10-Minute Peppermint Snowflake Cookies (Fast Festive Fun!) 🎄
These peppermint snowflake cookies freeze, gift, and bake in 10 minutes flat—perfect for last-minute holiday magic!
When the clock’s ticking and guests are arriving, these peppermint snowflake cookies save the day. With just four ingredients, a single mixing bowl, and a 10-minute bake time, these festive treats deliver big flavor without the fuss. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing twist, while the snowflake cutter gives them a holiday-ready shape that’s sure to impress. Best of all? They pair perfectly with our 4-ingredient Christmas sugar cookies for a mint-meets-melting-sugar contrast that’s Instagram-worthy.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, need a quick holiday gift, or just want to add a minty spark to your dessert table, these cookies are your secret weapon. The dough comes together in seconds, and the peppermint flavor is bold but balanced—think of them as a sophisticated upgrade to classic sugar cookies.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can freeze the dough for later, decorate them with royal icing for a gift, or serve them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar. The snowflake shape is festive without being fussy, and the peppermint extract adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even a spiced cocktail.
Let’s dive into why this 10-minute recipe is a game-changer for busy bakers—and how you can make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional, for festive swirls)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add flour and baking powder, then stir in peppermint extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Step 2: Divide dough into two portions. Add a few drops of red and green food coloring to each, then knead separately until evenly colored.
- Step 3: Roll out each dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a snowflake cookie cutter to shape the cookies.
- Step 4: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 5: Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Lightning-Fast Prep
Ready in 15 minutes total (mix, bake, cool), this recipe is ideal for last-minute gatherings or when time is tight.
💰 Minimal Ingredients
Only four pantry staples are needed, making this budget-friendly and easy to assemble.
👥 Versatile for All Occasions
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gifts, or quick snacks—adjust decorations to suit any event.
🌟 Festive Appeal
The peppermint flavor and snowflake shape add instant holiday cheer without requiring advanced baking skills.
10-Minute Peppermint Snowflake Cookies
Fast, festive, and minty fresh—these cookies are holiday magic in 10 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in flour, baking powder, and peppermint extract.
💡 Use cold butter for a crisper texture.
Divide & Color: Split dough into two portions. Add red and green food coloring to each for festive swirls.
💡 Chill dough for 10 minutes if it’s too sticky.
Cut & Bake: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a snowflake cookie cutter.
💡 For extra crispiness, bake on a silicone mat.
Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
💡 Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and structure. Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Substitutions: Margarine (1:1), Coconut Oil (1:1)
Peppermint Extract
Adds bold mint flavor. Use high-quality extract for best results.
Substitutions: Mint leaves (1 teaspoon dried), Peppermint candies (melted 1:2)
All-Purpose Flour
Creates a tender crumb. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blend (1:1), Cake flour (1:1)
Food Coloring
Enhances festive appeal. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without altering texture.
Substitutions: Natural colorants (beet juice for red, matcha for green)
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Snowflake Cookies
❄️ Dough Chilling
Chill dough for 10-15 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle. This also enhances flavor development.
🎨 Color Layering
For marbled effect, press red and green dough together before rolling. This creates a festive swirl.
🍪 Freezing Tips
Freeze uncut dough for up to 3 months. Thaw for 15 minutes before rolling and cutting.
✨ Decorative Touches
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
Variations & Customizations
Double Mint Delight
Add crushed Andes candies to the dough for a chocolate-mint twist. Perfect with coffee or dark chocolate.
Candy Cane Cookies
Swap snowflake cutter for a candy cane shape. Add red and white dough for a striped effect.
Mini Versions
Use a small cookie cutter for bite-sized cookies. Ideal for holiday party platters or cookie boxes.
Spiced Peppermint
Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa or spiced chai for a cozy winter pairing
- Our 4-Ingredient Christmas Sugar Cookies for a sweet contrast
- Vanilla ice cream for a peppermint bark-inspired treat
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a mint julep for a festive flavor boost.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage
Baked cookies stay fresh for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Store at room temperature, not refrigerated.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Dough is too sticky to handle
A: Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes. If still sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour gradually.
Q: Cookies spread too much
A: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the fat and prevents spreading.
Q: Peppermint flavor is too strong
A: Reduce the peppermint extract to 1/4 teaspoon. You can always add more later.
Q: How to store decorated cookies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Frosting may soften in humid conditions.
Final Thoughts
These peppermint snowflake cookies are the ultimate solution for last-minute holiday baking. With their quick prep, festive flair, and refreshing mint flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re gifting them in a mason jar or serving them warm with a spiced latte, these cookies deliver big on flavor without requiring any advanced skills.
What’s your go-to holiday cookie hack? Share your tips in the comments below—let’s make this season the sweetest yet! �✨
