The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, your French girl in an American kitchen where butter, sugar, and a dash of childhood nostalgia collide to create pure magic. And today, that magic takes the shape of one of my favorite holiday indulgences: peppermint shortbread.

I still remember the first time I tasted peppermint shortbread. I had just moved from Paris to the US, still adjusting to grocery stores full of candy canes, Christmas music playing way too early, and neighbors who actually brought cookies to welcome you. One snowy December afternoon, a sweet elderly neighbor knocked on my door with a tin of homemade peppermint shortbread. The moment I opened it, the buttery aroma hit me—warm, rich, and unmistakably comforting. But then came the cool, refreshing kick of peppermint, and I realized, Oh là là… Americans really know how to do holiday cookies!

That single bite felt like Paris meeting Christmas in Colorado. Ever since, peppermint shortbread has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something festive, simple, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect. And every year, while crushing candy canes with the enthusiasm of a kid breaking open a piñata, I remember that cozy December day and how one little cookie made this new country feel just a bit more like home ❤️.

So today, I’m sharing my foolproof peppermint shortbread recipe simple enough for busy December days, elegant enough for gifts, and delicious enough to disappear quickly. This peppermint shortbread recipe calls for minimal ingredients, comes together in minutes, and always steals the show at cookie exchanges. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a winter movie night, or simply because you deserve something sweet (and you do!), this peppermint shortbread will be your new favorite tradition.

Let’s make peppermint shortbread that’s buttery, crisp, refreshing, and impossibly irresistible. 🎅🍬

Ingredients

📝 What You’ll Need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Optional: melted white chocolate for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

✨ Make the dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is silky and pale. Add the vanilla and peppermint extract and mix again. The peppermint adds that cool holiday flavor that makes peppermint shortbread so special.

✨ Add the dry ingredients

Gently stir in the flour and salt until the dough starts to come together. It will look crumbly at first that’s normal! Shortbread is supposed to be rustic and buttery. Add the crushed peppermint candies and fold gently.

✨ Form & chill

Turn the dough out onto parchment paper and shape it into a 2-inch thick log. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for perfect texture and clean slices.

✨ Slice & bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the log into ½-inch rounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.

✨ Add optional drizzle

Let the cookies cool completely. Then, if you want extra holiday charm, drizzle melted white chocolate on top and sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint.

✨ Enjoy!

This peppermint shortbread melts in your mouth with buttery goodness followed by a refreshing peppermint crunch. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Pair with a hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles.
Wrap in cellophane with ribbon for the sweetest edible gift.
Serve at holiday parties on a festive platter.
Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a dreamy winter dessert.

Notes 📝

For extra peppermint flavor, increase peppermint extract to ¾ teaspoon.
Avoid overbaking shortbread should stay pale and soft.
If dough cracks while slicing, gently push it back together.
For gluten-free peppermint shortbread, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition (per cookie) 🍬

Approximate values:

Calories: 145
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 15g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g

Recipe Card 🎄🍪

⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 min
Chill: 1 hr
Bake: 12–15 min

🛒 Ingredients
(As listed above)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cream butter & sugar
Add extracts
Add dry ingredients + peppermint
Shape and chill
Slice and bake
Cool, drizzle & enjoy

📝 Notes
(As listed above)

🍬 Nutrition
(As listed above)

100-Word Short Version of Your Story

Bonjour my friends! I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who swapped Paris for the cozy kitchens of America. One snowy December, a neighbor welcomed me with a tin of peppermint shortbread, and that first buttery-peppermint bite made me feel at home in a brand-new country. The cool crunch of peppermint mixed with the soft richness of shortbread instantly became one of my favorite holiday flavors. Now, I bake peppermint shortbread every year it’s simple, festive, and full of warm memories. It reminds me how food connects us, comforts us, and brings joy wherever life takes us.

Conclusion

Peppermint shortbread is one of those magical holiday recipes that’s both insanely easy and unbelievably delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and a pinch of peppermint sparkle, you can create a cookie that feels festive, cozy, and totally gift-worthy. From holiday gatherings to chilly evenings with a warm drink, this peppermint shortbread recipe brings winter joy to any moment.

So go ahead, tie on your apron, crush those candy canes, and fill your home with buttery peppermint goodness. Joyeux Noël and happy baking from my kitchen to yours! 🎄✨