As I pulled the warm batch of peppermint cheesecake cookies from the oven, the festive aroma instantly transported me to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy. The Best Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are not just any treat; they perfectly blend creamy cheesecake and refreshing mint for a delightful experience that feels like a warm embrace. With a soft, velvety center wrapped in a buttery exterior, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a show-stopping crowd-pleaser at your next festive gathering. Plus, they’re ideal for cozy evenings curled up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Curious about how to whip up these irresistible delights and bring some holiday magic to your kitchen? Let’s dive right in! Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible? Festive Flavors: The unique combination of creamy cheesecake and refreshing peppermint creates a cookie that’s perfect for the holidays. Easy to Make: You’ll love how simple it is to whip these up, even if you’re short on time! Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday parties. Versatile Decor: Feeling creative? You can add crushed candy canes or drizzle chocolate for an extra festive touch! Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: With a soft, velvety center surrounded by a buttery exterior, these cookies will soon become your go-to holiday treat. Warm Beverage Companion: Pair them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat, making your evenings extra special. Explore even more festive goodies like Banana Oatmeal Cookies while you’re at it! Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients • Discover the essentials for crafting perfect Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies! For the Cookie Base Butter – Use unsalted for better control of flavor balance. Cream Cheese – Softened, it’s essential for that rich, creamy texture. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create a fluffy texture. Powdered Sugar – Adds a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies. Eggs – Room temperature eggs bind the ingredients and improve mixing. Flour – All-purpose flour gives structure to your delicious cookies. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring softness in the cookies. For the Minty Flavor Peppermint Extract – Provides that refreshing taste; substitute with vanilla if desired. For the Chocolatey Delight Chocolate Chips – Dark, milk, or white—choose your favorite for a rich addition. Optional Topping Crushed Candy Canes – Adds extra minty flavor and festive decoration; can be replaced with nuts if preferred. With these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a batch of Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies that will warm your heart and delight your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This preparation will set the stage for your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and beautifully. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cheese In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in granulated sugar and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the batter is fluffy and light. This step is crucial for creating the rich texture of your cookies. Step 3: Add Eggs and Peppermint Extract Next, incorporate the eggs into the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a fully blended dough. After adding the eggs, mix in the peppermint extract, which will infuse your batter with that refreshing flavor. This is where the magic of Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies begins to take shape! Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda until well blended. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the dough to remain tender but fully cohesive. This step will give your cookies the structure they need. Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips Gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough. This addition will provide delightful pockets of chocolate in your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, complementing the great mint flavor. Try to keep the dough light and airy as you mix. Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. The cookies will spread a bit while baking, so give them enough room to grow. These little mounds will soon transform into delicious Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies. Step 7: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Your kitchen will be filled with a festive aroma as the cookies bake, enticing everyone to gather around! Step 8: Cool the Cookies Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set a little before transferring them to a wire rack. After they’re slightly cooled, move them to plates to finish cooling completely, letting their flavors meld beautifully. Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Variations Feel free to personalize your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies with these delicious twists that cater to taste preferences and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy. The flavor will remain rich without compromising texture. Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and depth. The added texture will beautifully contrast the creamy cookie base. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This ensures that everyone at your gathering can partake in the cookie joy! Extra Minty: Increase the peppermint extract for an intensified mint flavor or add crushed peppermint candies to the dough for an extra festive crunch. Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate-flavored cream cheese for a double chocolate treat. The added decadence will make these cookies irresistible! Cookie Sandwich: Shape the dough into thinner cookies and sandwich with peppermint-flavored frosting for a delightful dessert experience. This adds an exciting twist to traditional cookies. Spiced Up: For a warm twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These warming spices create an inviting flavor perfect for the holidays. Don’t forget, if you want to mix things up with another sweet treat, consider making Biscoff Cookie Cheesecake to complement your baking adventures! Make Ahead Options These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday hustle! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients as directed, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and bake as instructed, adjusting the baking time by a minute or two if needed. For longer storage, you can freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking for equally delicious results. Enjoy these delightful cookies with minimal effort during your festive gatherings! What to Serve with Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies These delightful cookies are best enjoyed alongside complementary flavors that elevate their festive charm. Velvety Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate and creamy texture create a cozy pairing, perfect for warming up cool evenings. Rich Eggnog: This holiday classic, with its creamy texture and nutmeg flavors, beautifully enhances the peppermint in the cookies. Minty Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries and mint offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of sweet cookies. Cheesecake Bites: Serve mini cheesecake bites for a double dose of creaminess and textures, echoing the cheesecake flavor of the cookies. Nutty Biscotti: Crumbly and crunchy, these cookies provide a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite of peppermint cheesecake truly memorable. Sparkling Water with Lemon: The zesty citrus cuts through the sweetness, refreshing the senses as you savor the cookies. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, providing a cool, smooth complement to the warm cookies. Gingerbread Latte: This spiced coffee drink beautifully mirrors the festive flavors, making for a cozy, comforting pairing during the holidays. Storage Tips for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor. Fridge: If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or bake them straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies! Expert Tips for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing, leading to a smoother batter. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating chocolate chips, mix gently to maintain a tender texture in your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies—overmixing can toughen the dough. Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Experiment with Flavor: Want to switch it up? Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a different spin on these delightful cookies! Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select the right ripeness and texture for my ingredients? Absolutely! For the best Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, use unsalted butter that’s softened to room temperature, ensuring it whips up nice and creamy. Your cream cheese should also be at room temperature. This will help them blend smoothly into the batter. When choosing chocolate chips, opt for the brand that you love—whether it’s dark, milk, or white chocolate—this choice will elevate the overall flavor of your cookies. What’s the best way to store my peppermint cheesecake cookies? Very good question! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again, as this will bring back their delightful texture! Can I freeze my peppermint cheesecake cookies, and how? Definitely! To freeze your cookies, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply microwave for about 15-20 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes straight from the freezer. What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking? If your cookies spread too much, there are a few troubleshooting tips! First, try chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help it firm up. Make sure you’re using the correct amounts of each ingredient—too much butter can cause spreading as well. Additionally, don’t skip the baking powder or soda, as they help provide structure. Lastly, ensure your oven temperature is properly calibrated; a hotter oven can also lead to cookies spreading too quickly. Are peppermint cheesecake cookies safe for people with allergies? It’s essential to consider allergy concerns! These cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, dairy (from the butter and cream cheese), and gluten (from the flour). If you’re baking for someone with allergies, you can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and use a gluten-free flour blend. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they’re safe for those you’re serving! Can I make modifications to the recipe to suit my dietary preferences? Of course—feel free to get creative! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla extract or almond extract. You can also explore adding other mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you’re adding ingredients that bring their own sweetness! Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies to Elevate Your Holiday Treats Delight in Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and refreshing mint for your holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup unsalted butter softened8 oz cream cheese softened1 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup powdered sugar2 large eggs room temperature2 cups all-purpose flour1 tsp baking sodaFor the Minty Flavor1 tsp peppermint extract can substitute with vanillaFor the Chocolatey Delight1 cup chocolate chips dark, milk, or whiteOptional Topping1/2 cup crushed candy canes or nuts if preferred Equipment Electric mixermixing bowlBaking SheetsParchment paperspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and powdered sugar until fluffy.Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then add peppermint extract to infuse flavor.In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.Gently fold in chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart.Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are golden brown with soft centers. Watch closely!Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesChill dough for 30 minutes before baking for enhanced flavors. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Don't overmix when adding chocolate chips to keep cookies tender. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
