Dreamy Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Soft, buttery cookies studded with peppermint cheesecake morsels melt in your mouth with every delightful bite.

These incredible peppermint cheesecake cookies combine rich cream cheese and festive candy cane pieces into one irresistible treat.

The delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors creates a magical holiday dessert that disappears from platters in minutes.

Each cookie promises a crumbly exterior with a creamy, decadent center that sparks pure joy.

Delicate peppermint hints dance across your palate, leaving a refreshing coolness after each satisfying nibble.

Winter celebrations demand these spectacular cookies that blend comfort and excitement in every single morsel.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom across eager faces.

Bake Peppermint Cookies with Cheesecake Centers

• Create Creamy Base

Whip softened butter and cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture. Beat until the texture becomes light and airy, creating a delightful foundation for your cookies.

• Blend Wet Ingredients

Incorporate sugar gradually, then add eggs one at a time. Splash in vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the dough with a festive flavor profile.

• Fold in Dry Components

Gently mix flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Tenderly fold white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes throughout the dough, distributing them evenly.

• Chill and Prepare

Wrap the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

• Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 350F. Arrange rounded dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.

• Finish with Festive Flair

Once cooled, drizzle a peppermint glaze over the cookies. Sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes for aal winter touch.

Tips to Keep Peppermint Flavor Just Right

• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure perfectly shaped cookies that hold their form during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and cream cheese to create a smoother, more uniform cookie dough that blends effortlessly.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or chocolate to create unique variations that complement the peppermint base, allowing for creative twists on the original recipe.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 weeks to enjoy these festive treats whenever the craving strikes.

Serving Peppermint Cookies for Any Occasion

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange these peppermint cheesecake cookies alongside classic sugar cookies and chocolate chip varieties for a festive dessert display that will wow guests.
• Festive Gifting Delight: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, creating charming homemade gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Cocoa Companion Treat: Serve these cookies alongside warm peppermint hot chocolate or classic vanilla bean latte, letting the flavors complement each other for a cozy winter indulgence.
• Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Create a decadent dessert by sandwiching a small scoop of vanilla or peppermint stick ice cream between two cooled cookies for an unexpected and luxurious treat.

Store These Cheesecake Cookies for Long-Lasting Cheer

• Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delightful treats maintain top-quality freshness for 5-7 days at room temperature.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen cookies stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them naturally reach room temperature. Avoid microwaving to maintain their soft, delicate texture and prevent potential hardening.
• Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, storing it covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows for convenient preparation and ensures maximum flavor development.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the peppermint extract?

You can use other extracts like almond or vanilla, but this will change the signature peppermint flavor of the cookies. If you want a similar minty taste, try using mint extract as a direct replacement.

• Do I need to use white chocolate chips?

White chocolate chips add sweetness and creamy texture, but you can substitute with regular chocolate chips or omit them entirely. If you skip the chips, the cookies will still taste delicious.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading. Also, use a cool baking sheet and avoid overgreasing the pan.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months, just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 24

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookie Ingredient List

• Butter: Brings creamy texture and rich flavor to the cookie foundation.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious tanginess and helps create soft, tender cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a delicate cookie structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's soft texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall taste with warm, classic undertones.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers cool, refreshing holiday flavor profile.
• White Chocolate Chips: Introduces sweet pockets of creamy richness.
• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and intense peppermint burst.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the fundamental cookie base and supports shape.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and achieve light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy coating for decorative touch.
• Melted Butter: Provides silky base for glaze consistency.
• Red Food Coloring: Adds festive visual appeal to the glaze.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze thickness for perfect drizzling consistency.

Tools to Make These Holiday Cookies Happen

• Mixing bowl: Large bowl for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Essential for beating butter, cream cheese, and creating fluffy texture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating glaze.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform, evenly sized cookie balls.
• Baking sheets: Flat pans for baking cookies consistently.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the optional glaze.

Heavenly Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful peppermint cheesecake cookies blend creamy cheesecake richness with festive mint flavor. Crisp edges and smooth centers make these holiday treats irresistible for seasonal gatherings and sweet celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package (227 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 cup (175 g) white chocolate chips
• ½ cup (75 g) crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 13 tbsps milk
• 1 drop red food coloring

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip softened butter and cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, gradually integrating granulated sugar to achieve a light, voluminous consistency.
2. Egg Integration: Blend eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each, then infuse with vanilla and peppermint extracts to elevate the flavor profile.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then delicately fold into the wet mixture until just combined, maintaining a tender crumb.
4. Mix-in Technique: Gently fold white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution of festive elements.
5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to solidify and optimize handling, concentrating flavors and improving texture.
6. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for pristine cookie release.
7. Portioning and Placement: Scoop chilled dough into uniform balls, positioning them with precise spacing to allow proper spreading during baking.
8. Baking Moment: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges transform to a delicate golden hue, signaling perfect doneness.
9. Cooling Ritual: Rest cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.
10. Glaze Crafting: Whisk melted butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a whisper of red food coloring to create a festive drizzle.
11. Final Embellishment: Drizzle the glaze with artistic flair, then garnish with additional crushed candy canes for a spectacular finishing touch.

Notes

• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Extract Balance: Use peppermint extract sparingly to avoid overwhelming the delicate cheesecake flavor, start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
• Soft Butter Technique: Ensure butter and cream cheese are truly softened but not melted for the perfect creamy, smooth cookie texture.
• Gentle Mixing Method: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies and maintain a tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 198
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 87 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg