Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the chewy texture of cookies, all infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy cookie topped with a luscious cheesecake filling—a blissful moment for your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet indulgence that elevates your dessert game. The balance of flavors and textures makes these cookies a crowd-pleaser, so it’s definitely worth your time to whip up a batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are not only scrumptious but incredibly easy to prepare! With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, they make for a family-friendly baking project that even the little ones can enjoy. Whether you choose to bake them for a festive occasion or just as a sweet indulgence for yourself, the joy and satisfaction they bring are unmatched. This step-by-step recipe guides you through the process smoothly, ensuring a delightful outcome every time.

For Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

To create these decadent treats, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring you achieve the perfect blend of flavors. The combination of rich cream cheese and crunchy peppermint creates an extraordinary taste experience that your friends and family will rave about.

Step-by-Step Directions

For a successful baking experience, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that desired golden edge. Next, in a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will help create the right texture for your cookies.

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This process is crucial as it introduces air into the batter, giving your cookies a delightful lightness. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture, and stir until combined.

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This cheesecake filling is what elevates your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary! Now, scoop a portion of the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation in the center of each mound of dough, and fill it with a teaspoon of the creamy cheesecake mixture. Finish by sprinkling crushed peppermint on top of each cookie.

Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Once they’re out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving. You will want to enjoy them while they are still warm!

For Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. In another bowl, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
7. Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto a baking sheet, creating an indentation in the center.
8. Fill the indentation with a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling.
9. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
11. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these chef’s secrets:

• Soften your butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
• Chill your dough: If you find that your dough is too sticky, a short chill in the fridge can help make it more manageable.
• Creative toppings: While crushed peppermint candies are amazing, feel free to sprinkle on some mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for added indulgence!
• Use high-quality extracts: The purity of your peppermint extract can significantly impact the flavor, so opt for the best quality you can find.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies can be served alone or as part of a festive dessert platter. Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea for a cozy treat during the colder months. Additionally, they make excellent gifts! Pack them in a beautiful holiday-themed tin or box and share with loved ones to spread seasonal cheer.

Nutritional Information

While these cookies are certainly a delightful indulgence, it’s helpful to be aware of their nutritional value. Each cookie has approximately 180 calories, 8g of fat, and 24g of carbohydrates. Remember, moderation is key, especially when enjoying holiday treats!

Storing Tips & Variations for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

For optimal freshness, store your Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Feel free to experiment with variations by swapping out crushed peppermint for crushed cookies, raisins, or even switching the peppermint extract for almond extract to shift the flavor profile while still enjoying a cheesecake cookie base.

Conclusion for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

What are you waiting for? These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are calling your name! With their creamy filling and chewy texture, they promise to bring joy to your baking adventures. Grab the ingredients and start your baking journey today—your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories, though it may slightly alter the texture.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges of the cookies to be golden brown, while the centers remain soft.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it. Just thaw it before baking.

4. What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You may use granulated sugar, but keep in mind that brown sugar adds moisture and flavor.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Enjoy your baking and the wonderful results of these festive Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies!

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Delightful cookies combining the creamy goodness of cheesecake with a chewy texture, infused with peppermint flavor—a perfect holiday treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Dough

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cups butter, softened Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 piece egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use high-quality extract for better flavor.
• 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract Opt for pure peppermint extract.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cups powdered sugar

For Topping

• 0.25 cups crushed peppermint candies

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

1. In another bowl, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.

Assembling the Cookies

1. Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough onto a baking sheet, creating an indentation in the center.
2. Fill the indentation with a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling.
3. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
2. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill your dough for easier handling if sticky. Creative toppings like mini chocolate chips can enhance flavor.