Mint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Mint Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, featuring a refreshing mint center and festive sprinkles. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, they are ideal for holiday treats or any time you want a refreshing cookie with a pop of color.

Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil (or 1 teaspoon mint extract)
- Green food color
- 4 ounces green nonpareil sprinkles
- 4 ounces white nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt, mixing until well combined. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric mixer; if using a handheld mixer, finish mixing with a wooden spoon as needed.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Remove about ¾ cup of dough and place it in a small bowl. Stir in the peppermint oil (or mint extract) and add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired color. Mix well.
- Step 5: Measure 1 tablespoon portions of the plain dough and roll each into balls, making about 25. Then, measure 1 teaspoon portions of the mint dough and roll into the same number of smaller balls.
- Step 6: Flatten each plain dough ball slightly, place a mint dough ball in the center, and carefully mold the plain dough around it to enclose the mint center completely. Shape into a smooth round ball.
- Step 7: Roll each combined dough ball in the green and white nonpareil sprinkles until fully coated. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 11 minutes, until set but still soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger mint flavor, adjust the peppermint oil or mint extract to taste—but be careful, as these can be potent.
- You can substitute the nonpareil sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and extra minty zest.
- If you prefer a softer or chewier cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature; reheating is not necessary.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular mint extract instead of peppermint oil?
Yes, regular mint extract can be used. It has a milder flavor, so you might want to use a slightly larger amount to achieve the desired mintiness.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be set and lightly firm to the touch but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender and delicious.
Print
Mint Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: About 25 cookies 1x
Description
These Mint Sugar Cookies combine a classic buttery sugar cookie base with a refreshing hint of mint and festive green coloring. The cookies are rolled with a mint-flavored dough center and coated with colorful green and white nonpareil sprinkles, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Mint Dough
- ¾ cup reserved dough (from main dough)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint oil (or 1 teaspoon mint extract)
- Green food color (a few drops to desired color)
Decoration
- 4 ounces green nonpareil sprinkles
- 4 ounces white nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt, mixing well until fully combined using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or an electric mixer. If using a handheld mixer, finish mixing with a wooden spoon if needed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg, egg yolks, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined, scraping down the bowl sides to incorporate everything evenly.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms, ensuring it is well combined but not overworked.
- Prepare Mint Dough: Remove ¾ cup of the dough into a small bowl. Add the peppermint oil or mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring, mixing thoroughly to achieve a uniform green mint dough color.
- Form Dough Balls: Measure 1 tablespoon portions of the plain dough and roll into 25 balls. Measure 1 teaspoon portions of the mint dough and roll into 25 smaller balls to match the number of plain dough balls.
- Assemble Cookies: Flatten each plain dough ball and place a mint dough ball in the center. Mold the plain dough around the mint ball to encase it fully, forming a smooth, round ball.
- Decorate Cookies: Immediately roll each assembled dough ball in a mix of green and white nonpareil sprinkles until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes until set but not browned.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze in an airtight container for up to one month.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint oil or mint extract to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have nonpareil sprinkles, colored sugar sprinkles can be used as an alternative.
- Ensure to monitor baking time closely to avoid overbaking which can dry out the cookies.
- Freezing the cookies preserves freshness; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mint sugar cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, sugar cookies with sprinkles, mint flavored cookies

