Easy Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies for the Holidays

Have you ever wondered why peppermint cheesecake cookies are so special during the holidays? They’re not just a festive treat. They add warmth, joy, and celebration to any event.

These cookies are soft and fluffy. They have a rich peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes on top. They’re perfect for holiday baking or Christmas cookies. I’m excited to share my easy recipe with you!

Key Takeaways

• Preheat oven to 350°F for the best baking results.
• This recipe yields 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing.
• Bake cookies for 10-13 minutes until they’re round and pale.
• Using full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia, enhances flavor and texture.
• The glaze hardens beautifully after sitting at room temperature for about an hour.
• Portion dough using a medium cookie scoop for even baking.

Why I Love Holiday Baking

Holiday baking is very special to me. It brings joy and warmth that’s only found this time of year. I love making festive treats that make everyone happy and fill my home with yummy smells.

Cookie exchanges with family and friends make it even more fun. We share our cookies and recipes, making it a special event.

Being in the kitchen with loved ones is magical. We try new recipes and keep old traditions alive. This time together makes our family closer and fills our hearts with love.

Every batch of cookies has its own story. Whether it’s a family recipe or a new one, baking is exciting. As the holidays near, I start planning what treats to make. This makes our home feel extra festive.

The Magic of Peppermint in Desserts

Peppermint makes holiday desserts special. Its cool taste is perfect with sweet baked goods. This makes minty desserts that make any event better.

Peppermint in baking reminds me of happy holiday times. Peppermint and chocolate together is magical. It makes every peppermint cheesecake or Christmas cookie a special treat.

I love trying new peppermint treats during the holidays. From creamy frostings to crunchy bark, there’s so much to try. These treats add flavor and joy to sharing with loved ones.

Treat Type	Flavor Profile	Occasions
Minty Cheesecake	Creamy and Refreshing	Holidays, Parties
Peppermint Bark	Crunchy and Sweet	Gifts, Snacks
Christmas Cookies	Festive and Flavorful	Christmas Celebrations
Peppermint Hot Chocolate	Rich and Invigorating	Cold Days, Family Gatherings

Adding peppermint to desserts brings back happy memories. It also introduces new flavors. Whether simple or elaborate, peppermint desserts brighten the holidays.

What Are Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies?

Peppermint cheesecake cookies are a fun twist on regular cookies. They have a soft texture and a creamy cheesecake taste. Plus, they have a hint of peppermint, making them a refreshing choice for the holidays.

Features of These Delicious Cookies

These cookies mix flavors and textures in a special way. They use cream cheese and butter for a rich taste. White chocolate chips add sweetness, and baking them at 350°F for 10-11 minutes makes them golden.

A peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes on top make them look great. This makes every bite even more special.

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

These cookies are great for holiday parties, potlucks, and cookie swaps. Their festive look and tasty flavor make them a hit at any event. They’re perfect as a dessert table centerpiece or as gifts.

Sharing these cookies brings joy and warmth to any holiday.

Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Making peppermint cheesecake cookies is fun. It mixes essential baking ingredients for great taste and feel. Start with full-fat cream cheese for a creamy filling. This makes the cookies smooth and tasty.

Here’s a list of the main ingredients to get:

• 1 lb cream cheese (full-fat for the best results)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Each item is key to making these cookies. Sugar makes them sweet. Eggs help them stay light and fluffy. Butter adds flavor and softness. Flour gives them shape.

This mix of essential baking ingredients captures holiday joy. The vanilla and peppermint extracts make them extra special.

Ingredient	Amount
Cream Cheese	1 lb
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Large Eggs	2
Unsalted Butter	½ cup
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Baking Powder	1 teaspoon
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Peppermint Extract	½ teaspoon

Get these ingredients ready for a fun baking time. These cookies will taste great and make your home smell wonderful.

How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Making peppermint cheesecake cookies is easy and fun. It’s a great way to make your holiday gatherings special. Start by mixing cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth. This step is key for that cheesecake taste.

Then, add ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix in two eggs and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. After that, add 1¼ cups of crushed graham crackers and 1 cup of flour. Don’t forget to mix in ½ cup of chopped Andes Peppermint Thins for extra flavor.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough onto the sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

These cookies are perfect for the holidays. Each one has about 291 calories. They’re a tasty treat that’s worth making.

The Importance of Cream Cheese in the Recipe

Cream cheese is key for the texture and taste of my peppermint cheesecake cookies. Using full-fat cream cheese makes them rich and creamy. This is important for a good mix of flavors in cheesecake treats.

When the cream cheese is room temperature, it mixes smoothly. This makes the cookies extra special.

Why Full-Fat is the Best Choice

Choosing full-fat cream cheese over low-fat makes a big difference. It makes the cookies soft and moist. This is what makes them so good to eat.

The recipe uses 8 ounces of cream cheese. This adds to the cookies’ softness. With unsalted butter and granulated sugar, cream cheese balances the flavors and adds sweetness.

Adding cornstarch to the flour makes the cookies even softer. Baking them and then dusting with powdered sugar is a great touch. It brings out the cream cheese flavor.

These cookies can be kept at room temperature. This is because of the cream cheese. I make sure not to overbake them. This keeps them soft and delicious.

With plenty of recipe tips, cream cheese is a must-have. It makes every batch a hit at holiday parties.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cookies

Making peppermint cheesecake cookies is fun. It brings holiday joy.

1. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Mix 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and 1 tsp peppermint in a bowl. Blend until smooth. Freeze for 1-2 hours to make balls.
2. Make the cookie dough: In another bowl, mix 1 cup butter, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla until creamy.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups cake flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp baking soda, and ¾ tsp salt.
4. Mix the dough: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, fold in 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips and 1 cup candy cane bits.
5. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for easier handling later.
6. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 410°F (210°C) to get it ready for baking.
7. Shape the cookies: Scoop out dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Fold dough around it and roll into a ball.
8. Coat the cookies: Roll each cookie ball in candy cane sparkle coating for a festive look.
9. Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet, leaving space, and bake for 14-15 minutes until golden.
10. Cool: Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

These steps will help you bake amazing peppermint cheesecake cookies. In about 2 hours and 35 minutes, you can make 20 cookies. They will impress your friends and family. Happy baking!

Tips for the Best Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

When baking peppermint cheesecake cookies, getting the right texture is key. These tips will help you make cookies that melt in your mouth. They’ll impress everyone during the holidays.

How to Achieve the Soft and Fluffy Texture

The secret to soft and fluffy cookies is in the dough. Don’t overmix or add too much flour. The right flour amount keeps the cookies soft.

Instead of scooping flour, spoon it into the measuring cup. Level it off. This stops the cookies from getting dense.

Preventing Over-Baking

Over-baking makes cookies dry, a common mistake. Watch the timer closely, checking the cookies a few minutes early. They should look a bit underbaked in the middle but set on the edges.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet a bit. Then, move them to a wire rack. This keeps them chewy.

Delicious Variations on the Recipe

Trying new things in baking makes holidays more fun. Peppermint cheesecake cookies are a great place to start. You can make them taste even better and suit different diets. Here are some ideas to make these cookies extra special.

Adding Chocolate Chips

Chocolate lovers will love adding chocolate chips to the dough. Mix in about 1 cup of chips to the dough before baking.

This makes about 10 cookies, each with a cheesecake dollop. The mix of chocolate and peppermint is amazing.

Making Them Gluten-Free

Want to make these cookies gluten-free? It’s easy with a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cookies soft and tasty, just like the regular ones.

Make sure to check labels for gluten-free baking powder. My gluten-free cookies are just as good as the originals. Now, everyone can enjoy the holiday treats.

How to Prepare the Peppermint Glaze

Making a peppermint glaze is fun. It makes my peppermint cheesecake cookies even better. This drizzle adds a festive touch and boosts the flavor and look. First, I collect a few important ingredients from my kitchen.

The process starts with:

• 1 stick of melted salted butter (1/2 cup)
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
• Milk, to achieve desired consistency

Then, I mix the melted butter and powdered sugar in a bowl. I add peppermint extract and milk slowly. This makes the glaze smooth and ready to drizzle.

When the glaze is just right, I use a spoon or piping bag to decorate. This makes pretty patterns on the cookies. It’s key to let the cookies sit for an hour. This lets the glaze harden beautifully.

In short, a good peppermint glaze adds flavor and fun to cookie decorating. It’s perfect for holidays or a sweet treat at home. This simple glaze turns my cookies into a festive masterpiece.

Decorating Your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Turning peppermint cheesecake cookies into holiday treats is fun. A few creative ideas can make them stand out. They look good and taste great.

Crushing candy canes on top is a favorite of mine. It adds flavor and color.

Drizzling chocolate on the cookies is another great idea. It makes them look fancy. Each drizzle is special, making your cookies unique.

Trying different toppings lets you show your style. These ideas are perfect for cookie exchanges or impressing guests. They make your holiday treats special.

Storing Leftover Cookies Properly

Wondering how to store leftover peppermint cheesecake cookies? Let the glaze harden before putting them in a tight container.

Leftover cookies can stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. Freezing keeps them good as new.

To thaw frozen cookies, place them on a paper towel-lined tray. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, warm them up at 300°F for 5 minutes. This way, they taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQ

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for the cookies?

No, it’s better to use full-fat cream cheese. This keeps the cookies rich and fluffy. Reduced-fat cream cheese might make them less tasty.

What can I do with leftover cookies?

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container. Let the glaze harden first. Share them with loved ones.

How do I get the peppermint glaze to look perfect?

Mix melted butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth.

Can I add other flavors to these cookies?

Yes! Try adding chocolate chips or extracts like almond or vanilla.

What occasions are these cookies suitable for?

These cookies are great for holidays, potlucks, and cookie exchanges. Their festive taste is perfect for any celebration.

How do I ensure my cookies remain soft and fluffy?

Don’t add too much flour to the dough. Also, watch the baking time to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container after the glaze sets. Keep them in a cool, dry place for the best taste and texture.