If you adore the perfect blend of creamy, minty, and sweet in your treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the luscious richness of cheesecake with the bright coolness of peppermint, wrapped inside a soft, buttery cookie that’s studded with white chocolate chips and peppermint crunch. Each bite delivers a magical balance of flavors that feels like a holiday party in your mouth, but honestly, they’re irresistible any time of year. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing delight that’s as fun to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating those melt-in-your-mouth peppermint cheesecake cookies. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the cold butter that ensures tender texture, to the peppermint chips and sprinkles that infuse the cookies with that unmistakable holiday sparkle.
- Butter (unsalted, cold and sliced): Using cold butter helps create a soft, tender cookie texture that melts softly on your tongue.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning for that perfect golden edge.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth and brings warmth that balances the peppermint’s brightness.
- Eggs (room temp): Essential for structure and moisture, they keep the cookies chewy yet rich.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing just the right chewiness.
- Cake flour: Adds softness and tenderness to make these cookies heavenly soft.
- Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies light and tender by softening the flour proteins.
- Baking soda: The leavening magic that gives cookies a slight lift and perfect crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- White chocolate chips: Adds creamy, sweet bursts throughout each bite.
- Andes Peppermint baking chips: The star ingredient delivering cool, minty goodness in every mouthful.
- Peppermint crunch sprinkles: Adds festive color and satisfying crunch to the cookies.
- Cookie white icing drizzle: A finishing touch that looks lovely and adds a hint of extra sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The rich and tangy heart of the cheesecake filling inside the cookie.
- Granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese perfectly without overpowering the mint.
- Peppermint flavoring: Intensifies the mint profile, making every bite refreshingly vibrant.
- White sparkling sugar: For that charming sparkle on top of the finished cookies.
- Candy cane baking bits: These crunchy morsels bring holiday nostalgia and a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
First things first, soften that cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed. Then, combine it with granulated sugar and peppermint flavoring. Whip it all together until fluffy and dreamy. This creamy mixture will be the luscious surprise hidden inside your cookies, adding a cheesecake-inspired richness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next up, take your cold, sliced butter and granulated sugar and cream them together until light and fluffy. This process is key to ensuring your cookies develop that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush it—your patience here will pay off with incredibly soft cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and a depth of flavor that rounds out the bright peppermint notes with warm undertones.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This blend balances the cookie’s structure and tenderness, making sure you get the best chew and softness in each bite.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it light and gentle for that ideal cookie crumb.
Step 6: Fold in Chips and Sprinkles
Stir in the white chocolate chips, Andes peppermint baking chips, and peppermint crunch sprinkles. These little pockets of flavor and texture create magical bites bursting with creamy sweetness and minty sparkle.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Now, scoop a portion of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add a dollop of cheesecake filling in the center, then cover it with another scoop of cookie dough, sealing the edges well. This technique traps the creamy filling inside so it stays soft and melty when baked.
Step 8: Bake and Drizzle
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Once cooled, finish each cookie with a delicate drizzle of white icing and a sprinkle of sparkling sugar for that extra festive charm.
How to Serve Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already a showstopper, but adding a little extra peppermint crunch or a light dusting of powdered sugar turns them into a true centerpiece. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also add a hint of greenery and freshness for presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, a peppermint latte, or even a simple glass of cold milk. The creamy drinks complement the cookies’ rich cheesecake and mint flavors perfectly, creating a cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a festive platter, alternating layers with parchment paper sprinkled with peppermint bits. You could also package them in cute holiday tins or clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons — perfect for gifting or sharing the joy with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, the fridge works well too, especially because of the cream cheese filling.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. To freeze unbaked dough balls, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a container, baking from frozen by adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and soften the cheesecake center just enough without melting the cookie.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
You can swap white chocolate chips for regular or even dark chocolate chips if you prefer, but keep in mind the cookies will lose some of the creamy sweetness that white chocolate brings, which pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
Why is the cookie dough chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough is important because it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping to keep the cheesecake filling nicely enclosed and ensuring a soft, thick cookie.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, choose a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute, and be sure to check that your white chocolate and peppermint chips do not contain dairy. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious!
What is the best way to seal the cheesecake filling inside the cookie?
Tightly pinch the edges of the cookie dough around the filling, making sure there are no gaps. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking and keeps the surprise creamy center intact.
Can I double the Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and you’ll have plenty to share (or to enjoy yourself!). Just be sure to bake them in batches with enough space between each cookie so they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is genuinely one of those magical treats that bring a smile to your face with every bite. Its delightful combination of creamy, minty, and sweet notes wrapped in a tender cookie is perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a cup of your favorite hot drink. I can’t wait for you to make these cookies and add a bit of joy and sparkle to your baking adventures—you’re going to love them as much as I do!
