As the chilly winter air fills the room and the twinkling lights begin to dance around our home, there’s a shift in the atmosphere—a cozy warmth that invites us to bake, create, and indulge in the spirit of the holidays. One of my fondest memories is gathered around the kitchen table, flour dusting the countertops, laughter filling the air, and anticipation bubbling over as we craft treats that not only spark joy but also create ever-lasting memories. This year, I’m excited to share a recipe that captures that seasonal charm beautifully: Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Oreo, bursting with peppermint flavor and festively adorned with crushed candy canes that will leave your taste buds singing carols!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about cookies; it’s about the simple pleasure of bringing a touch of holiday cheer to your kitchen and, ultimately, your loved ones. These Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy nights when you want to sprinkle a little magic without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they taste like a nostalgic trip to your childhood, yet they’re elevated just enough to impress your holiday guests.
And did I mention the smell? Imagine your house filled with the sweetest scent of chocolate mingling with refreshing peppermint—it’s like an early gift for your senses! With just a handful of ingredients and some festive spirit, you’ll create something that truly warms the heart.
What It Tastes Like
These cookies are truly something special—think of them as a soft, chocolatey hug wrapped in layers of cool peppermint goodness. The Oreo cookie base is rich and fudgy, offering a comforting density that pairs beautifully with the crunch of candy canes on top. Each bite starts with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth softness, all harmonized by an invigorating burst of peppermint that dances on your palate. It’s like that first warm bite of comfort after a long day, but festive enough to bring out the holiday spirit in everyone around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package of Oreo cookies: The classic crunch that serves as our base. Feel free to use any flavor of Oreos to customize your treats!
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened: This adds richness and helps bind our cookie mixture together.
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! It brings a refreshing zing that perfectly complements our chocolate base.
- ½ cup of powdered sugar: Just a tad of sweetness to balance the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup of crushed candy canes: A festive touch, these add a nice crunch and a burst of holiday color on top.
- Optional Additions:
- White chocolate chips for drizzling on top for an extra sweet finish.
- Red and green sprinkles to amp up the festive vibes.
- Special Garnishes:
- More crushed candy canes for decoration.
- Chocolate shavings or chips for a more decadent look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to step into the joyful world of baking? Let’s get started! Here’s how to create these delightful cookies:
- Crush the Oreos: Begin by placing the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse them until they resemble fine crumbs. You can also use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor. Just be sure to channel your inner baker warrior!
- Mix with Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the crushed Oreos and softened cream cheese. Mix until fully combined. It’s going to be a bit thick—that’s perfect!
- Add Peppermint Extract and Sugar: Stir in the peppermint extract and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is well blended—this step is key, so don’t rush it; the flavors need time to marry!
- Chill: Once well combined, cover the bowl and let the mixture chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to scoop out and form your cookies.
- Form Cookies: After chilling, take out your mixture and scoop tablespoon-sized portions into your hands. Roll them into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your hands.
- Add Candy Canes: Before serving, sprinkle each cookie with crushed candy canes for that festive touch and extra flavor. You can even press them slightly into the cookies for a beautiful finish!
- Chill Again (optional): If you prefer a firmer cookie, feel free to chill them once more for about 15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, here are a few simple twists you can try:
- Swap out the peppermint extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile. It’ll still taste delicious and give a nice twist!
- Substitute the Oreos with gluten-free versions to make these cookies gluten-free friendly; just ensure your cream cheese is also gluten-free.
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
Serving & Storage Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can easily be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra fresh, you might consider storing them in the refrigerator—it really enhances that cool peppermint flavor! If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which is rare if you’re anything like me), they make a show-stopping gift in a cute holiday tin!
Helpful Tips
Here are a few know-how nuggets I learned the hard way:
- Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. It helps everything mix together seamlessly and avoids chunky cookies!
- Don’t over-mix the ingredients once you add the powdered sugar; you want it to maintain that delightful texture.
- If the mixture feels too sticky after chilling, a little dusting of powdered sugar on your hands can help when rolling the cookie balls.
Special Equipment
- Food Processor: This is truly a game changer for crushing those Oreos quickly and evenly. If you don’t have one, don’t fret! A zip-top bag and a rolling pin will do just fine.
- Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it prevents the cookies from sticking!
- Cookie Scoop: If you want your cookies uniform in size (which helps them bake evenly), using a small cookie scoop will be your best friend!
FAQ
Can I use different types of Oreos?
Absolutely! Regular, mint, or even seasonal flavors like peppermint mocha will work beautifully in this recipe. Feel free to get creative!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap regular Oreos for gluten-free ones and ensure your cream cheese is gluten-free. It will taste just as delicious!
Can I freeze the cookie mixture for later use?
Yes! You can roll the cookie mixture into balls, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to two months. Just thaw and decorate when you’re ready to bake!
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage, though freshness shines through in the first few days!
Conclusion
These Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies have become a cherished part of my holiday tradition, filling not just my kitchen but my heart with joy. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, festive parties, or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies deliver a comforting, nostalgic taste of the season. I hope you give them a try and find your own moments of magic in each delicious bite! Share your versions and stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!
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Irresistible Xmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe Youll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bake yummy Xmas peppermint Oreo cookies this holiday season Perfect for parties or gifting these treats are sure to delight everyone 155 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- minutes: 30
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 100 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
