These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the richness of cheesecake with a refreshing peppermint twist. Soft, buttery cookies are topped with a creamy peppermint cheesecake frosting, creating the perfect festive dessert for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
Unsalted Butter (softened): 1 cup (225g)
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
Brown Sugar (packed): 1/2 cup (100g)
Eggs: 2 large
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
Peppermint Extract: 1/2 tsp
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g)
Baking Soda: 1 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
For the Cheesecake Frosting:
Cream Cheese (softened): 8 oz (225g)
Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (180g)
Peppermint Extract: 1/4 tsp
Heavy Cream: 1-2 tbsp (optional, for consistency)
For Decoration:
Crushed Peppermint Candies: 1/4 cup
Pink Drizzle (optional): Melted white chocolate dyed with pink food coloring
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (optional, for easier shaping).
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, beating until creamy. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
Spread a generous layer of cheesecake frosting on each cooled cookie.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch.
Drizzle with pink-dyed melted white chocolate for added decoration, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies
Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: For the best flavor and vibrant color, use freshly crushed candies.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead: Prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Frost the cookies just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies
Chill the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and ensures even baking.
Softened Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
Customize Decorations: Swap crushed peppermint candies for holiday sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate in festive colors for a unique look.
Adjust Frosting Sweetness: Taste the frosting as you go and adjust the powdered sugar to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Make Them Ahead: The cookies and frosting can be made a day ahead. Frost them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, combining the buttery softness of cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake frosting and a festive peppermint touch. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’ll become a holiday favorite for years to come.