These Sparkling Peppermint Sugar Cookies take basic sugar cookies and load them with crushed candy cane pieces for a yummy holiday treat fit for Santa and his elves (or just you and your family)!

(This recipe for Sparkling Peppermint Sugar Cookies was originally published in December 201o, but was updated with new photos in 2018).

It seems like every year, I get a ridiculously slow start on my holiday baking. I think it has something to do with the fact that Christmas seems to sneak up on my so quickly. One minute, I’m minding my own business eating all things pumpkin spice and the next minute Santa Claus is coming down the chimney scaring the heck out of me.

And let me tell you, Santa Claus does not enjoy pumpkin parfaits. Oh no, pumpkin is far too healthy for him. He’d much prefer sugary, buttery cookies. Like these Sparkling Peppermint Sugar Cookies.

SPARKLING PEPPERMINT SUGAR COOKIES RECIPE

While mint is a totally appropriate flavor to enjoy any time of year, there’s definitely something about peppermint that just screams holiday season. Candy canes are obviously to blame. I originally spotted this peppermint sugar cookie recipe on one of my favorite dessert blogs, With Sprinkles on Top, and the photo was just too stunning for me to resist.

I changed up the recipe a bit (like adding some more mint extract for an extra holiday kick!) and absolutely loved the results. And I think Santa would be, too. Not that he needs any more sugar in his system.

Want to know something funny/sad? Though they’re just regular old candy canes, I have to say, I was quite surprised a 10-pack was only $1. I mean, after inflation and all, I would have figured CVS would try to get at least $2.99 out of me for this box. And you know, I am so trained to pay that that I actually said, “these are only $1? Ew, they must be generic” as I searched for the non-generic ones.

Then I realized a) they’re candy canes. Is there a non-generic? and b) each one of these probably costs $.00001 to make. So, I gladly grabbed a few boxes and went on my way, before there was a markup on aisle 5.

These are pretty much basic sugar cookies, but with the addition of mint extract and crushed candy canes! Crushing candy canes is pretty much the bane of my existence, but its so worth it for these cookies! I’ve crushed them in my mini food processor before, but I think it’s easiest to just put them in a bag and whack them with a mallet (or even a heavy book!).

If you’re really not feeling the whole candy cane crushing business, you can buy pre crushed candy cane pieces (affiliate link)! But yes, that will certainly cost you a whole lot more than $1.

Other than that, just make the simple dough, roll it into balls, and then roll those balls in a candy cane and sugar mixture.

I absolutely loved these sparkling peppermint sugar cookies! It’s like taking sugar cookies and kicking them up some major holiday notches. Also, you should know that the “chewiness” of this cookie is very easy to control. If you want a crunchy cookie, bake for 10 minutes. But if you want a chewy, soft cookie stick to 8. I vote chewy and soft every time.

These are totally the kind of cookies Santa will go crazy for. I mean, they’re buttery, sugary, and super pepperminty. Plus, I think they’re super pretty thanks to all those crushed candy cane pieces! It almost makes me wish for a little bit of snow… At least so that we can have a white Christmas!

I honestly can’t remember the last time I ate a candy cane for enjoyment, but I’ll buy candy canes all season long if I can use them in baking treats like these candy cane sugar cookies.

Which begs the question: why is it so hard to find peppermint candy canes these days? After a quick trip to Target’s candy aisle last year, I realized they had almost every single possible flavor candy cane in the world (soda flavors?!), except for peppermint. And all those other flavors? Yup, they’re more than $1 a box! Peppermint totally gets the shaft. Can we work to bring them back in style? These peppermint sugar cookies can be just the first step in our efforts.

Let’s embrace the peppermint candy cane (but not so much that prices are driven up).

Happy holidays! Now let’s get sugared up!

What’s your favorite flavor candy cane? Does it bother you that peppermint candy canes seem to be neglected?

If you’re looking for more fun holiday treats, try this Gingerbread Cookie Cake or this Frosted Vanilla Cookie Cranberry Bundt Cake. I also love these Homemade Candy Cane Peppermint Patties from Sprinkles and Sea Salt!