There is something truly magical about the combination of cool peppermint and creamy cheesecake, especially when baked into a cookie that melts in your mouth. The Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a joyous treat perfect for celebrating any occasion with its tender texture, festive flavor, and that perfect hint of minty freshness. Imagine biting into a soft, slightly tangy cookie that carries the delightful crunch of crushed peppermint candies and the gentle sweetness of white chocolate chips. This recipe brings all of that to your kitchen in a simple, approachable way that makes holiday baking and everyday indulgences equally exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality, straightforward ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from texture and flavor to the festive appeal of the final cookie. Using fresh peppermint extract will make all the difference in capturing that bright minty essence, while cream cheese ensures a tender crumb with rich flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the cookies their signature cheesecake tang and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning during baking.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and rounds out the mint.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that gives these cookies their refreshing, cool kick.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides gentle lift for the perfect soft texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds festive crunch and bursts of mint flavor.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional): Brings a creamy sweetness that complements the peppermint.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Finishes the cookies with an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when the cookies are ready to go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Cream together butter and cream cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it creates the base for your cookies’ soft texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add sugar and eggs
Mix in the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this aeration helps give your cookies a tender bite. Then, add the egg along with vanilla and peppermint extracts, stirring until everything is beautifully combined.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout your dough, preventing clumps and uneven texture.
Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients into wet
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter, cream cheese, and sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be delicate here.
Step 6: Fold in peppermint and white chocolate chips
Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies along with white chocolate chips if you’re using them. These add texture, festive flair, and that irresistible combination of mint and sweet creaminess.
Step 7: Scoop and bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart—they will spread slightly as they bake. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft and a little underbaked. This ensures maximum tenderness.
Step 8: Cool and optionally dust with powdered sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive and elegant touch.
How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little extra crushed peppermint on top of the cookies right after baking adds an eye-catching sparkle and extra minty crunch. For a winter wonderland vibe, a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also turn these cookies into true showstoppers.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a peppermint mocha for an indulgent gift to your taste buds. For those who prefer something lighter, a simple mint-infused green tea or a glass of chilled milk perfectly complements their rich, creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap small stacks of these cookies with ribbons for holiday gifts or arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by fresh holly or pine sprigs for a holiday party centerpiece. You can even sandwich a layer of peppermint frosting or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an extra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring frozen or chilled cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until slightly warmed through. This will soften the cookies and revive that melt-in-your-mouth sensation they’re known for.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint oil?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract works just as well and is likely what you have on hand. Just make sure not to overdo it, as peppermint extract can be more concentrated—start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
The cream cheese gives these cookies their signature texture and tang, so substituting it is tricky. However, you could try using mascarpone or ricotta (drained well) for a slightly different but still creamy result.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before or after baking?
You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies themselves. Both methods work well and let you enjoy fresh-from-the-oven cookies anytime with minimal effort.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Just be aware the texture might vary slightly, but the peppermint cheesecake flavor will still shine.
How do I make the cookies more festive for holiday parties?
Try dipping half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and then sprinkle crushed peppermint on the chocolate while it’s still wet. Adding edible glitter or decorating with colorful sugar sprinkles can also elevate their holiday charm.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to infuse your baking with festive spirit and creamy, minty goodness. Each bite offers comforting tenderness and just the right amount of sweet refreshment, making them a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere. I promise once you make these, they’ll quickly become your new holiday favorite — so grab your baking tools, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to something truly special!
Print
Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with refreshing peppermint and festive white chocolate chips, making them a perfect holiday treat. Soft, flavorful, and easy to bake, they’re sure to delight your taste buds and add joy to any celebration.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Incorporate the granulated sugar and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined, giving the dough its characteristic flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt within the flour.
- Mix Dry Into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined to prevent overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Add Peppermint and White Chocolate: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips if using, to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers remain soft, giving the cookies their characteristic chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly without breaking.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or add a festive drizzle of melted white chocolate or a chocolate dip sprinkled with more crushed peppermint for an extra holiday flair.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a festive twist, drizzle with melted white chocolate or dip half the cookie in chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint candies.
