As the holiday season approaches, the sweet, festive scents of peppermint fill the air, making everything feel a bit more magical. Shortbread cookies, with their buttery richness and delightful crunch, become even more enchanting when kissed with that candy cane flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these four irresistible peppermint shortbread recipes that are sure to bring smiles and merriment to your gatherings!
Classic Peppermint Shortbread

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies from The View from Great Island
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies from Breads and Sweets
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 45 min Total Time: 1 h 45 min.
This recipe is a timeless classic that captures the essence of holiday baking. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the refreshing peppermint extract creates a perfect balance of flavors. What makes this shortbread so special is the simplicity of its ingredients, allowing the peppermint to shine through with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the peppermint extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Form the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive touch!
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread

Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread from Parsnips and Pastries
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Coconut oil, dark chocolate, crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, all purpose flour Total Time: 30 min.

Chocolate Dipped Mint Shortbread Cookies from Mom On Timeout
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Creme de menthe, dark chocolate chips, cookies, mint extract, all purpose flour Total Time: creme de menthe, dark chocolate chips, cookies, mint extract, all purpose flour.

Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies from Urban Bliss Life
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Crushed peppermint candy, powdered sugar, all purpose flour Total Time: 1 hr 7 min.
If you’re a fan of the classic combination of chocolate and mint, this recipe is a dream come true! The rich chocolate adds an indulgent twist to the buttery shortbread, while the peppermint flavor keeps it refreshing. This treat is perfect for holiday parties, making it a popular choice for gifting as well.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions:
- Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Slowly mix in the flour, salt, and peppermint extract until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice into fingers or squares and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until just set. Let them cool completely.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Dip half of each shortbread into the chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
Peppermint Mocha Shortbread Bars
Combining the beloved flavors of peppermint and coffee, these shortbread bars are a delightful twist on the traditional cookie. They’re rich, decadent, and perfect for those cozy evenings by the fire. What makes these bars a hit is their easy-to-slice form — perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, instant coffee, salt, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey surprise.
- Spread the dough into a greased 9×9 baking pan, pressing evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive finish!
Peppermint Bark Shortbread Sandwiches
These delightful shortbread sandwiches are a treat for both the eyes and the palate! With creamy peppermint bark filling the luscious layers, they’re a fun twist on traditional cookies. The combination of textures and flavors makes them an instant favorite at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy and light.
- Mix in the flour and salt until well combined to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely. Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate chips with the peppermint extract until smooth.
- Spread a layer of the peppermint bark chocolate on one cookie, then place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on the sides for that festive flair!