The Art of Baking- Peppermint-flavored Cookies

The Fascinating Story of Peppermint

Peppermint which is a plant derived from watermint and spearmint has its roots in Europe and the Middle East. This perennial herb is known for its invigorating scent and cooling properties that have been cherished throughout time. From ancient civilizations utilizing its qualities to modern day culinary applications, peppermint has gracefully adapted and charmed us along its journey. Its entry into the realm of cookie making has been nothing short of delightful. By infusing cookies with peppermint we introduce a burst of freshness that beautifully balances out the decadence of cookie dough.

Cookie Recipes Infused with Peppermint

1. Classic Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour,
• baking powder,
• salt,
• unsalted butter,
• sugar,
• egg,
• vanilla extract,
• peppermint extract.

Instructions:

• Combine the dry ingredients; cream together the butter and sugar until smooth; add the egg and extracts; mix in the dry ingredients.
• Roll out the dough, cut it into shapes and bake until brown.

Serve with: Warm vanilla flavored milk.

2. Chocolate Peppermint Drops

Ingredients:

• Cocoa powder,
• flour,
• baking soda,
• salt,
• butter,
• brown sugar,
• eggs,
• peppermint extract,
• chocolate chips.

Instructions:

• Mix together the dry ingredients; cream together the butter and sugar until combined;
• add the eggs and extract to the mixture;
• blend in the dry mixture until fully incorporated;
• stir in the chocolate chips; drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake until they are cooked through.

Serve with: Chilled chocolate milk.

3. Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Ingredients:

• Egg whites,
• cream of tartar,
• peppermint extract,
• food coloring.

Instructions:

• Beat the egg whites with cream of tartar, until frothy; gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form; mix in peppermint extract and food coloring.
• Pipe small kisses onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat then bake at a low temperature for an extended period of time until they are crispy on outside but soft on the inside.

Serve with: Fresh raspberry coulis.

4. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour,
• baking powder,
• salt,
• unsalted butter,
• granulated sugar,
• large egg,
• vanilla extract,
• white chocolate chips,
• crushed peppermint candies.

Instructions:

• Start by combining the dry ingredients.
• In a bowl cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
• Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture and blend until everything is well combined.
• Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies.
• Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake according to instructions.

Suggested pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a strawberry smoothie.

5. Peppermint Patty Stuffed Cookies

Ingredients needed:

• Chocolate cookie dough,
• peppermint patties.

Instructions:

• Take portions of the chocolate cookie dough and wrap them around each peppermint patty until completely covered.
• Place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed.

Suggested pairing: These delightful treats go perfectly with a cup of mint tea.

6. Peppermint Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats,
• all-purpose flour,
• baking soda,
• ground cinnamon,
• unsalted butter,
• granulated sugar,
• egg,
• peppermint extract.

Instructions:

• Begin by mixing together the dry ingredients in one bowl.
• In another bowl cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy consistency is achieved;
• add egg one at a time along with peppermint extract into mixture;
• gradually incorporate dry ingredient mixture into wet mixture;
• drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper then bake according to instructions provided.

Suggested pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of hot apple cider.

7. Vegan Friendly Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients:

• Vegan butter,
• granulated sugar,
• almond milk,
• peppermint extract,
• all-purpose flour,
• baking powder,
• salt.

Instructions:

• Begin by creaming the vegan butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
• Add almond milk and peppermint extract to the mixture and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes before baking as directed.

Suggested pairing: These delightful vegan cookies go wonderfully with a soy latte.

8. Peppermint Shortbread

Ingredients:

• You'll need flour,
• powdered sugar,
• butter and
• a dash of peppermint extract.

Instructions:

• Start by mixing all the ingredients then shape the dough into logs.
• Let it chill in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

Perfect Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of Earl Grey tea.

9. Gluten Free Peppermint Crinkles

Ingredients:

• Gather gluten-free flour,
• cocoa powder,
• baking powder,
• salt,
• sugar,
• eggs,
• vegetable oil,
• peppermint extract and
• powdered sugar.

Instructions:

• Begin by mixing the ingredients.
• Then beat in the eggs, oil and peppermint extract.
• Chill the dough before rolling it into balls coated with sugar.
• Bake until perfection.

Perfect Pairing: These delicious cookies go well with a glass of almond milk.

10. Peppermint Macarons

Ingredients:

• Almond flour,
• sugar,
• egg whites,
• granulated sugar,
• some peppermint extract,
• cream filling.

Instructions:

• Start by sifting almond flour and powdered sugar to ensure smoothness.
• Beat egg whites along with granulated sugar until they form peaks.
• Gently fold in the mixture and peppermint extract to create a batter that can be piped onto baking sheets.
• After baking to perfection, let them cool down before sandwiching them using a cream filling.

Perfect Pairing: These elegant macarons are best enjoyed when paired with a glass of champagne.

Conclusion

In the world of baking there is something about peppermint infused cookies. Each recipe offers its adventure bringing together the invigorating mintiness of peppermint with delectable flavors that warm our hearts and souls. Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone new to this journey, these recipes allow you to explore both the incredible versatility of peppermint and the joy that comes from creating something sweet in your kitchen. As we savor every bite of these treats, let’s take a moment to appreciate not only peppermint’s rich history but also its enduring charm. Reminding us how such humble herbs can leave an everlasting impression on our taste buds.