These Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, blending soft dough with crushed Oreo chunks, refreshing peppermint crunch, and rich chocolate chips. The combination offers a perfect texture – crisp at the edges and soft inside. The peppermint pieces add a festive touch and a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Refrigerating the dough ensures they bake into perfect shapes, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply indulging in at home.
Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies Recipe
Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies are a delightful holiday indulgence that blend classic flavors with a festive twist. The soft dough, enriched with cream cheese and butter, ensures a luxurious texture, while the combination of Oreo chunks, peppermint crunch, and dark chocolate chips delivers bursts of flavor with every bite. Ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or simply as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
INGREDIENTS
- White cake mix: 1 box, serving as the base for the cookie dough
- Unsalted butter: 8 tbsp, softened, for rich flavor and soft texture
- Egg: 1 large, to bind ingredients
- Peppermint extract: ½ tsp, for a refreshing minty aroma
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp, enhancing flavor balance
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened, for extra creaminess
- Oreo cookie chunks: 1 cup, adding a satisfying crunch
- Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces: 1 cup (plus extra for topping), for festive minty sweetness
- Dark chocolate chips: ½ cup (plus extra for topping), adding a rich cocoa flavor
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, egg, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and cream cheese until a soft dough forms.
- Step 2:
- Gently stir in the Oreo chunks, peppermint crunch pieces, and chocolate chips.
- Step 3:
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes to firm up.
- Step 4:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop and roll the dough into 24 balls.
- Step 5:
- Place 12 dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-11 minutes. Keep the other 12 refrigerated. Do not overbake; the cookies should appear soft.
- Step 6:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
- Great served with hot cocoa or coffee.
Helpful Notes
- Refrigerating the dough ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Extra peppermint crunch pieces make for a festive topping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Claire suggests adding a hint of espresso powder for a flavor twist.
How to Perfect Holiday Cookies
Achieving perfect holiday cookies is all about timing and texture. Chilling the dough for at least an hour makes it easier to work with and creates a softer, chewy interior once baked. Additionally, make sure to avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and full of flavor. A sprinkle of peppermint crunch and chocolate chips on top before baking adds extra flair.
Why These Cookies Are a Festive Favorite
Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies blend nostalgic flavors with holiday magic. The mix of chocolate, mint, and creaminess is both comforting and indulgent, making these cookies a standout treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them when needed.
How do I make them more minty?
Increase the peppermint extract by an extra ¼ tsp for a stronger mint flavor.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk or white chocolate chips for variety.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
It is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Summary
Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. The recipe features a soft, chewy cookie base packed with chunks of Oreo cookies, peppermint crunch pieces, and dark chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of flavors, with the rich chocolate balancing the cool, minty sweetness of the peppermint. Softened cream cheese in the dough adds a luxurious texture, while chilling the dough ensures that the cookies retain their shape and achieve the ideal chewy texture when baked. Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging at home, these cookies are an easy yet impressive dessert. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their soft centers, and feel free to sprinkle extra peppermint crunch and chocolate chips on top for a festive finish.