Pin Soft, chewy cookies infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a fizzy soda-inspired glaze and crushed peppermint candies. These festive treats are reminiscent of a classic soda float and bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite.
I remember trying a soda float for the first time during a family holiday, and these cookies instantly took me back to that joyful moment. Baking them has become a new festive tradition for us.
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 (in cookies, plus 1/2 teaspoon in glaze)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 cup (120 g)
- Lemon-lime soda: 2 tablespoons
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: 1/2 cup (about 60 g)
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 flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients:
- Beat in egg, milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until incorporated.
- Shape cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges set but centers soft.
- Cool cookies:
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Make glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, lemon-lime soda, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Finish cookies:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies, immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let set 15 minutes before serving.
Pin My kids love helping with the glaze and sprinkling the candies, especially right before our annual holiday movie night.
Tools You'll Need
Use mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a wire cooling rack for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cookies with hot cocoa to complete your festive treat table or package them in gift boxes for holiday sharing.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains about 130 calories, 4 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin Enjoy these peppermint soda float cookies as a cheerful holiday treat sure to spark joyful memories. Share them with friends and family for added holiday magic.
Recipe FAQ
- → How is the peppermint flavor achieved?
Peppermint extract is used in both the cookie dough and glaze, providing a bold minty freshness.
- → Can I use other types of soda for the glaze?
Lemon-lime soda is recommended for light flavor, but feel free to experiment with other sodas for unique twists.
- → Are these treats suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they use butter, milk, and egg, but no meat or gelatin, making them vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; baking times remain similar.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Is it possible to add mix-ins?
Optional white chocolate chips can be folded in for extra richness and flavor variety before baking.