Winter is here, and the holidays are near. It’s the perfect time for peppermint and chocolate together. The Peppermint Oreo Cookie is a festive twist on the classic Oreo. It’s sure to make your Christmas baking dreams come true.
These cookies mix the creamy Oreo flavor with peppermint’s refreshing taste. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or just treating yourself. If you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for a special homemade gift, try making Peppermint Oreo Cookies.
My Christmas Cookie Baking Tradition: A Sweet Family Story
Baking cookies is a big part of our Christmas. Every year, our home smells like Peppermint Oreo Cookies. It brings back happy memories.
When I was young, baking cookies was so much fun. My mom and siblings and I would make these treats together. We loved watching them come out of the oven.
Decorating the cookies was a special part of our tradition. We’d crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them on. It made the cookies look amazing.
Sharing these cookies with others is a big part of our holiday. Seeing their faces light up when they taste them is wonderful. It shows how much joy these cookies bring.
Why Peppermint Oreo Cookies Are Perfect for the Holiday Season
As the holiday season comes, peppermint and chocolate mix is perfect. Peppermint Oreo cookies are great for satisfying your cravings. They also make your guests happy at any holiday party.
The Magic of Combining Peppermint and Chocolate
Oreo cookies are creamy and rich. Adding peppermint makes them even better. The cool mint and chocolate mix is a holiday favorite.
Holiday Party Crowd Pleaser
Peppermint Oreo cookies are loved by all. They’re perfect for any holiday event. Their look and taste will make everyone want more.
Make-Ahead Benefits
Peppermint Oreo cookies are easy to make ahead. You can prepare the dough and even pre-bake the cookies. This saves time for other holiday tasks. You’ll always have these tasty treats ready.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peppermint Crunch Cookies
I love making the best peppermint crunch cookies. The secret is in the ingredients. They mix flavors and textures perfectly. Let’s look at what makes these cookies special.
The Oreo Cookie Foundation
Oreo cookies are at the heart of these treats. Their chocolate and crunch are perfect for peppermint. I use regular Oreos for their classic taste.
The Peppermint Punch
Crushed candy canes add the peppermint crunch. They bring a refreshing minty taste. Using good peppermint candies makes a big difference.
The Secret Ingredient: Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract boosts the flavor. It makes sure every bite is full of holiday taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oreo Cookies | 1 package | Provides the chocolate base and crunchy texture |
| Crushed Candy Canes | 1 cup | Adds the peppermint crunch and festive touch |
| Peppermint Extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the peppermint flavor profile |
With these ingredients, you can make amazing peppermint crunch cookies. They’re sure to please your family and friends this holiday.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Baking christmas baking recipes like crinkle cookies is fun. You need the right tools to make it perfect. Here’s what you need for Peppermint Oreo Cookies.
Must-Have Baking Equipment
- Large mixing bowls for combining the dough ingredients
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer for efficiently whipping up the cookie dough
- Baking sheets or cookie trays lined with parchment paper
- Oven-safe cooling racks to allow the cookies to cool completely after baking
- Spatula or cookie scoop for portioning out the dough onto the baking sheets
Optional but Helpful Tools
Some tools are nice but not needed. They make baking christmas baking recipes for crinkle cookies better:
- Food processor or high-powered blender for quickly crushing Oreo cookies and peppermint candies
- Piping bag and tip for decorating the cookies with melted chocolate or drizzles
- Cookie cutter in festive shapes to add a touch of holiday charm
- Baking mats or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup
With these tools, you’ll make amazing Peppermint Oreo Cookies. They’ll be a hit with your family and friends this holiday.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide for Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Making peppermint crunch cookies is easy! Just follow this simple guide. You’ll make yummy peppermint Oreo cookies that everyone will love.
First, get all the ingredients you need:
- Oreo cookies
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Butter
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big bowl, mix butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
Then, add flour, baking soda, and salt slowly. Mix until a dough forms.
Add crushed Oreo cookies and peppermint candies gently. Don’t mix too much. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make balls of dough. Put them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a bit. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool all the way.
Now, you have delicious peppermint crunch cookies. They’re great for sharing with loved ones during the holidays!
Print
Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Crunch: Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies and 3/4 cup of the crushed peppermint candies, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish.
- Form the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Garnish: While still warm, sprinkle the reserved crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie for an extra festive touch.
Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 210 per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Tips for Crushing Oreos and Peppermint Candies
Getting the right texture for your peppermint crunch cookies is key. Here’s how to crush Oreos and peppermint candies right.
Best Methods for Even Crushing
Use a food processor for even Oreo crushing. Pulse them in short bursts for the perfect size. Or, put cookies in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.
For peppermint candies, a strong ziplock bag and a meat mallet or rolling pin are best. Wrap candies in a towel to stop them from flying. You want a mix of small pieces and powder for the best crunch.
Storage Tips for Crushed Ingredients
- Store crushed Oreos and peppermint in separate airtight containers to keep them fresh.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or heat.
- Crushed Oreos last up to 2 weeks, while peppermint stays fresh for a month.
Follow these tips to make the perfect crunch cookies. You’ll get the perfect mix of Oreo and peppermint in every bite.
How to Achieve the Perfect Cookies and Cream Texture
Getting the perfect cookies and cream texture is key. It makes your peppermint Oreo cookies irresistible. Whether you’re making cookies and cream cake or crinkle cookies, the right techniques matter a lot.
The ratio of crushed Oreos to cookie dough is very important. You need to find the perfect balance. This way, the Oreo pieces are spread out evenly in the dough. This creates a great mix of crunchy cookie and creamy filling in every bite.
Crushing the Oreos the right way is also crucial. Use a food processor or blender for a fine crumb. Don’t overdo it, or the Oreos will turn into powder. You want a mix of big chunks and small crumbs for the best texture.
| Technique | Result |
|---|---|
| Carefully Crushing Oreos | Ideal Cookies and Cream Texture |
| Proper Ingredient Ratio | Evenly Distributed Oreo Pieces |
| Gentle Mixing | Maintains Structural Integrity of Cookies |
Mastering how to crush Oreos and mix them into the dough is key. This way, you get the perfect cookies and cream texture. Your friends and family will love your homemade peppermint Oreo treats.
Creative Decorating Ideas for Holiday Presentation
As we bake our delightful Peppermint Oreo Cookies, it’s time to get creative. Making these treats look special can make them unforgettable for your guests.
Festive Toppings and Garnishes
Make your Peppermint Oreo Cookies pop with colorful toppings. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint bits on top. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or powdered sugar adds elegance.
For more festivity, try edible glitter, holiday sprinkles, or candied cranberries.
Gift Packaging Suggestions
Share your Peppermint Oreo Cookies in a thoughtful package. Put a few in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a festive ribbon. Or, layer them in a decorative tin or box.
Include a handwritten note for a personal touch. This makes your cookies a special holiday gift.
With these decorating ideas, your Peppermint Oreo Cookies will be the star of any holiday gathering. They’ll bring joy to your guests and loved ones.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
I love baking at home and keeping cookies fresh is key. Peppermint crunch cookies are perfect for the holidays. Storing them right keeps them fresh and tasty.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them moist. Use a strong plastic or glass container with a tight lid. Or, a resealable plastic bag works too.
Keep cookies in a cool, dry place. Don’t put them in direct sunlight or near heat. The fridge is good, but let them come to room temperature before eating.
Peppermint crunch cookies stay fresh for 1 week at room temperature. In the fridge, they last 2 weeks. Watch for signs of spoilage like color change or getting hard.
Enjoy your cookies when they’re at their best. Follow these tips to keep them delicious. This way, your holiday treats will be the best ever.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crunch Cookies
As a seasoned baker, I’ve learned that achieving the perfect crunch in cookies is all about attention to detail. When making Peppermint Oreo Cookies, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls to ensure your holiday baking is a resounding success.
Temperature Control Tips
One of the most critical factors in obtaining that delightful crunch is maintaining the right oven temperature. Baking the cookies at a temperature that’s too high can lead to over-browning and a rock-hard texture. On the other hand, a temperature that’s too low can result in a soft, chewy center.
Keep a close eye on your oven and adjust the temperature as needed. This will help you achieve the ideal balance of crisp edges and a tender interior.
Mixing and Handling Advice
Proper mixing and handling of the dough are also crucial when making crunch cookies. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough and dry texture. On the other hand, undermixing can cause the cookies to spread excessively during baking.
This results in a flat and greasy appearance. Take the time to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be gentle when scooping and shaping the dough onto the baking sheets.
