Homemade Peppermint Sugar Recipe for Festive Christmas Cookies
During the festive holiday season, nothing quite beats the aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafting through the air.
However, when faced with the challenge of not finding McCormick finishing sugar in stores, we decided to take matters into our own hands and create a delightful alternative - homemade peppermint sugar. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty coffee grinder, you can elevate your cookie creations and add a touch of minty sweetness to your holiday treats.
Crafting Your Own Peppermint Sugar
Ingredients:
- Granulated sugar
- Peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. Start by pouring a desired amount of granulated sugar into a bowl. The quantity will depend on how much peppermint sugar you wish to make.
2. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the sugar. The amount of extract can be adjusted based on your preference for the intensity of the peppermint flavor.
3. Using a spoon or fork, mix the sugar and peppermint extract thoroughly until the sugar is evenly coated and the peppermint aroma is well distributed.
4. Transfer the mint-infused sugar into your coffee grinder in small batches to ensure even grinding.
5. Pulse the grinder a few times until the sugar reaches a fine consistency and the peppermint extract is fully incorporated.
6. Once ground to your desired texture, transfer the peppermint sugar back into a clean, dry container for storage.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your taste preferences. You can always start with a small amount and add more gradually to achieve the desired level of minty flavor.
- Ensure that the coffee grinder is clean and dry before use to prevent any residual flavors from affecting the peppermint sugar.
- Experiment with different types of sugars, such as raw sugar or cane sugar, for unique variations in flavor and texture.
Incorporating Peppermint Sugar into Your Christmas Cookies
Now that you have your homemade peppermint sugar ready, it's time to put it to good use in your Christmas cookie recipes. Here's a simple yet delicious cookie recipe that you can enhance with your minty creation:
Peppermint Sugar Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peppermint sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional peppermint sugar for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and peppermint sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a smooth cookie dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into small balls and roll them in additional peppermint sugar for a festive touch.
6. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently press them down with a fork.
7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy the delightful combination of buttery cookies with a hint of refreshing peppermint sugar, perfect for spreading holiday cheer and indulging in sweet moments with loved ones.
FAQs
1. Can I use the homemade peppermint sugar in other recipes besides cookies?
- Absolutely! You can sprinkle the peppermint sugar on top of cupcakes, hot cocoa, or even mix it into your morning oatmeal for a touch of minty sweetness.
2. How long can the homemade peppermint sugar be stored for?
- Store the peppermint sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to keep it away from moisture to maintain its freshness.
3. Can I customize the flavor of the peppermint sugar with other extracts?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond, vanilla, or orange to create unique flavored sugars for various culinary creations.
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