We love holiday baking! My kids love being in the kitchen with me in general so when it’s time to bake something sweet, they are all about it! During the holidays we love making peanut butter blossoms, cinnamon sugar pecans, fudge and so many other classic holiday treats.

What are peppermint sugar cookies?

These cookies are a basic sugar cookie with a peppermint frosting topping. The best part of these cookies is that they use a cake mix! Yes! Sugar cake mix cookies! They are perfect for little hands that like to help in the kitchen. You only need 4 ingredients for the cookies and 6 for the peppermint frosting.

Peppermint sugar cookie ingredients

To make these cookies you will need:

• vanilla cake mix
• baking soda
• butter
• eggs
• powdered sugar
• vanilla extract
• peppermint extract
• crushed peppermint stick

Vanilla cake mix – You can use your favorite boxed cake mix for this recipe. Any one from the baking aisle will work.

Baking soda – This will help make the cookies fluffy. Make sure to check if your baking soda is fresh before adding it in.

Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter for these cookies. If you use salted butter, leave out the salt in the frosting.

Crushed peppermint – You can crush candy canes or you can by pre-crushed peppermint candies in the baking aisle.

How to make peppermint sugar cookies with a cake mix

Once you have gathered all your ingredients you will also need to grab – mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, hand mixer, baking sheets, spatula and a cookie scoop.

Step 1 Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet.

Step 2 Mix together the cake mix and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Add in the butter and eggs and using your hand mixer, mix until smooth.

Step 3 Scoop out the cookie dough using your cookie scoop onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4 Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will be done once the tops are set.

Step 5 Beat the sugar in another mixing bowl until soft and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and extracts. Beat until thick and fluffy. Remember – if you used salted butter, omit the salt from the frosting.

Step 6 Once the cookies are cooled, frosting the cookies with a spatula and top with the crushed candies.

Do I have to use a cake mix for these cookies?

No, you don’t! You can make homemade sugar cookies and then use the peppermint frosting for the topping. Here is a great homemade sugar cookie recipe that you can use if you want to skip the cake mix and make these cookies totally from scratch.

Are the cookies flavored peppermint?

Only the frosting is peppermint. The cookies have a vanilla flavor thanks to the cake mix and the frosting is peppermint.

Can I use a different cake mix?

You sure can! Feel free to use your favorite cake mix for these cookies. A chocolate cake mix would be wonderful! Peppermint and chocolate got really well together and would make a delicious cookie too!

Are the cookies soft and chewy?

Yes, they are! The cake mix helps keep these cookies soft as well as the lower bake time. If you want a crunchier cookie, add a few minutes when they are baking.

More cookie recipes to try

We love holiday baking! Some of our other favorite cookies to make during the winter months are:

• Spritz cookies
• Sugar cookie bars
• Hot cocoa cookies
• Ranger cookies
• Peanut butter blossoms

How to store leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container on the counter. These cookies do not need to go in the fridge. They will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can! You can either freeze the cookie dough or you can freeze the cookies, unfrosted. Place the cookie dough on a cookie sheet and flash freeze. Once hard, place in a Ziplock bag and back in the freezer. They will be ready to bake for up to 3 months this way. You can also place the baked and cooled cookies in a Ziplock bag for 3 months as well.

Peppermint sugar cookies

Yield: 18 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Make a soft and chewy sugar cookie topped with peppermint frosting and candies!

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Ingredients

• 15 ounce box vanilla cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• Frosting:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1-1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for more peppermint flavor)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional to balance out sweetness)
• ¼ cup chopped peppermint candy

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside for later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and the baking powder. Then add the melted butter and eggs and beat on low with a hand mixer until fully incorporated. You can alternatively mix everything with a rubber spatula if you do not have a mixer.
3. Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to drop 1 ½ tablespoon sized balls onto the baking sheets. Space them a few inches apart to leave room for the cookies to spread.
4. Bake at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes, until the tops are set and it reaches desired doneness.
5. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan completely before decorating.
6. As the cookies bake, you can prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar a little at a time and mix until combined. Add both of the extracts and salt and mix again until well incorporated and you have a smooth, easily spreadable frosting.
7. Once the cookies have cooled, use a small icing spatula to frost about 1 tablespoon of frosting on each cookie. Then sprinkle with the chopped peppermints.

