Name: Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups (320 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup (175 grams) white chocolate chips; ½ cup (75 grams) crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups (180 grams) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; ⅓ tablespoons milk; 1 drop red food coloring

Sweet memories dance around this delightful peppermint cheesecake cookies creation that blends creamy richness with festive charm.

Cool mint whispers through each tender bite, promising delectable excitement.

Soft, pillowy textures melting against your tongue with surprising smoothness.

Unexpected swirls of cream cheese make these treats feel like a luxurious winter indulgence.

Chocolate chips add delicate crunch while peppermint essence brings sparkling brightness to every morsel.

Minimal ingredients transform into something magical in your kitchen.

We promise these cookies will become an instant celebration of seasonal joy.

Grab a plate and let deliciousness begin!

How to Make Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Sprinkle in granulated sugar and whip until the mixture becomes light and airy. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring each blends perfectly. Splash in vanilla and peppermint extracts for a delightful flavor punch.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, combine:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together, then slowly fold them into the creamy wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined. Fold in:

White chocolate chips
Crushed candy canes

Step 3: Chill and Relax

Wrap the cookie dough and tuck it into the refrigerator for a cool 30-minute rest. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. Let the cookies lounge on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 5: Add Festive Finishing Touch

Prepare a sweet drizzle by whisking together:

Melted butter
Powdered sugar
Peppermint extract
Red food coloring

Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a perfect drizzling consistency. Gracefully drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional crushed candy canes for a merry, minty crunch.

Pro Tip: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in with hot cocoa!

Tips to Get the Perfect Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Chill Dough for Perfect Shape: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain a sturdy, round shape during baking.
Prevent Overmixing Flour: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
Balance Peppermint Flavor: Use peppermint extract sparingly to add festive taste without overwhelming the delicate cream cheese and white chocolate notes.
Create Consistent Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking, ensuring each cookie looks professionally made and cooks evenly.
Enhance Decoration Technique: Drizzle glaze when cookies are completely cool to achieve crisp, clean lines and prevent messy, runny icing.

How to Keep Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Fresh

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled peppermint cheesecake cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain protected from freezer burn and maintaining their delicious taste.
Reheating Method: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes. For a warm treat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300F oven for 35 minutes until slightly crisp around the edges. Avoid microwaving to prevent softening the texture.
Serving Suggestion: Before serving, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes or drizzle fresh glaze to revive the cookies' festive appearance and enhance their peppermint flavor.

Brew Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. The warm, velvety drink complements the cool peppermint flavor of the cookies, creating a delightful winter treat.
Serve Chilled Vanilla Bean Milkshake: Create a smooth vanilla bean milkshake that enhances the cookies' creamy texture. The classic vanilla notes beautifully balance the peppermint's zingy flavor, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.
Match with Peppermint Mocha Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a freshly brewed peppermint mocha coffee. The espresso's boldness cuts through the cookie's sweetness, while the peppermint undertones create a perfectly coordinated flavor profile.
Complement with Vanilla Chai Latte: A warm, spiced vanilla chai latte provides a delightful contrast to the cookies' minty freshness. The chai's complex spices and creamy base perfectly complement the white chocolate and peppermint elements.

Why Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Taste Like the Holidays

Create Festive Flavor Explosion: These cookies burst with peppermint and white chocolate, delivering a delightful holiday-inspired taste that dances on your taste buds.
Craft Bakery-Style Texture Magic: Soft, creamy centers combined with slightly crisp edges and crunchy candy cane bits provide an incredible mouthfeel that transforms ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats.
Whip Up Hassle-Free Holiday Dessert: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can effortlessly prepare these impressive cookies that look and taste like professional bakery creations.
Customize with Festive Flair: The optional glaze and extra candy cane sprinkles allow personalization, making these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or adding a seasonal touch to your dessert lineup.

Everything in Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

Butter, Cream Cheese: Provide rich, creamy base for soft and tender cookies.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract: Create signature sweet and minty flavor profile.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base that gives cookies their structure.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Add-In Ingredients:

White Chocolate Chips, Crushed Candy Canes: Add festive texture and peppermint crunch.

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Butter: Create smooth, sweet drizzle topping.
Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.
Red Food Coloring, Peppermint Extract: Provides decorative holiday appearance and extra mint flavor.

Fun Variations for Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and create a marbled effect by swirling melted dark chocolate through the cookie dough before baking.
Nutty Candy Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the dough alongside the crushed candy canes for added texture and nutty flavor complexity.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies: Create a cream cheese filling with additional peppermint extract, then fold this mixture into the center of each cookie before baking for a surprising inner layer.
Gluten-Free Peppermint Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these festive treats without compromising taste or texture.

Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies FAQs

What makes these cookies different from regular holiday cookies?

These peppermint cheesecake cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic holiday flavor of peppermint. The cream cheese in the dough creates an extra soft and luxurious cookie that’s unlike traditional sugar or drop cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Is the peppermint flavor very strong in these cookies?

The peppermint is subtle and balanced. By using both peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, you get a gentle mint flavor that’s not overwhelming. The white chocolate chips also help soften the mint taste, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed! Just a standard mixer, mixing bowls, baking sheets, and a cookie scoop or spoon will work perfectly. The recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Dreamy Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy