There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked cookies on a winter afternoon. Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies capture that spirit in every bite—blending the nostalgic sweetness of a classic sugar cookie with the gentle tang of sourdough and the invigorating brightness of peppermint. These festive gems embody everything we love about Holiday Bakery Treats: warmth, comfort, and creativity. Throughout this post, you’ll discover the story that inspired these cookies, the simple ingredients that make them shine, and proven methods for achieving bakery-quality flavor and texture—plus easy variations and tips for turning your next bake-off into a sparkling success.

Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies – Festive Holiday Bakery Treats

Memories Behind Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies

A Winter Kitchen Memory

Every December, my kitchen transforms into a swirl of flour, sugar, laughter, and music. The air fills with the sweet aroma of butter creamed with sugar and a faint minty coolness from crushed candy canes waiting to be stirred in. It’s in these cozy moments—windows fogged from the oven’s warmth—that Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies first came to life.

Growing up, our holiday baking traditions always revolved around togetherness. My grandmother’s old sourdough starter sat proudly on the counter, bubbling away—a symbol of continuity through the seasons. She used it for everything from bread to flapjacks, but one year we decided to experiment. What if that same starter could make sugar cookies softer and tangier? We added a splash of peppermint extract for festive flair, rolled the dough in twinkling sugar, and waited to see what would happen.

When those Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies emerged golden from the oven, their crisp edges giving way to a chewy center, the entire house filled with a scent that instantly felt like Christmas. From that moment, they became our go-to Holiday Bakery Treats. Whether for gifting, cookie swaps, or enjoying by the tree with mugs of cocoa, these cookies now hold a cherished spot in our family’s holiday tradition.

Why Sourdough and Peppermint Work Together

The charm of Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies lies in their balance—just the right harmony of tang, sweetness, and cool mint. Sourdough, even when used as discard, adds depth and a subtle tartness that prevents the cookies from being overly sweet. It gives the sugar cookie base a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, while peppermint brightens every bite with a refreshing contrast.

This flavor duo has found its way into countless Holiday Bakery Treats because it captures both nostalgic comfort and modern creativity. The tangy undertones of Sourdough Peppermint Cookies offer an unexpected twist that delights holiday guests, while peppermint’s clean, crisp note evokes the frosty wonder of winter mornings. It’s no wonder these cookies stand out in any Cookie Bake Off—they’re festive, flavorful, and just a little bit surprising.

Together, sourdough and peppermint turn a familiar recipe into something special—a reflection of how tradition and innovation can dance together in a single, beautiful batch of cookies.

How to Make Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies is all about balance—traditional cookie ingredients meet the lively tang of sourdough and the refreshing charm of peppermint. Below is the full lineup for a batch of roughly 24 festive cookies.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes / Substitutions
All-purpose flour	2 ¾ cups (340 g)	Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
Baking powder	½ teaspoon	For light, tender texture.
Baking soda	¼ teaspoon	Works with sourdough acidity for lift.
Salt	¼ teaspoon	Balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter, softened	¾ cup (170 g)	Use vegan butter for dairy-free.
Granulated sugar	1 cup (200 g)	Adjust for desired sweetness.
Sourdough discard	½ cup (120 g)	Active starter also works.
Egg	1 large	Room temperature preferred.
Peppermint extract	1 teaspoon	Use pure extract for best aroma.
Vanilla extract	½ teaspoon	Warm background flavor.
Crushed peppermint candies	½ cup	Set some aside for topping.
White chocolate chips (optional)	½ cup	Add creamy contrast.
Coarse decorating sugar (optional)	As needed	For sparkle.

Ingredient Tips:

Gluten-Free: Use a certified blend with xanthan gum.
Dairy-Free: Substitute with plant-based butter and a flax egg.
Natural Sweetness: Coconut sugar or maple syrup adds depth, though texture may vary.

Step-by-Step Baking Method

Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the egg, sourdough discard, peppermint, and vanilla.
Combine Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Add Festive Mix-ins: Stir in crushed candy canes and white chocolate, if using.
Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.
Shape and Bake: Scoop 1½ tbsp portions, roll in sugar or candy, and bake 10–12 minutes.
Cool and Decorate: Let rest 5 minutes, then transfer to racks and decorate as desired.

Pro Baking Tips:

Underbake for chewy centers or bake 1–2 minutes longer for crisp edges.
Do not overmix; gentle folding keeps cookies tender.
Resting dough overnight deepens flavor complexity.
Store airtight for 5 days or freeze dough balls for later.

Follow these steps and you’ll have Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies that look and taste like they came from an artisan bakery—ideal for any Cookie Bake Off or cozy gift exchange.

Festive Variations & Baking Tips for Christmas Cookies Gourmet

Decorating Ideas for Holiday Bakery Treats

Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies shine as your creative canvas for Holiday Bakery Treats. Try these decorative ideas to make each batch sparkle:

Dipped in White Chocolate: Coat half the cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle peppermint or glitter before hardening.
Rolled in Crushed Candy Canes: Roll dough balls before baking for colorful crunch.
Peppermint Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle a simple peppermint glaze and top with sanding sugar.
Sandwich Cookies: Spread peppermint buttercream or marshmallow between two cookies and roll in sprinkles.
Gift Box Ideas: Layer various decorated cookies in tins or showcase them at your Cookie Bake Off station.

Each decoration amplifies flavor and texture, turning these cookies into true Christmas Cookies Gourmet showpieces.

Baking Tips for Perfect Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Dough Temperature: Chill dough to reduce spread; slightly softened dough yields thicker cookies.
Fresh Discard: Use within two days for balanced tang and moisture.
Flavor Control: Start with 1 tsp peppermint extract—too much can turn bitter.
Check Early: Begin checking at 9 minutes; remove when centers look soft.
Even Baking: Rotate pans halfway for consistent color.
Storage: Keep airtight up to five days or freeze for up to two months.
Reheat to Refresh: Warm briefly at 275°F (135°C) for fresh-from-the-oven aroma.
Texture Balancing: If too sticky, chill longer; if dry, add a teaspoon of milk.

Perfecting these small details turns every batch of Sourdough Peppermint Cookies into a professional-level success full of holiday cheer.

FAQs & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard? Both work well. Active starter adds lift; discard adds chew and tang.
How do I store them? Store cooled cookies airtight for five days or freeze up to two months.
Can these be made ahead? Yes, chill dough for three days or freeze shaped balls to bake later.
How to prevent spreading? Chill dough, avoid overmixing, and use parchment-lined sheets.
Which peppermint extract is best? Choose pure peppermint oil-based extract for clean flavor.

Baking Holiday Cheer in Every Bite

Peppermint Sourdough Sugar Cookies blend familiar comfort with creative flair. The gentle tang from sourdough softens their sweetness, while peppermint sparkles with festive brightness. Each bite carries nostalgia, perfect for gifting or sharing at your Cookie Bake Off.

Whether you tuck them into a Christmas Cookies Gourmet package or bake them for loved ones, these cookies embody everything joyful about Holiday Bakery Treats. So, warm your oven, stir that fragrant dough, and fill your home with the scent of sugar, mint, and wonder—because baking these cookies means baking holiday cheer itself.