These Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies are a delightful blend of chocolatey indulgence and refreshing minty goodness, making them the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. The crushed Oreo pieces and Andes peppermint bits create a chewy texture that melts in your mouth, while the semisweet chocolate chips add a decadent finish. They’re festive, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday cookie swap or simply baking for your family, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. They’re easy to make, even for beginners, and look gorgeous on any cookie platter. Plus, with the option to prepare the dough in advance, you’ll always have a batch ready to spread some holiday cheer.
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 of Andes peppermint crunch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla essence to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the Andes peppermint baking bits, crushed Oreo cookies, and chocolate chips by hand to evenly distribute the add-ins.
- Scoop the cookie dough into 1/4 cup-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced a couple of inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25-32 minutes
Calories: ~220 kcal per cookie | Servings: 18 cookies
Introduction: A Holiday Treat That Stands Out
Christmas is the season of festive lights, cozy gatherings, and delightful treats. Amidst the sea of traditional holiday cookies, these Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies offer a refreshing twist. Combining the nostalgic charm of Oreos with a festive peppermint crunch, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. Their rich chocolatey base, paired with refreshing peppermint and chunks of Oreo cookies, makes them a standout addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, participating in a cookie swap, or looking for a thoughtful edible gift, these cookies fit the bill. They’re not only easy to make but also bring a splash of holiday spirit to your dessert table.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Every recipe has a story, and this one began with a simple request from kids craving something minty and chocolatey for the holidays. Traditional sugar cookies and gingerbread men, though beloved, can sometimes feel repetitive. This recipe was born out of the desire to create something different yet festive. Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combination, and incorporating Oreos adds an element of nostalgia and crunch. Over the years, this recipe has evolved into a holiday staple, cherished for its simplicity and delicious results. It’s a family tradition that continues to delight kids and adults alike.
What Makes These Cookies Special
These cookies shine for several reasons: Perfect Flavor Balance: The rich chocolate of the Oreos and chocolate chips contrasts beautifully with the refreshing peppermint pieces, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and festive. Chewy and Crunchy Texture: The combination of crushed Oreos, Andes peppermint bits, and chocolate chips creates a unique texture that’s soft in the center, chewy around the edges, and dotted with delightful crunches. Eye-Catching Appearance: The festive red and white peppermint pieces against the dark chocolate base make these cookies visually appealing. They add a pop of color to any holiday cookie platter. Quick and Easy to Make: Unlike elaborate holiday desserts, these cookies require minimal effort and no advanced baking skills. Perfect for busy holiday schedules! Versatile and Adaptable: With simple ingredient swaps, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For example, mint Oreos can be used for an extra minty punch, or white chocolate chips can replace semisweet for a sweeter touch.
Why Chilling the Dough Is Crucial
One of the secrets to perfect cookies lies in the chilling process. Chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies maintain their shape and don’t spread too thin in the oven. This step also enhances the flavors, allowing the ingredients to meld together for a more cohesive taste. Skipping this step might lead to flat cookies that lack the desired chewy texture. While it might be tempting to rush the process, taking the time to chill the dough for at least two hours is well worth the wait.
Tips for Success
Making these cookies is straightforward, but a few tips can help elevate your baking experience: Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter creates pockets in the dough that result in a chewy texture. Resist the urge to use softened butter, as it can lead to overly flat cookies. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Crush Oreos by Hand: For the best texture, crush the Oreos manually using a rolling pin or your hands. A food processor might make the pieces too fine, reducing the delightful chunky texture. Bake to Perfection: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet and achieve the ideal soft and chewy consistency.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
One of the great things about these cookies is their flexibility in preparation and storage. You can make the dough ahead of time or store the baked cookies for later enjoyment. Room Temperature Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them soft. Freezing Baked Cookies: Layer baked cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings. Freezing Dough: Roll the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet and bake with an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is forgiving and allows for plenty of creative substitutions: Peppermint Alternatives: If you can’t find Andes peppermint crunch pieces, crushed candy canes or chopped mint chocolate bars work wonderfully as replacements. Oreos: Regular Oreos are a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with flavored varieties like mint or chocolate cream Oreos. Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of chips can replace semisweet chocolate chips for a personalized touch. Sugar Types: Light brown sugar creates a chewy texture, but you can use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor or all white sugar for a less chewy cookie. These substitutions ensure you can adapt the recipe to suit your pantry or personal taste preferences without compromising on the festive appeal.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie for All Occasions
These cookies are versatile enough to suit various holiday needs: Cookie Swaps: Their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor make them a hit at cookie exchanges. Gift Bags: Pack these cookies in festive tins or boxes for thoughtful, homemade gifts. Holiday Parties: Serve them as part of a dessert spread or alongside hot cocoa for a cozy winter gathering.
Conclusion: A New Holiday Tradition
Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the holiday season in every bite. The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and nostalgic Oreos creates a flavor experience that feels both festive and comforting. With their ease of preparation, stunning appearance, and crowd-pleasing taste, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. So, this year, as you plan your seasonal treats, add these delightful cookies to your list. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring joy and holiday cheer.