Peppermint Oreo Cookies: A Holiday Treat Worth Every Bite 🎄🍪

 

There’s something magical about the combination of mint and chocolate. Add Oreos to the mix, and you’ve got a cookie that tastes like pure holiday cheer! These Peppermint Oreo Cookies are a delightful mix of festive flavors, soft and chewy texture, and crunchy bites of Oreo and Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces. The result? A cookie that’s not just a dessert but a full-on holiday experience.

Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, putting together gift boxes, or just indulging in some sweet self-care, this recipe will make you look like a holiday baking pro. The best part? It’s easy enough for even a beginner baker to master. Let me walk you through the process and share why these cookies are guaranteed to become your new seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Oreo Cookies ❤️

1. Festive Flavor Explosion:
These cookies pack all the best holiday flavors into one bite. The peppermint extract gives a refreshing zing, the dark chocolate adds a deep richness, and the Oreo cookie chunks provide a satisfying crunch. It’s like Christmas wrapped in cookie dough!

2. Soft and Chewy Perfection:
The combination of cream cheese and cake mix creates a dough that bakes up incredibly soft and chewy. These cookies almost melt in your mouth, with gooey chocolate chips and pockets of peppermint crunch in every bite.

3. Crowd-Pleaser:
From kids to adults, these cookies are a universal hit. The vibrant peppermint and chocolate combo feels festive without being overpowering. Plus, they look gorgeous with pops of red and white from the Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces.

4. Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:
With just a handful of pantry staples, a box of cake mix, and a few fun mix-ins, you can whip up these cookies without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly:
Refrigerating the dough not only enhances the flavor but also allows you to prep ahead. You can even freeze the dough balls for future baking!

Prep and Baking Time ⏰

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 60 minutes (or longer)
• Bake Time: 10–11 minutes per batch
• Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Peppermint Oreo Cookies 🛒

Base Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
  The cake mix is a shortcut ingredient that gives the cookies their signature soft and fluffy texture. You can also try other flavors like chocolate or vanilla if you want to mix things up.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  Butter provides richness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount while baking.
• 1 large egg
  This adds structure to the dough and helps everything bind together.
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  A little goes a long way here! Peppermint extract infuses the cookies with a refreshing holiday flavor.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla balances out the peppermint and adds a warm undertone.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  The secret to ultra-soft cookies! Cream cheese makes the dough rich and tender.

Mix-ins:

• 1 cup Oreo cookie chunks
  These add a crunchy texture and a chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint. Break them into chunks, but leave some larger pieces for visual appeal.
• 1 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces + extra
  These little morsels of peppermint candy provide bursts of flavor and festive color.
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips + extra
  Dark chocolate balances the sweetness and adds melty goodness to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🍪

1. Mix the Dough

• Start by combining the dry cake mix, softened butter, egg, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until a soft, sticky dough forms. It may look a little too soft at first, but don’t worry—it firms up beautifully after chilling.

2. Add the Mix-ins

• Gently fold in the Oreo chunks, peppermint crunch pieces, and dark chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix—you want the chunks and chips evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.

3. Chill the Dough

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is crucial—it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes the dough easier to handle.

4. Preheat the Oven

• When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

5. Form the Cookies

• Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 24 evenly-sized balls. Place 12 balls on one baking sheet and keep the other 12 in the fridge while the first batch bakes.

6. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies for 10–11 minutes. They’ll look slightly underbaked and very soft when you pull them out—this is exactly what you want! Overbaking will make them lose their signature softness.

7. Cool and Decorate

• Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 2–3 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly while staying soft inside.
• If the cookies are a little puffy, gently press the tops with the bottom of a spatula.
• While the cookies are still warm, press extra chocolate chips or peppermint pieces into the tops for an Instagram-worthy finish.

8. Cool Completely

• Transfer the cookies to a wire rack or a piece of parchment paper on your counter to cool completely. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Cookies ✨

1. Don’t Skip the Chill:
   Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It ensures your cookies stay thick and chewy instead of spreading into flat discs.
2. Use High-Quality Chocolate:
   Since chocolate is a key player here, go for good-quality dark chocolate chips or chunks for the best flavor.
3. Measure Mix-Ins Generously:
   A little extra Oreo or peppermint crunch never hurt anyone. Don’t be shy about adding a few more if you’re feeling festive!
4. Keep an Eye on Baking Time:
   Every oven is different, so keep a close watch to avoid overbaking. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
5. Customize Your Mix-Ins:
   Don’t have Andes Peppermint Crunch? No problem! Use crushed candy canes or chopped peppermint bark as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• For a holiday dessert platter: Pair these cookies with hot chocolate or a festive punch for a cozy winter treat.
• As a gift: Wrap them in a decorative tin or box with a ribbon. They’re the perfect homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.
• With ice cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert!

Storing and Freezing 🍪❄️

Storage:

• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps maintain moisture.

Freezing Dough:

• Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies:

• You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked feel.

Recipe Variations 🌟

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free white cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Extra Minty: Add crushed candy canes or a sprinkle of peppermint candy dust to the tops of the cookies.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Swap the white cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a double-chocolate twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.

FAQs About Peppermint Oreo Cookies ❓

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Chocolate or vanilla cake mix works well and gives the cookies a slightly different flavor profile.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with 4 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have enough mixing bowls and baking sheets on hand.

4. How can I make these cookies look extra festive?
Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for a bakery-style finish.

5. Can I use regular Oreos instead of a flavored variety?
Yes, classic Oreos work perfectly!

Conclusion 🎉

These Peppermint Oreo Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves holiday baking. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the festive flavors of peppermint, chocolate, and Oreos makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (we won’t judge!), these cookies are bound to bring a little extra magic to your holiday season.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up some holiday joy! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious masterpieces!

Happy baking! 🎄

 

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