Save to Pinterest Soft, chewy cookies infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a fizzy soda-inspired glaze and crushed peppermint candies, these festive treats bring to mind the fun of a classic soda float. Quick to make and delightfully sweet, they are the perfect addition to a holiday dessert platter.
The first time I baked these Peppermint Candy Soda Float Cookies, my kitchen was filled with laughter as everyone tried to guess the secret ingredient in the glaze. The combination of the fizzy topping and the cool peppermint never fails to impress guests.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Large egg: 1
- Whole milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Peppermint extract: 1 teaspoon (for cookie dough)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar (sifted): 1 cup (120 g) for glaze
- Lemon-lime soda (e.g. Sprite or 7UP): 2 tablespoons for glaze
- Peppermint extract: 1/2 teaspoon for glaze
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: 1/2 cup (about 60 g) for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream sugars and butter:
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Scoop and bake:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Cool cookies:
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make soda float glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon-lime soda, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Decorate:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies, then immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let glaze set for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest During the holidays, my kids love helping sprinkle the peppermint candies on the freshly glazed cookies. It always turns into a competition to see who can decorate the most creatively.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls are essential for combining dry and wet ingredients. An electric mixer or hand whisk helps cream the butter and sugars to the perfect texture.
Allergen Information
These cookies contain wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. For peppermint candies, always check labels to ensure there are no cross-contaminants if you have nut allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains about 130 calories, 4 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve these cookies fresh for best texture, and enjoy with hot cocoa for a festive treat.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the soda-inspired glaze made?
The glaze blends powdered sugar, lemon-lime soda, and peppermint extract for a fizzy, bright flavor.
- → Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free treat.
- → What gives these cookies their peppermint flavor?
Peppermint extract in both the dough and glaze delivers a refreshing, minty taste throughout.
- → Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer helps achieve a fluffy dough, but a hand whisk works well if mixed thoroughly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain softness.
- → Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Fold in white chocolate chips or other favorites before baking for extra flavor and texture.