Description
Festive Peppermint Sandwich Cookies blend classic holiday charm with irresistible sweet-minty flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp, delicate cookie shells cradle rich peppermint cream, promising delightful moments of seasonal indulgence you’ll savor with pure joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring
Filling:
- ½ cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)
Garnish:
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Instructions
- Craft the Dough Base: Cream together butter and sugar until airy and whipped. Incorporate egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts, blending thoroughly. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Create Dramatic Striped Pattern: Partition dough into two equal portions. Infuse one section with vibrant red gel coloring, kneading until uniformly pigmented. Roll both color variants into thin rectangular sheets with consistent thickness.
- Construct Layered Design: Carefully overlay plain and crimson dough layers. Gently compress with rolling pin to fuse sections. Slice into precise, slender strips and interweave strategically, alternating colors to generate mesmerizing striped configuration.
- Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate layered dough for approximately half an hour to solidify structure. Preheat oven to moderate temperature.
- Slice and Bake: Extract chilled dough and cut into delicate rounds. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing. Bake until edges turn golden and firm.
- Whip Decadent Filling: Transform butter into silky smooth base. Gradually integrate powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Adjust consistency with measured cream splashes until filling reaches perfect spreadable texture.
- Assemble Elegant Sandwich Cookies: Generously spread peppermint cream between two complementary cookie surfaces. Optional: Embellish edges with crushed peppermint candy for additional festive flair.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother cookie dough texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even color without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the precise striped pattern during baking.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Work quickly when stacking and pressing dough strips to maintain clean, crisp stripe definition.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Rotate baking sheets midway through cooking for uniform color and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to preserve crispness.
- Create dairy-free filling by using plant-based butter and coconut cream alternatives.
- Use a sharp, thin knife for precise cookie slicing to maintain uniform thickness.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent filling from melting.
- Experiment with different extract flavors like almond or orange for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg