The smell of freshly baked Peppermint Oreo Cookies will fill your home with the joy of the holiday season. Perfectly chewy and loaded with chunks of Oreos, peppermint, and chocolate, they’re a festive twist on a classic treat.
Ideal for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or just enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa, these cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to make. Make them a part of your holiday tradition and savor the magic of Christmas with every bite.
Full Recipe:
- 1 cup cold, cubed salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (423g)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 10-ounce package Andes peppermint crunch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together cold butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Andes peppermint pieces, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough using a 1/4 cup measure onto baking sheets, spacing cookies apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: ~235 kcal per cookie | Servings: 18 cookies
Introduction to Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies
Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and, of course, irresistible treats. Among the many holiday favorites, Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies hold a special place for their perfect combination of festive flavors and ease of preparation. With a base of soft, chewy cookies packed with chunks of Oreos, chocolate, and peppermint crunch pieces, these cookies deliver on both flavor and texture.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones, taking to cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a hot beverage by the fire, these cookies encapsulate the spirit of Christmas baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a foolproof recipe, these cookies are a must-add to your holiday repertoire.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The idea for Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies stems from the desire to create a treat that merges beloved flavors with festive flair. Traditional sugar cookies and gingerbread often dominate holiday spreads, but this recipe offers a refreshing alternative. The combination of classic Oreo cookies and the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint is a nostalgic nod to favorite childhood treats, elevated with a sophisticated presentation for the holidays.
This recipe also caters to the busy pace of the holiday season. With minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for those juggling holiday activities, from decorating the house to wrapping gifts. Plus, the recipe is forgiving, allowing for substitutions and creative tweaks, making it a versatile addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
1. A Festive Twist on a Classic Favorite
Oreos are a universally loved treat, and incorporating them into a Christmas cookie takes their appeal to the next level. The addition of peppermint pieces and chocolate chips transforms the familiar flavors into something truly festive and special.
2. Easy and Quick to Prepare
With a total preparation and baking time of just over 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute baking sessions. The straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make them beginner-friendly, so even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results.
3. Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a cookie exchange, or simply looking for a treat to enjoy with family, these cookies fit the bill. They’re also an excellent choice for gifting, as their vibrant appearance and delightful taste are sure to impress recipients.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
Chocolate, mint, and Oreos are a combination that appeals to both kids and adults. The balance of sweetness and the refreshing hint of peppermint make these cookies a hit across all age groups.
5. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
The dough can be made ahead and stored in the freezer, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever needed. Similarly, baked cookies can be frozen and enjoyed later without compromising on flavor or texture.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies
Achieving the perfect batch of Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies is all about paying attention to a few key details. Here are some tips to help you bake like a pro:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for maintaining the chewy texture of these cookies. Avoid softening the butter at room temperature or in the microwave. Cold butter ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, which is far from the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least two hours enhances the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven. This step is crucial for maintaining the structure of the cookies.
- Crush Oreos by Hand: For the best texture, crush the Oreos into chunks by hand using a rolling pin or similar tool. A food processor may break them down too finely, which could alter the texture of the cookies.
- Bake to Perfection: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy middle.
Substitutions and Customizations
Flexibility is one of the highlights of this recipe. Here are some ways to customize these cookies to suit your preferences or accommodate available ingredients:
- Butter: If you only have unsalted butter, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
- Peppermint Crunch Pieces: Can’t find Andes peppermint crunch pieces? Use crushed candy canes or mint-flavored chocolate bars instead.
- Chocolate Chips: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of all three.
- Oreos: Regular Oreos work beautifully, but mint-flavored Oreos can add an extra layer of peppermint flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
One of the many advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. These cookies store and freeze exceptionally well, making them a practical option for holiday planning.
At Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, consider adding a slice of bread to the container.
In the Freezer:
- Baked Cookies: Stack baked cookies with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Cookie Dough: Form the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the original baking time.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday beverages. Here are some recommendations to enhance your indulgence:
- A steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
- A rich and creamy eggnog for a decadent holiday treat.
- Peppermint or chocolate-flavored coffee for a delightful morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Conclusion
Peppermint Oreo Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a celebration of the season’s flavors and traditions. With their easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and show-stopping appearance, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking. Whether shared with friends and family or savored on a quiet evening, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your Christmas festivities.
Add this recipe to your holiday plans, and watch as these delightful cookies become a cherished part of your celebrations year after year!