If you crave the pillowy softness of frosted bakery cookies with a cool, minty twist, these Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies are about to become your absolute holiday favorite. Imagine each bite melting into sweet vanilla-peppermint bliss, topped with a cloud of rich, pastel frosting and a festive shower of sprinkles. With classic sugar cookie roots and a splash of peppermint both inside and on top, this treat is a cheerful upgrade from the standard—and trust me, everyone will ask for your secret recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies so irresistible is how each simple ingredient serves a vital role, from creating that signature fluffy texture to adding the unmistakable burst of mint. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of your cookies, ensuring they hold together but stay delightfully tender.
- Baking powder: Gives these cookies a gentle lift for that legendary soft height.
- Baking soda: Helps with leavening alongside the baking powder, for a perfect balance of rise.
- Salt: Enhances and balances out the sweetness; don’t skip it!
- Sour cream (room temperature): Adds subtle tang and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The key to richness—use some in both the cookies and the luscious frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the signature soft center.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture for a plush bite.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brings cozy, classic warmth to your cookies and frosting.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show, for that unmistakable holiday spark in every mouthful.
- Powdered sugar: Used for silky-smooth frosting that spreads like a dream.
- Heavy cream: Gives your frosting a creamy, whipped texture.
- Red or pink gel food coloring (optional): Swirl it into your frosting for a festive look—just a drop goes a long way.
- Holiday sprinkles: An essential finishing touch that makes every cookie truly sparkle on your dessert table!
How to Make Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies bake evenly and are incredibly easy to remove—no sticking or burned bottoms!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step makes sure you get a well-blended base for maximum fluffiness and no surprise pockets of leavening agents.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl and either a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar for about 2-3 minutes. Keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy—this airiness is the secret behind that classic, cakey Lofthouse cookie texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The combination develops a rich, smooth dough with a cool, inviting aroma that will have you sneaking tastes!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing—stop as soon as the dough comes together for ultra-soft Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, rolling them gently into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten each one slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass for that signature thick, even shape.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the cookies are set and appear pale on top. Avoid overbaking—these cookies are best when they stay soft and pillowy! Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in the heavy cream, vanilla, and peppermint extract. If you want that enchanting candy-colored look, add a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring and whip until light and fluffy.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Generously frost each cooled cookie, then go wild with the holiday sprinkles—or try crushed peppermint candies for extra festive flair! Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving so the decorations stay in place.
How to Serve Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies
Garnishes
A thick layer of silky frosting topped with holiday sprinkles is always a crowd-pleaser, but these cookies love a little extra! Try embellishing with a sprinkle of sparkling sugar, or swap in crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty crunch that hints at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies pair perfectly with mugs of rich hot chocolate, spiced chai, or steaming coffee. Arrange them alongside a plate of brownies or fresh fruit for a colorful, comforting dessert spread that invites friends and family to linger a little longer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive holiday cookie plate, pile these cookies high on a vintage cake stand, alternating sprinkle colors for maximum visual cheer. Or, pack Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies in cellophane treat bags tied with a peppermint ribbon—perfect as edible gifts for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who deserves a sweet surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies as tender and fresh as the day they’re baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly soft for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Both the unfrosted cookies and the fully frosted finished product can be frozen. Stack unfrosted cookies with parchment between layers, or freeze frosted ones in a single layer until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to three months—thaw and frost, or simply defrost and serve when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
If you’d like your Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies just slightly warm (and that frosting a little melty and delightful), pop them in the microwave for just 5-8 seconds. Be careful not to overheat—the goal is gentle warmth, not melted frosting.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat sour cream instead of regular?
You can substitute low-fat sour cream, but full-fat will give you the richest, softest texture. The extra creaminess from regular sour cream really makes a difference!
Can I make these Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might differ slightly from the classic, but you’ll still enjoy that lovely softness and peppermint flavor.
Is there a way to enhance the peppermint flavor even more?
For a bolder minty zing, add a little extra peppermint extract to the dough or mix some crushed peppermint candies into the frosting. Just don’t overdo it—peppermint can turn overpowering quickly.
Can I make these cookies ahead for a party?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Bake and frost them a day or two in advance; they actually taste even better after the flavors mingle overnight.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
No worries! Skip the coloring for classic white frosting, or use a small amount of liquid food coloring. Just be aware that liquid coloring can thin the frosting slightly, so add it gradually and adjust with more powdered sugar if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you love soft, bakery-style cookies and crave a unique twist for the holidays, you need to make these Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies. Every bite feels festive, fun, and just a little magical. Whip up a batch, spread the cheer, and watch these sweet treats become the highlight of your season!
Print
Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Lofthouse Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic soft and fluffy Lofthouse cookie with a burst of peppermint flavor in both the cookie and the creamy frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
- Red or pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, then add sour cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine and Scoop: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Scoop dough, roll into balls, and flatten on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until set. Cool on sheets before transferring to a rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cream, and peppermint extract. Add coloring if desired.
- Frost Cookies: Generously frost cooled cookies and add holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For an extra festive touch, top with crushed peppermint candies instead of sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
