Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies 🎄🍪

Introduction

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies : it’s that magical time of year again when the air is crisp, the holiday lights twinkle, and delicious aromas fill the kitchen. With the festive season in full swing, there’s nothing that brings joy quite like baking. One treat that stands out during this cozy time is Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies are a delightful mix of creamy, tangy cream cheese and refreshing peppermint, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings or a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies combine the richness of cheesecake with the fun of cookies, topped with festive crushed candy canes. They are not only tasty but also bring a colorful pop to your holiday dessert table. In this article, we will explore why you will love this recipe, how to prepare these cookies, tips for perfecting them, and more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to adore Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies. First, they embody the spirit of the holidays with their vibrant flavors and cheerful presentation. The creamy filling mimics the beloved cheesecake dessert, while the peppermint provides a refreshing twist that invigorates your taste buds.

Second, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not a professional baker, you can whip up this recipe without much hassle. The dough can be prepared in just a few simple steps, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the warm scent of baking.

Finally, they’re perfect for sharing! The festive look of these cookies makes them a great addition to holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or to give as gifts. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into a cookie that tastes like dessert but looks like a holiday treat?

How to Prepare Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Making Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. You’ll need to gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy the magic of baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and peppermint extract. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading.
8. Top with Candy Canes: Once you’ve scooped all the dough, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie. This will give them a delightful crunch and festive look.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for a holiday gathering! You can serve them on a decorative platter or arrange them into festive gift boxes for friends and family. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa, holiday coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

If you’re hosting a party, consider making a cookie platter with a variety of holiday cookies alongside your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies. This way, your guests can enjoy different flavors, and your dessert table will look even more inviting.

How to Store Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an even longer time, you can freeze them.

To freeze the cookies, make sure they are completely cooled. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Preparing Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

1. Soften Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them blend smoothly and create a creamy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
3. Adjust Peppermint Flavor: If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to increase the amount of peppermint extract slightly. But be cautious; a little goes a long way!
4. Use Fresh Candy Canes: Crushing fresh candy canes will not only give a better taste but also enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.
5. Experiment with Your Own Toppings: While crushed candy canes are traditional, you can also use chocolate chips, white chocolate, or festive sprinkles as alternatives.

Variation

You can easily customize Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Chocolate Option: Add cocoa powder to the dough to create a chocolate peppermint cookie. This will provide a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture. This can also give a warm, nutty flavor to your cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to cover it tightly. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. Thaw completely before baking.

2. What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it could be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

3. Can I use a differentextract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your favorite, you can use vanilla or almond extract instead. Be cautious with the amount, as some extracts can be stronger than others.

4. How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to cook while cooling on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. With their creamy filling, refreshing flavor, and festive topping, these cookies will bring joy to your celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking these delightful cookies to create sweet memories this holiday season!