough. Start by creaming together butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the peppermint extract and vanilla extract to give a nice aroma, and combine until evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Once the dough is formed, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or even overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Shaping the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, it's time to shape the cookies. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough, forming them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, ensuring it's completely coated. This sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the signature crinkled appearance of the cookies as they bake. Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. The next stage involves the baking, which turns the raw dough into delightful, edible treats.
Baking & Cooling
After preparing the cookies, it's time to bake them to golden perfection. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are set, and they have a slightly cracked appearance. Resist the urge to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process allows the cookies to firm up and prevents them from sticking together. The end result is beautifully textured, flavorful cookies that are ready to be enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions
Once the cookies have cooled, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are delicious on their own, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. They are also perfect for pairing with a warm beverage, like hot cocoa or coffee, creating a cozy and satisfying experience. These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their freshness. For an extra touch, consider garnishing the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, adding a festive element to their presentation.
