A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight Recipe

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are truly A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight, blending cool peppermint and luscious cheesecake in every bite. With a crisp golden exterior and a surprise creamy center, these cookies not only look beautiful on a holiday tray but guarantee a joyful burst of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat to share at your next holiday party or family gathering, this recipe is destined to become a new festive favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies shine is the careful balance of classic baking pantry staples and seasonal flavors. Each ingredient was chosen for its role in supporting the tender cookie texture and the unforgettable creamy filling. Let’s see how every element becomes essential in building A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Vital for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base while letting the fresh flavors shine.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that golden, slightly crisp edge every cookie dreams of.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything beautifully and keep the cookies pillowy between the creamy surprises inside.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for dough, 1 teaspoon for filling): Rounds out the peppermint flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Forms the sturdy-yet-tender structure so the cookies cradle that cheesecake center.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A little lift to make the texture perfectly light.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and gives a delicate, balanced finish.
• Crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract (1 teaspoon in dough, plus 1 teaspoon in filling, optional): The star player, infusing each bite with cool cheer and a pop of holiday color.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The key to the luscious, creamy center that turns these cookies into A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake layer for a velvety core.
• Heavy cream or sour cream (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness to the cheesecake filling, making each bite irresistible.

How to Make A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and perfect nonstick cookies every time. Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar in a large bowl, mixing until the texture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins: beating in the eggs one at a time makes sure your dough is perfectly emulsified and oh-so-tender. Stir in the vanilla extract and your choice of peppermint candies (for a little crunch and color) or peppermint extract (for smoother dough with classic minty flavor).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures even rising and a balanced, not-too-sweet dough. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy here, so stop as soon as the dough looks cohesive. Once mixed, pop the dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. That brief chill time makes the dough easier to handle, ensuring your cookies come out uniform and beautiful.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the dough chills, whip up the cheesecake filling. Beat softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tablespoon of heavy cream (or sour cream for extra tang), beating until creamy and spoonable. For a more festive touch, stir in additional crushed peppermint candies. This filling is what transforms your cookies into A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight, so don’t skimp on whipping it extra smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Time to bring it all together! Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough and gently flatten them on your lined baking sheet. Place about a teaspoon of your cheesecake mixture in the center of each. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal and create a neat ball. The goal: a hidden pocket of creamy, minty cheesecake inside each festive cookie bite.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Slide your cookies into the oven for 10–12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges. Remember—the centers will look soft but don’t worry, they set perfectly as they cool. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for five minutes so the cheesecake center can settle, then use a spatula to move them to a wire rack to cool completely. The result: A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight that embodies the spirit of the season!

How to Serve A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight

Garnishes

The finishing touches turn your cookies from delicious to unforgettable. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look, or sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for sparkle and an added pop of mint. A small drizzle of melted white chocolate also looks stunning against the festive color palette.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa or peppermint lattes for a double dose of winter cheer. They also shine alongside a simple fruit platter or bowl of fresh berries to lighten up your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight by stacking the cookies on a cake stand surrounded by candy canes for a centerpiece-worthy display. Or tuck a few cookies into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet, homemade holiday gifts that will delight any recipient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For maximum freshness, keep leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. The cheesecake center stays perfectly creamy for three to four days, and the peppermint flavor grows even more vibrant!

Freezing

These cookies are an excellent make-ahead treat. Once they’ve cooled completely, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight—A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight ready when you need it.

Reheating

If you love a just-baked cookie, zap your refrigerated or thawed cookie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The cheesecake center softens perfectly, and that special holiday aroma fills the air.

FAQs

How can I keep my cheesecake filling from leaking out?

Be sure to seal the cookie dough completely around the filling, pinching the edges and rolling gently in your hands. Chilling the dough also helps it hold its shape as it bakes, keeping all that holiday magic neatly inside.

Can I use natural peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract works beautifully for a smooth texture and classic minty flavor. If you love a bit of festive crunch and color, stick with the crushed candies—or do a mix of both.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Since the center is made with cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate these cookies to keep them fresh and safe. Bring out what you’ll serve and let them come to room temperature for the silkiest bite.

Can I make the dough or filling ahead of time?

Yes, both the dough and cheesecake filling can be made up to two days ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready for A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight on demand!

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Pop the candies in a zip-top bag and give them a few whacks with a rolling pin for quick, even pieces. This method also contains the mess, which is always a win during busy holiday baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a memorable treat to make the season bright, these Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are truly A Festive and Creamy Holiday Delight. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, bringing together classic flavors with a surprise twist. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to join, and let these delicious bites bring extra joy to your holiday table!

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