If you adore festive treats that marry creamy texture with a refreshing twist, this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is destined to become your new holiday favorite. Imagine soft, tender cookies bursting with the rich silkiness of cream cheese, mingling perfectly with the crisp, cool zing of peppermint and the sweet meltiness of white chocolate. These cookies embody the spirit of cozy winter days and joyful celebrations, offering a simple yet decadent way to delight yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of classic baking staples and a few special touches that truly elevate these cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether bringing softness, flavor depth, or that unmistakable festive flair.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures tenderness and adds buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): The star of the recipe, giving the cookies their signature creamy texture and tangy undertone.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, bringing the dough together and lending structure.
- Peppermint extract (1 tsp): Infuses the cookies with bright, cool peppermint flavor that’s unmistakably festive.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to balance the minty notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of the dough, providing just the right amount of structure for soft, chewy cookies.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise lightly for a gentle fluffiness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and minty flavors, making them pop.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1 cup): Adds delightful crunch and bursts of refreshing mint throughout every bite.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Contributes creamy, sweet pockets that melt in your mouth.
How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. Having all your ingredients softened and ready makes the mixing process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the luscious texture characteristic of these cookies, ensuring they’re rich but delicate.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
Mix in the granulated sugar, beating well until fully combined. Then add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. These ingredients introduce sweetness, moisture, and aromatic complexity—setting the flavor foundation.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and seasoning, preventing uneven texture in your cookies.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so be gentle for tender results.
Step 6: Fold in Peppermint Candies and White Chocolate
Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips with care, so they’re spread evenly throughout the dough. These add both festive flair and exceptional taste dimension.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges just starting to turn golden—this signals perfection.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after you pull them from the oven. This short rest helps them set before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully, maintaining their delicate texture.
How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a whimsical touch, sprinkle a few extra crushed peppermint candies atop freshly baked cookies or drizzle melted white chocolate over them to boost their holiday charm. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy effect perfect for winter celebrations.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea, enhancing the minty indulgence. For a more decadent pairing, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the creamy cheesecake flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these cookies as a gift or party treat, arrange them in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper. Layer with wax paper and add a sprig of fresh mint or a tiny candy cane for a charming presentation that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to five days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture and peppermint crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze freshly baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready for a quick thaw when you want a festive treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies warm and soft after storage or freezing, heat them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their delightful melty and chewy qualities.
FAQs
Can I substitute the crushed peppermint candies with peppermint baking chips?
Absolutely! Using peppermint baking chips creates a smoother texture and milder peppermint flavor, which is perfect if you prefer less crunch or want a more uniform chewiness throughout the cookie.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes is optional but recommended if you want thicker cookies that hold their shape better when baked. It also helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
While the cream cheese and butter are key to the texture and flavor, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the final taste and texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh and flavorful for up to five days at room temperature, which makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use something else?
Peppermint extract is essential for that classic minty zing, but if you don’t have it, you can try a tiny bit of mint-flavored liqueur or omit the peppermint altogether and increase the vanilla for a tasty vanilla cheesecake cookie variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of cream cheese and peppermint that makes this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe stand out as a holiday must-make. Whether you’re baking for your own cozy moments or sharing with friends and family, these cookies offer a perfect balance of creamy, minty, and sweet that never disappoints. So grab your mixing bowl, dive into this joyful recipe, and watch everyone’s faces light up with each delightful bite!
Print
Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with festive peppermint flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty treat. Soft and chewy with a hint of white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the dough.
- Add sugar and egg: Incorporate the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined. Then, mix in the egg, followed by the peppermint and vanilla extracts to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in candy and chips: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of sweetness and minty crunch.
- Form cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to achieve thicker, more manageable cookies.
- Use peppermint baking chips instead of crushed candies for a milder peppermint flavor and smoother cookie texture.
