Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies
These Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies combine rich cream cheese and refreshing peppermint for a holiday treat that's easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Will create a tender base for your cookies.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda To give the cookies a delightful rise.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhancing the flavors beautifully.
- 0.5 cups butter, softened Providing a rich, buttery taste.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adding sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 piece egg To bind the ingredients together, yielding a moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Offering warm, aromatic notes.
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract Infusing the cookies with a refreshing burst of mint.
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened For a creamy, indulgent center.
- 0.25 cups powdered sugar To sweeten the cream cheese filling without grittiness.
Toppings
- 0.25 cups crushed peppermint candies For a festive crunch and added minty flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Baking
- Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making 12-15 equal portions. Make an indentation in the center of each mound.
- Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients, particularly butter and cream cheese. Refrigerating dough for 10-15 minutes can enhance flavor and shape.