Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: peppermint Oreo cookies! These little bites of joy combine the classic Oreo flavor with a festive twist that just screams “celebrate!” I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly December evening, and the smell of melting chocolate filled the kitchen while my family eagerly awaited a taste. The crunch of the Oreos, the smooth cream cheese filling, and the refreshing pop of peppermint create a flavor explosion that’s just magical. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, whether you’re hosting a party or bringing a sweet dish to share. Trust me, once you make these peppermint Oreo cookies, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best peppermint Oreo cookies, and I promise, it’s super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of Oreo cookies: These are the stars of the show! You can use regular or double stuff, whichever you prefer.
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies: Use fresh peppermint candies for that vibrant flavor. You can crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin—fun and satisfying!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely creamy filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: These will be melted to coat your cookie sandwiches, adding a decadent touch.
These ingredients come together to create a festive treat that’s sure to impress! Get ready to mix and dip your way to cookie heaven!
How to Prepare Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Making peppermint Oreo cookies is a delightful process, and I promise you’ll have fun every step of the way! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to whip these up quickly and easily.
Preheat and Mix
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Even though we won’t be baking the cookies themselves, it’s crucial for melting the white chocolate later on! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything until it’s super smooth and creamy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be fluffy, so don’t rush this step!
Assemble the Cookies
Now, it’s time to fold in those crushed peppermint candies. Gently mix them into your cream cheese mixture until they’re well-distributed. This gives your filling that festive crunch! Next, take an Oreo, scoop a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side, and then press another Oreo on top to make a sandwich. Repeat this until you’ve used up all your filling. Don’t be shy with the filling—it’s the best part!
Chocolate Coating
Now for the fun part—melting the white chocolate chips! Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can seize up. Once melted, dip each cookie sandwich into the chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly—give it a little wiggle to shake off the excess. You can also use a fork for dipping if you want to avoid getting your hands messy!
Setting the Cookies
Place your chocolate-coated cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, here’s where patience pays off: pop them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set. Chilling is essential, as it helps the chocolate firm up, making the cookies easier to handle. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These peppermint Oreo cookies come together in just 25 minutes, making them a breeze to whip up even on the busiest holiday nights!
- Festive Flavor: The combination of rich cream cheese, crunchy Oreos, and refreshing peppermint creates a deliciously festive treat that captures the spirit of the season.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, they’re ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with family.
- Endless Fun: Kids and adults alike will love getting involved in the cookie-making process—whether it’s crushing candy or dipping in chocolate, it’s all part of the fun!
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful chocolate coating and pop of peppermint on top make these cookies look as good as they taste, so you’ll be the star of any gathering!
Tips for Success
To ensure your peppermint Oreo cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened; this makes a huge difference in achieving that smooth filling. If you don’t have peppermint candies on hand, you can use crushed candy canes or even mint extract for flavor! Just remember, a little goes a long way with extract, so start with a half teaspoon and adjust to taste.
When it comes to storing, keep your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and that delightful crunch. They’ll last about a week—if they last that long! If you’re prepping for a party, these cookies are perfect to make a day in advance. And for a fun twist, consider adding festive sprinkles on top of the chocolate coating before it sets—talk about a party-ready treat!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delightful peppermint Oreo cookies, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each cookie is estimated to have about 130 calories, with 6g of fat and 1g of protein. You’ll also find approximately 18g of carbohydrates, which includes around 10g of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you enjoy these festive treats, just keep in mind they’re a sweet addition to your holiday celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of Oreos? Absolutely! While classic Oreos are a favorite, feel free to experiment with different flavors like mint or even birthday cake Oreos for a fun twist on these peppermint Oreo cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies? Keep your peppermint Oreo cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents the chocolate from melting. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! These cookies are perfect for making in advance. Just prepare them a day before your holiday gathering and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Can I freeze peppermint Oreo cookies? Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully set before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about a month!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your peppermint Oreo cookies fresh and delightful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their crunch and keep the chocolate coating nice and firm. They should stay delicious for up to a week—if they’re not devoured before then! If you want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give them a little melty magic without losing that amazing peppermint flavor. Enjoy your festive treats!
Print
Peppermint Oreo Cookies: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint Oreo cookies with a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 1 package of Oreo cookies
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Sandwich the cream cheese mixture between two Oreo cookies.
- Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Dip each cookie sandwich into the melted chocolate.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill in the refrigerator until chocolate sets.
Notes
- Use fresh peppermint candies for best flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies are great for holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peppermint oreo cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes
