Description
Festive peppermint cheesecake cookies blend creamy cheesecake swirls with classic holiday cookie charm. Candy cane sprinkles and rich cream cheese create irresistible winter magic for cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (227 grams / 8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 grams) white chocolate chips
- ½ cup (75 grams) crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
Flavor and Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 13 tablespoons milk
- 1 drop red food coloring
Instructions
- Craft a creamy base by whipping softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating granulated sugar to create a light, airy texture.
- Introduce eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition, then infuse with vanilla and peppermint extracts for a vibrant flavor profile.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Delicately incorporate white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm up and enhance handling.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Portion the chilled dough into rounded balls, strategically placing them with ample spacing on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- For an optional finishing touch, whisk melted butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a hint of red food coloring.
- Thin the glaze with milk until it reaches a luxurious drizzling consistency.
- Artfully drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes for a festive flourish.
Notes
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure thick, chewy cookies that hold their shape perfectly during baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and cream cheese to create smoother, more evenly mixed dough that blends seamlessly.
- Crush candy canes finely for better distribution and smoother texture, ensuring every bite has a delightful peppermint crunch.
- Adjust peppermint extract carefully to control intensity, starting with small amounts and tasting to prevent overwhelming mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg