Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that combines creamy cheesecake flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist, you’re in for a real holiday delight. I’m excited to share my Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe — these cookies are soft, marbled with red and green, and just bursting with that holiday spirit. Trust me, these are the kind of cookies your friends and family will want to nibble on all season long, so let’s dive in!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a key role in creating the ideal holiday cookie. From the cream cheese that adds moisture and tang, to the peppermint extract that lifts the flavor into Christmas territory, these ingredients come together seamlessly. I like to pick good quality cream cheese and fresh peppermint extract for the best results.

• Cream Cheese: Gives a rich, smooth base and keeps cookies soft instead of cakey or crumbly.
• Butter: Adds flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens just right; don’t swap with brown sugar here, it changes texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help achieve the perfect cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances the peppermint’s brightness with smooth warmth.
• Flour: The foundation — using all-purpose keeps it simple and ensures the right chew.
• Baking Powder: Gives a touch of lift so the cookies aren’t dense.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors.
• Red and Green Food Coloring: For that unmistakable Christmas look — use gel colors for vibrant dough without extra liquid.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show for that cool, minty holiday flavor.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe my own by swapping up the peppermint or trying different marbling methods. Feel free to play with the peppermint amount or even replace it with orange zest for a citrusy spin. It’s yours to customize!

• Less Peppermint: If peppermint can be strong, try half the extract next time — still festive but gentler.
• Lemon Zest Variation: Swap the peppermint extract for lemon zest and juice to give a fresh citrus cheesecake cookie that shines.
• No Food Coloring: For simpler cookies without the color, just skip this step and bake a creamy vanilla cheesecake cookie instead.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Add a snowy touch by dusting the cookies with powdered sugar before serving — I’m obsessed with this look!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together the Cheese and Butter Until Fluffy

Start with room-temperature cream cheese and butter — this makes it so much easier to get a perfectly smooth mix. Beat them together on high speed until your mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This step really lays the groundwork for tender cookies, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Next, add the granulated sugar and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy again. Then toss in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, beating for about a minute. The batter will look smooth and creamy, which means you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

Whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined — you don’t want to overwork the dough or it’ll get tough.

Step 4: Chill and Color Your Dough

Divide your dough into three bowls and pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. This step makes handling easier and reduces the stickiness. Then, add peppermint extract to the dough you’ll turn green, and add your food coloring to each bowl — red, green, and leave one plain for the marbling effect.

Step 5: Roll, Marble, and Shape

Take half a tablespoon of each colored dough and gently roll them together between your palms. I like to leave the colors somewhat distinct so you get beautiful swirls rather than a single muddy color. Place the marbled balls on your parchment-lined baking sheets — they’ll spread a bit, so keep space between.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 10-11 minutes. Look for lightly colored little pillows — avoid browning or they’ll lose that cheesecake softness. Let them cool a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a rack. If you want, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish!

How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting the finished cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar — it feels like a little snowfall right before you take a bite. Sometimes I even add crushed candy canes on top before baking for extra crunch and peppermint punch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint mocha for an indulgent holiday snack. They also work well on a Christmas cookie platter alongside gingerbread or shortbread for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange these cookies in a wreath shape on a serving platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon to gift neighbors — I’ve found this is a hot ticket every year!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed well makes sure they stay soft and flavorful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully for up to three months. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge — they revive beautifully.

Reheating

To refresh cookies from fridge or freezer, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes wrapped in foil to warm through without drying out. It’s like hitting a reset button on softness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies aren’t just another seasonal treat — they’re a little holiday magic in every bite. I always find myself sneaking more than a few because they’re soft, flavorful, and bring back such warm memories of baking with my family. I hope you’ll try making them too and share the joy they bring. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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