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
- 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.
- Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
- Great served with hot cocoa or coffee.
- 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.
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 FavoritePeppermint 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.
FAQsCan 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.