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Other peppermint treats

Love peppermint? Here are a few other peppermint goodies you may enjoy:

• Peppermint chocolate bundt cake
• Peppermint hot chocolate
• Starbucks peppermint mocha
• Peppermint cake roll

The post Peppermint Sugar Cookies appeared first on mom makes dinner.

Are you ready for a super easy, delicious, and festive chocolate cake for the holidays? Try this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Your family and friends will be impressed with both the look and the taste of this moist chocolate bundt cake. 

Chocolate and peppermint go well together, a la Starbucks peppermint mocha latte, especially during the Christmas season. This cake is one of our favorites and everyone loves it!

Chocolate peppermint cake

Keeping this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake easy for you, we start off with your favorite boxed cake mix and jazz it up a bit. Then top it off with some canned frosting and crushed peppermint! Yes, that easy and I promise you, so good! My entire family loved it and we will be making it again over the holidays!

This bundt cake is similar to my peppermint chocolate roll cake! Just in case you needed another Christmas cake recipe to try. Wink wink.

Chocolate peppermint cake ingredients

This chocolate bundt cake is a semi-homemade dessert and only recipes a handful of common ingredients. You probably have most of them on hand too! You will need:

• Devil’s food cake mix
• peppermint extract
• chocolate pudding
• vanilla frosting
• red food coloring

Devil’s food cake mix – You can use whatever brand Devil’s food cake mix that you’d like. The one that I used required water, eggs and oil to make. Be sure to check the back of your box to make sure you grab the right ingredients needed for your mix.

Peppermint extract – This can easily be found in the baking aisle along with all of the other extracts, such as vanilla or almond.

Instant chocolate pudding mix – Adding pudding to cookies and cakes makes them such moist and decadent. It’s a great way to add extra flavor and creates an amazing treat. You will need chocolate pudding mix for this cake.

Vanilla frosting – Any canned vanilla frosting will work for this recipe. You can also use homemade vanilla frosting as well.

Red food coloring – You can use traditional food coloring or a natural food coloring like I do.

How to make simple peppermint chocolate cake

This peppermint cake could not be easier to make! Grab all of your ingredients along with measuring cups, mixing bowls, hand held mixer, spatula, spoon and rolling pin. Follow the directions below and in the recipe card to make this easy cake recipe.

Step 1 Mix the cake base Add all of your cake ingredients along with the cake mix to a large mixing bowl. You will also want to mix in your chocolate pudding mix and the peppermint extract too.

How much peppermint extract added to chocolate cake?

For this cake recipe you will need 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to flavor the cake. A little bit of peppermint extract goes a long way!

Step 2 Pour and bake Pour the cake batter into your prepared bundt cake dish and bake. You will want to bake the peppermint bunt cake for 35 minutes. Make sure a toothpick comes out clean before removing it from the oven.

Step 3 Prepare the frosting While your cake is cooling, prepare the peppermint frosting. Place the can of frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften it. Add the natural food coloring and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir to combine. A butter knife works best for stirring it.

Step 4 Frost and decorate Flip the cooled cake onto a serving plate. Drizzle the frosting over the cake and then add crushed peppermints. You can easily crush the peppermint candies by placing them in a Ziplock bag and pressing a rolling pin over them a few times.

Slice and enjoy!

FAQs about this recipe

Some frequently asked questions about this peppermint chocolate Christmas cake recipe. Have a question that’s not listed? Ask it below in the comments!

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can! This recipe calls for a Devil’s food cake mix, but you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer. I used a Duncan Hines Devil’s food mix. Feel free to use any brand of kind of chocolate cake mix. You can also use a homemade chocolate cake, like the one in my hot chocolate cake recipe.

Can I do a homemade chocolate cake?

You sure can! If you have the extra time, you can turn this semi-homemade peppermint cake into a fully homemade recipe. You can use a classic chocolate cake recipe and add in the peppermint extract. You can also use a simple homemade vanilla frosting and add in the peppermint extract along with the food coloring.

How to store leftovers

Place any leftover peppermint cake in an airtight container, such as a large cake Tupperware or container. You can keep the cake on the counter or place it in the fridge, if you’d like. If possible, store the cake unsliced for best results.

