Introduction
Peppermint cheesecake cookies combine the creamy, tangy essence of cheesecake with the festive flavor of peppermint. These delightful treats are perfect for the holiday season and can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a delicious addition to any gathering. With their soft texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cream Cheese: 8 oz
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup
Egg: 1 large
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
Baking Soda: 1 tsp
Salt: 1/2 tsp
Peppermint Extract: 1 tsp
Chocolate Chips: 1 cup
Crushed Peppermint Candies: 1/2 cup
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Extracts
Gradually add granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture, followed by peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies into the dough for an added crunch.
Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Note 1: Cream Cheese Temperature
Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
Note 2: Peppermint Candy
Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies based on your preference for mint flavor.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Cook techniques
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough helps to solidify the fats, which leads to a thicker and chewier cookie. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Baking the cookies at the correct temperature ensures they cook evenly. This specific recipe calls for a moderate oven temperature to achieve a soft, yet slightly crisp texture.
Using Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature cream cheese and butter is crucial for a smooth batter. This ensures that all ingredients combine evenly without lumps.
Incorporating Peppermint Flavor
Incorporating the peppermint extract into the batter allows for a balanced minty flavor. It’s important to add it gradually to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Cooling on a Wire Rack
Allowing the cookies to cool on a wire rack helps to prevent them from becoming soggy. This step promotes proper air circulation around the cookies.
Frosting Application
When applying the frosting, ensure that the cookies are completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting and allows for a neat presentation.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the texture and creaminess of the cookies.
How should I store the leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract or omit it entirely for a vanilla cream cheese cookie.
Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?
Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips for a pure peppermint cheesecake flavor, or substitute with white chocolate chips for a sweeter option.
Conclusion
These peppermint cheesecake cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing a festive touch to your dessert table. The creamy cheesecake filling combined with the refreshing peppermint creates a unique treat that is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to brighten someone’s day with a delicious homemade cookie.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Holiday Sugar Cookies
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Mint Oreo Truffles
Combine crushed mint Oreos with cream cheese to make delicious truffles, covered in chocolate for a sweet and crunchy treat.
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White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Whip up a quick and easy fudge that pairs white chocolate with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive touch.