As the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These Easy Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies capture the spirit of the season with their scrumptious combination of chocolate and peppermint, all blended with the iconic crunch of Oreos. This delightful treat is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a quick and catchy way to add a touch of festive cheer to your gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends—whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s indulge in a sweet adventure that will fill your home with joy and festive vibes!
Why Are Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies a Must-Make?
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy Oreos brings a festive explosion of taste in every bite.
Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes and no special skills required, these cookies are perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable Variations: Feel free to swap Oreos or chocolate chips, allowing you to create your own unique version!
Chewy Texture: Each cookie features a thick, chewy center that pairs beautifully with delightful Oreo crunch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or gift-giving, everyone will love this joyful treat.
Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for a festive baking experience!
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture; for a healthier option, try using unsalted butter with 1/4 tsp added salt.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor; consider using dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; you can swap this with all white sugar for a less chewy texture.
- Eggs – Essential for binding ingredients together, ensuring a lovely structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookies’ flavor; best not to substitute!
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of your cookie dough, vital for a perfect structure.
- Cornstarch – Creates a softer texture; can be omitted or replaced with 2 teaspoons of flour for a slight change.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent that helps cookies rise, ensuring an ideal texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; necessary if you’re using unsalted butter.
For the Festive Twist
- Andes Peppermint Crunch Pieces – Adds delightful peppermint flavor and crunch; feel free to substitute with crushed candy canes or mint chocolate bars if you prefer.
- Oreos – The star of the show! Use regular or mint Oreos to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Infuses rich chocolate goodness; consider dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a twist in flavor.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating delightful Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies that everyone will adore! Happy baking!
How to Make Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks while baking.
- Cream together cold, cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy for about 3-4 minutes—this helps create a delightful texture!
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until combined, scraping down the bowl to ensure no ingredients are left behind.
- Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt gradually. Combine until just mixed—be careful not to overmix; we want soft cookies!
- Fold in the Andes peppermint crunch pieces, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips by hand. This will create that tasty explosion of flavors in each bite.
- Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving enough space between each scoop for spreading while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are set, but the centers look slightly underbaked—this is key for that chewy texture!
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before indulging!
Optional: Try drizzle melted chocolate on top for a festive finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least 2 hours before baking. This helps prevent flatter cookies and enhances their chewy texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: After adding the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, delightful morsels you want.
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Check Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven. Remove them when the edges are golden, but the centers appear slightly underbaked for that perfect chew.
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Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold, cubed butter is crucial for achieving the right texture. Softened butter can lead to cookies spreading too much.
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Experiment with Substitutions: Feel free to swap Oreos for different flavors or use various chocolate chips to create your own take on these Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 10 days. They may become a bit firmer but will still taste delightful.
Freezer: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn.
Cookie Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls for fresh cookies anytime! Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies Variations
Customize your baking adventure with these fun twists that will make your festive treats even more delightful!
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Mint Oreo Swap: Use mint Oreos instead of regular for an extra layer of minty goodness. It’s a simple switch that intensifies the peppermint flavor!
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Dark Chocolate Delight: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper taste. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers!
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Candy Cane Crush: Replace Andes peppermint pieces with crushed candy canes for a homemade crunch. This adds a delightful visual and a hint of nostalgia!
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Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan-friendly treat. These cookies will still be absolutely delicious!
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Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor. This small touch can bring a cozy essence to each bite!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added texture. The nuts balance the sweet and minty flavors beautifully!
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White Chocolate Twist: Try white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter, creamy contrast to the peppermint. It’s a luscious twist that might become your new favorite!
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Heat It Up: For a little kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough. The unexpected heat can create a lovely balance with the sweet and minty elements!
What to Serve with Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies?
Delight your family and friends this holiday season by pairing these scrumptious cookies with festive accompaniments that enhance their flavors.
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Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness of hot chocolate creates a loving contrast to the crunchy cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings. A hint of whipped cream on top makes it even more special!
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Peppermint Milkshake: Merging minty freshness with creamy goodness, a milkshake echoes the peppermint theme and adds a rich textual delight to your treat experience.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink sweetly complements the peppermints and chocolate in the cookies, creating a warm and nostalgic pair for festive get-togethers.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Offering bright, juicy fruits like strawberries and mandarin oranges adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cookies—refreshing your palate between delicious bites.
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Chocolate Fondue: A dip in chocolate fondue adds an interactive element to dessert time. The melted chocolate elevates the cookie experience and makes for a festive centerpiece.
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Gingerbread Ice Cream: This creamy, spiced delight pairs beautifully with the cookies, providing a smooth texture and holiday flavors. Each bite is like a hug of festive goodness!
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Sparkling Cider: This effervescent drink is a delightful non-alcoholic option that adds a bubbly touch to your dessert table, balancing sweetness with a refreshing fizz.
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Simple Buttercream Frosting: For lavishness, drizzle your cookies with a light buttercream frosting or serve it on the side. It adds an irresistible creaminess that complements their chewy texture.
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Christmas Coffee Blend: Sipping on a warm cup of holiday-themed coffee can elevate the entire experience, especially as the flavors of peppermint and chocolate swirl together.
With these delightful pairings, your holiday table will be bursting with joy and cheer, making every bite of your Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to prepare festive treats in advance! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until the mixing step, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This resting period not only enhances the flavors but also helps the dough firm up, making for perfectly chewy cookies. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and place the dough onto baking sheets, then just pop them in the oven! For even more convenience, you can also freeze the scooped dough and enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime by baking them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy the deliciousness with minimal last-minute effort!
Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of Oreos should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Regular Oreos are traditional, but don’t hesitate to experiment with mint Oreos for an extra burst of peppermint flavor. Both options work perfectly in this recipe, so choose based on your preference.
How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
For optimal freshness, store your Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days. To maintain moisture, add a piece of bread to the container—this little trick works wonders!
Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Very! You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.
What if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your cookie dough seems too dry, it’s likely due to over-measuring the flour. I recommend adding a tablespoon of milk or melting a tablespoon of butter and mixing it in. This should bring your dough back to the right consistency!
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Great question! The recipe for Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies is nut-free as-is, but always check the labels on your ingredients, especially chocolate chips, as some brands may process in facilities that handle nuts. If you’re making these for friends with allergies, always verify for safety!
Can my pets enjoy these cookies too?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from pets. Ingredients like chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats. Stick to pet-friendly treats if you’re in the mood to share!
Deliciously Easy Christmas Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together cold, cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until combined, scraping down the bowl.
- Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt gradually until just mixed.
- Fold in the Andes peppermint crunch pieces, crushed Oreos, and chocolate chips by hand.
- Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.