Can I freeze this peppermint cake?

Yup! You sure can! You can freeze the whole cake or you can slice it, place the pieces between parchment paper and freeze it that way as well. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Other peppermint chocolate recipes to try

I love the mint/chocolate combination! Some of our other favorites are:

• Peppermint white hot chocolate
• Starbucks peppermint mocha
• Peppermint chocolate roll cake
• Peppermint mocha syrup

Chocolate peppermint bundt cake

Yield: 1 cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Prepare this festive semi-homemade

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Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
• 1 cup water
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp peppermint extract (divided)
• 1 (3.4 oz box) instant chocolate pudding
• 1 (16 oz) can white frosting
• 3-4 drops natural red food coloring
• Peppermint Candies, crushed for garnish (or candy canes)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, chocolate pudding mix and 1 tsp peppermint extract.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat until all ingredients are well combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray and pour batter into the pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. (or according to box instructions).
5. Once cooled, flip out of  the pan onto a serving plate or platter.
6. Remove the cap and foil from the frosting and microwave for about 20 seconds to soften.
7. Add 3-4 drops of red food coloring and the other 1 tsp peppermint extract into the frosting and use a butter knife or small spatula to swirl in the food color. (to create the striped look, just stir it a few times, do not over mix).
8. Then slowly pour the frosting over the cake.
9. Sprinkle the top of the cake with crushed peppermint or crushed candy canes.

Notes

Be sure to check what your cake mix requires as they may vary slightly.

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Tips and tricks

This chocolate peppermint cake recipe is pretty simple, but here are a few tips or tricks to help you along.

1. You can use a handheld or stand mixer to combine the cake mix. It will speed up the process a bit.
2. Make sure to not overdo it with the peppermint extract! A little goes A LONG way!
3. You can use spearmint extract if you don’t have peppermint.
4. Make sure all of the inner foil seal is off of the frosting container before microwaving it.
5. Crush your peppermints in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or a meat mallet, carefully.

Did you make this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a rating in the recipe card above or in the comments below.

Want to make it later? Pin the image below to your favorite dessert board. Either way, THANK YOU for the support!

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I think that peppermint and chocolate are the perfect winter time combination. I love it in coffee, like my peppermint mocha, and I love it in desserts! This peppermint chocolate roll cake is awesome for the cooler season and makes a great dessert for any event.

What is a chocolate roll cake?

A roll cake is a basic cake cooked on a jelly roll pan. The cake is placed on a prepared towel and rolled up to form a log shape. It is cooled and then unrolled and frosting or filling is added. It is rolled up again and sliced.

This chocolate peppermint version uses a peppermint cream cheese frosting for the cake roll middle. Cake rolls are sometimes called yule logs because of their shape!

Peppermint chocolate roll cake ingredients

The thing that I love about roll cakes is that they appear to be fancy, but their ingredients are quite common. In fact, to make this peppermint chocolate version you will need:

• Eggs
• Sifted powdered sugar
• Sifted flour
• Salt
• Cocoa
• Vanilla
• Butter 
• Cream cheese
• Red peppermint candies 

Eggs – You need to separate the eggs, but use both the yolk and the egg white in this recipe. Here is an easy tutorial on how to separate eggs.

Powdered sugar – Grab a whole bag of powdered sugar as you need some for the cake and the peppermint filling.

Butter – You want unsalted butter for this recipe. If you only have salted on hand, omit the salt in the instructions. Make sure the butter is softened as well.

Cream cheese – While you are grabbing butter, get a block of cream cheese as well. You will want to leave your cream cheese out for at least an hour to make sure it’s softened before you use it.

Peppermint candies – You can use the round peppermint candies or even candy canes. They will be placed in a food processor, so they can even be broken ones!

How to make a roll cake

Once you have all your ingredients for this peppermint chocolate roll, you will also need to grab:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Knife
• Dish towel
• Stand or hand mixer

Step 1 Beat the yolks Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, separate your eggs. Beat the egg yolks until they are thick, creamy and a pale yellow color.

Step 2 Sift the dry ingredients In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, salt, flour and cocoa powder.

Step 3 Combine yolks and cocoa mixture Beat the dry ingredients into the egg yolks until well blended. Add the vanilla and egg whites as well. Mix until well combined.

