If you love the refreshing zing of peppermint combined with the luxuriously creamy texture of cheesecake, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the cool brightness of peppermint with soft, tender bites loaded with melting white chocolate chips and bits of crunchy candy cane, creating a festive and utterly addictive dessert. Every bite dances with flavors that are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a sweet pick-me-up that feels homemade and heartwarming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, reliable ingredients is the first step to baking these divine cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, giving the cookies their signature texture, flavor, and festive appearance.
- Unsalted Butter, 1 cup: Softened to add richness and help create a tender crumb in the cookie dough.
- Granulated Sugar, ¾ cup: Balances sweetness and helps cookies bake with a lovely texture and slight crisp edges.
- Light Brown Sugar, ½ cup, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Cream Cheese, 8 oz softened: The star ingredient that infuses the dough with creamy tanginess and keeps cookies soft and luscious.
- Large Egg, 1: Binds ingredients perfectly and adds to the overall softness.
- Peppermint Extract, 1 teaspoon: Provides that unmistakable fresh mint flavor essential for this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the taste beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour, 2½ cups: The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies structure.
- Baking Soda, ½ teaspoon: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft but slightly chewy texture.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes, 1 cup: Adds festive crunch and bursts of minty coolness in every bite.
- White Chocolate Chips, 1 cup: Sweet, creamy pockets that melt during baking, complementing the peppermint perfectly.
How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and you’ll have a smooth surface for perfect cookie bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light, airy texture in your cookies, so take your time and get it nice and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Now, mix in the large egg followed by the peppermint and vanilla extracts. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, creating the distinct, refreshing notes that define this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and seasoning through the flour, making sure your cookies bake up perfectly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into the Wet
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined into a soft, workable dough. This avoids overmixing, which can toughen your cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Peppermint Candies and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips. They add delightful texture contrasts and melty sweetness that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookie edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them finish setting while staying tender and moist inside.
How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair when serving can elevate these cookies to show-stopping status. Sprinkle a few additional crushed peppermint pieces on top or drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a glossy, festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a cold glass of milk. The creamy drinks provide a perfect balance to the minty sweetness, making every bite even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a red ribbon to gift friends and family, or arrange them around a decorative holiday platter paired with other seasonal treats. Adding colorful sprigs of pine or holly nearby instantly turns them into a celebratory centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and fresh, letting you enjoy their delightful flavor longer without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze your unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven — just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked softness of these cookies, warm them briefly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This gentle reheating melts the white chocolate slightly and revives the creamy texture magically.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to achieving the rich and tangy texture in these cookies, so it’s best to use it as directed. Substituting might change the texture and flavor significantly.
How strong is the peppermint flavor in these cookies?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of peppermint extract, giving these cookies a pleasant minty punch without overwhelming sweetness. You can increase the extract slightly if you prefer a stronger mint taste.
Will the cookies be crispy or soft?
These are soft, cheesecake-style cookies with tender edges and chewy centers, thanks to the cream cheese and baking technique described.
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While white chocolate chips complement the peppermint beautifully, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips will add a different flavor dynamic that many also enjoy.
Are these cookies good for holiday gifting?
Definitely! Their festive peppermint flavor and pretty candy cane bits make them a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift during holiday seasons or any special occasion.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of peppermint and creamy cheesecake in a cookie, and this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these cookies promise to deliver joy and sweetness with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite holiday tradition!
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Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, a luscious blend of creamy cheesecake, refreshing peppermint, and sweet white chocolate chips. Perfectly soft with a hint of mint, these cookies make a wonderful holiday treat or a unique dessert option that combines the best of cookies and cheesecake in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat 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 Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the batter, infusing the dough with rich flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring until a soft dough forms, ensuring not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Peppermint and White Chocolate: Gently fold the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips into the dough, evenly distributing the festive flavors and textures.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up slightly.
Notes
- For a stronger mint flavor, add a few more drops of peppermint extract.
- Use a mix of peppermint candies and candy canes for added texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
