Looking to add a little minty sparkle to your holiday baking? This Peppermint Sugar recipe is as easy as it is delightful. With just three ingredients, you can create a festive, flavorful sugar that’s perfect for topping cookies, rimming cocktail glasses, or gifting in adorable jars.
Whether you’re making edible presents or adding flair to your dessert table, this sugar brings a burst of seasonal joy to everything it touches.
🎁 Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick & simple: Just 5 minutes of active prep
- Customizable: Adjust color intensity and flavor strength
- Versatile: Use on cookies, cupcakes, cocktails, or even stirred into hot cocoa
- Perfect for gifting: Makes a beautiful, handmade gift for teachers, neighbors, or party hosts
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 20 drops red gel food coloring (or adjust to taste)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure the Sugar
Pour 2 cups of white granulated sugar into a glass mixing bowl. You want to use a non-reactive bowl since you’ll be mixing in extract and food coloring.
2. Add Flavor & Color
Drizzle in 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and drop in 20 drops of red gel food coloring. If you prefer a subtler pink or a deeper red, adjust the food coloring to your liking.
3. Mix Thoroughly
Stir the sugar mixture thoroughly until:
- Color is evenly distributed
- No clumps remain
- The scent of peppermint fills your kitchen
You’re going for even, vibrant, and fragrant!
4. Dry It Out
Spread the sugar mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. This helps the extract and coloring dry into the sugar for a perfect texture.
Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until fully dry.
5. Jar It Up
Once dry, use a funnel or spoon to transfer your Peppermint Sugar into airtight jars or spice containers. Decorate with festive labels and ribbon if gifting.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use gel food coloring: It gives rich color without dissolving the sugar.
- Peppermint extract vs. oil: Extract is easier to find and blends well with sugar.
- Avoid over-mixing: Stir just until evenly combined to avoid melting the sugar crystals.
🎄 Creative Ways to Use Peppermint Sugar
This festive sugar adds a magical finish to all kinds of holiday goodies:
- Sprinkle over Snow Globe Cookies
- Add a touch of sparkle to Easy Coconut Macaroons
- Dust onto Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
- Use as a topping for Chocolate Oreo Hearts
- Accent The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About with a peppermint crunch twist
You can also:
- Rim your hot cocoa mugs
- Add sparkle to frosted cupcakes
- Mix into homemade whipped cream
- Stir into sugar cookie dough for a burst of mint
🧊 Storage Tips
Store your Peppermint Sugar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months. Keep it dry and away from humidity to prevent clumping.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Sugar is more than a kitchen trick—it’s a sweet little way to spread holiday happiness. Whether you’re crafting edible gifts or topping a cookie platter, this sugar brings a nostalgic, pepperminty burst of joy wherever it goes.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @chefmaniac and show off your holiday sparkle! Be sure to follow for more festive recipes, gift ideas, and sweet seasonal surprises. Happy baking! 🎁🍭
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