Step 4 Pour into pan Spray your jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray and place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom. Pour the cake mixture over the parchment paper.

Step 5 Bake Cook for 15-20 minutes and until your finger springs back when touched.

Step 6 Form cake roll Lightly dust a clean dish towel with powdered sugar. Loosen cake around edges with a knife and invert onto towel while still warm. Peel off parchment paper. Roll up cake gently, rolling the towel in the cake. Wrap tightly in the towel to hold the shape.

Step 7 Make frosting While the cake roll is cooling, make your frosting. Combine butter and cream cheese into a mixing bowl and beat with a stand or hand mixer, until well-combined, creamy and lump free. Add vanilla extract and salt and stir well. With a mixer on the low setting, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.

Step 8 Add frosting and re-roll Once the cake has cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on the cake, sprinkle with the crushed candy and roll like a jelly roll.

Do I have to use a jelly roll pan?

Yes and no. If you can find a baking sheet with a lip on it that will hold the cake batter, then no, you don’t need a jelly roll specific pan. If none of your pans can hold cake batter, you may need to check out a jelly roll pan.

Why do I need to add the powdered sugar to my dish towel?

Believe it or not, the powdered sugar helps the cake from sticking to the towel. Nothing ruins a dessert faster than when it sticks!

How to cut a cake roll

Once you have fully assembled your cake roll, you will want to place it back in the fridge to firm up for about an hour. You don’t have to do this if you plan to eat it right away, but it does help with cutting it.

Once the filling has firmed up, take a sharp knife and cut into slices. To keep your slices clean, wipe off your knife between each cut. You can also dip your knife in hot water (and wipe it off), to get a smoothly cut slice.

How to store leftovers

If you have any leftover cake roll left, you can store it in an airtight container such as a Ziplock bag or a Tupperware. Place it in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy another slice!

Can I freeze it?

You can! Make the recipe as directed. Wrap a piece of parchment or freezer paper around the cake roll. Place it in a Ziplock bag and remove all the air. Put it on a cookie sheet to freeze. Once it is frozen, remove the cookie sheet and store in the freezer. It will keep for about 3 months in the freezer.

Coffee pairings

This peppermint chocolate cake roll pairs very nicely with a hot coffee! (Ask my how I know! ha!) Some of my favorite coffees to pair with this cake would be:

• White chocolate vanilla latte
• Chestnut praline latte
• Caramel brulee latte
• Eggnog latte
• Peppermint mocha latte

Chocolate Peppermint Cake Roll

Yield: 1 cake roll

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

A deliciously festive cake roll perfect for the holidays!

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Ingredients

• Chocolate Log Cake
• 5 lg Egg yolks
• 1 cup Sifted powdered sugar
• ¼ cup Sifted flour
• ½ tsp Salt
• 3 tbsp Cocoa
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 5 lg Egg Whites (stiffly beaten)
• Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
• ½ cup butter (unsalted, softened)
• 8 Oz Cream cheese block (softened)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• ½ cup Red peppermint candies (crushed in food processeor)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°

Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored.

Sift powdered sugar, flour, salt and cocoa together.

Beat the dry ingredients into the egg yolks until well blended.

Add vanilla

Fold in the egg whites.

Spray a 10x15 cookie sheet (with edge) with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper.

Pour cake mixture in the baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the center springs back when pushed with a finger.

Lightly dust a clean dish towel with powdered sugar. Loosen cake around edges with a knife and invert onto towel while still warm. Peel off parchment paper.

Roll up cake gently, rolling the towel in the cake.

Wrap tightly in the towel to hold the shape.

Once the cake has cooled, spread cream cheese frosting on the cake, sprinkle with the crushed candy and roll like a jelly roll.

How to Make Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Combinebutter and cream cheese into a mixing bowl and beat with a stand or hand mixer, until well-combined, creamy and lump free.

Add vanilla extract and salt and stir well.

With a mixer on the low setting, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 slices Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 398Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 314mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 0gSugar: 50gProtein: 5g

Did you make this recipe?

If you loved this recipe, we would love for you to leave a review to help others!

Other cake rolls to try

• Mint chocolate chip cake roll
• Lemon cake roll
• Christmas vanilla cake roll
• Tiramisu cake roll
• Chocolate orange yule log

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