Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with crisp, buttery cookies and a refreshing peppermint filling. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a homemade gift, they offer a beautiful presentation and a delicious balance of flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Peppermint extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Red food coloring

For the Filling:

Powdered sugar
Unsalted butter, softened
Heavy cream or milk
Peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes (for garnish, optional)

Directions

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
Divide dough into two portions; color one portion with red food coloring.
Roll out each dough portion into equal-sized rectangles and stack them together.
Roll the stacked dough into a log and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough into rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Let cookies cool completely before filling.

To Make the Filling:

Beat powdered sugar and butter until creamy.
Add peppermint extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
Spread or pipe filling onto half of the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
Roll the edges in crushed candy canes if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 sandwich cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Extra Minty: Add finely crushed peppermint candies into the cookie dough.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week for a firmer filling.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I get perfect stripes?

Carefully stack and roll the dough evenly to maintain distinct layers.

Can I use pre-made dough?

You can use store-bought sugar cookie dough, but homemade yields the best flavor.

Can I substitute peppermint extract?

Yes! Vanilla or almond extract can be used for a different flavor profile.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin or use a food processor.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, simply slice the dough thinner and reduce the baking time slightly.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before slicing helps maintain the shape during baking.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a milk alternative for the filling.

How do I decorate these cookies?

Dip half in melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, or use festive sprinkles.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or bags for a beautiful holiday gift.

Conclusion

Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a festive and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season. With their vibrant stripes, creamy filling, and refreshing peppermint taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!