Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate treat to wow your family and friends during the holidays (or really, any old Wednesday), these Peppermint Oreo Cookies are exactly what you need. Imagine the comforting flavor of a soft, chewy cookie, speckled with crisp Oreo chunks, melty pockets of dark chocolate, and those irresistible peppermint crunch pieces. Each bite delivers a playful mix of textures and a cool kiss of peppermint, all in a cookie that’s outrageously easy to whip up. These cookies don’t just look pretty on a platter – they disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Peppermint Oreo Cookies is that you don’t need a laundry list of complicated ingredients – just a few everyday items (and a quick trip to the baking aisle for the fun mix-ins) create a showstopper. Each component brings something special, and together, they create a cookie that’s totally festive and downright delicious.

• White cake mix: The secret trick for pillowy-soft cookies in a fraction of the time, plus it infuses sweetness into every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes the dough rich, tender, and adds a gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives each cookie just the right amount of lift.
• Peppermint extract: Just half a teaspoon gives the cookies their irresistible cool-mint flavor – don’t skip it!
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• Cream cheese: Adds a bit of tang and a wonderfully creamy, soft texture to the finished cookie.
• Oreo cookie chunks: Crunchy, chocolatey bites tucked inside for a dramatic cookies-and-cream effect.
• Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces: Little pops of candy cane bliss that melt and scatter bits of color and holiday spirit throughout.
• Dark chocolate chips: For those gooey, melty pockets of chocolate everyone loves – and a few extra on top for presentation!

How to Make Peppermint Oreo Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dough Base

Start by digging out your largest mixing bowl and add in the dry cake mix, softened butter, egg, both extracts, and the cream cheese. Using a hand mixer (or a very enthusiastic arm and a wooden spoon), beat everything together until you have a luscious, smooth, and slightly sticky dough. This is your flavor foundation, and it already smells incredible!

Step 2: Add the Goodies

Now for the fun part: gently fold in the Oreo chunks, peppermint crunch pieces, and dark chocolate chips. Stir just enough to distribute them so every bite of your Peppermint Oreo Cookies is packed with flavor. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour—this chill time is what helps create thick, bakery-style cookies that won’t spread too much.

Step 3: Portion and Prepare

Once the dough is nice and cold (and won’t stick to your hands), get out a cookie scoop or just use your hands to roll the dough into 24 even balls. Arrange 12 on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping the rest chilled while they wait their turn. This extra step ensures each batch bakes up evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Soft Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, then bake the first batch for 10 to 11 minutes. When you take them out, they should look puffy and underdone—trust the process! They’ll finish setting to a perfectly soft, dreamy texture as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Finish

Let your fresh cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them carefully to parchment on the counter. If any are extra puffy, press them gently with a spatula for that classic cookie-shop look. While they’re still warm, embellish with a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint pieces right on top. Once completely cool, stash them in a sealed container (if there are any left!). Now you’re all set to enjoy Peppermint Oreo Cookies that look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Peppermint Oreo Cookies

Garnishes

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle your cookies with a little extra Andes Peppermint Crunch or press in a few festive sprinkles before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar transforms them into snowy little treats that really stand out on any dessert table!

Side Dishes

While these cookies are fully satisfying all on their own, they’re next-level delightful with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a holiday latte. For a dessert board, pair them with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful cookies-and-cream sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful of Peppermint Oreo Cookies in glass jars tied with ribbon for an impressive edible gift, or layer them on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece. If you’re hosting, try serving them alongside a selection of other cookies and peppermint bark for a full-on treat spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to four days, making them ideal for holiday prep or lunchbox treats.

Freezing

You can freeze Peppermint Oreo Cookies after baking – simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to thaw and serve at a moment’s notice. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies anytime!

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm (highly recommended), pop one in the microwave for 10 to 12 seconds. The chocolate gets gooey, the peppermint aroma comes alive, and it’s pure magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dark?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of milk or even white chocolate, go ahead and swap them in. The cookies will be slightly sweeter and every bit as delicious.

What can I do if I can’t find Andes Peppermint Crunch?

Crushed candy canes are a fantastic substitute and add a pretty pink-and-white flair. Any peppermint chocolate candy bar chopped into pieces will work beautifully too.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling is key for Peppermint Oreo Cookies! The rest time makes a thicker dough that won’t spread too much in the oven, so your cookies stay soft and wonderfully chewy.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You sure can! Just use your favorite gluten-free white cake mix and check your Oreos or substitute with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long do Peppermint Oreo Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in a sealed container, they’ll taste fresh for up to four days. To keep them longer, freezing is your friend – just thaw before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Peppermint Oreo Cookies a try! They’re the ultimate treat for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or lazy Saturdays at home, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. Gather up the ingredients and experience that irresistible burst of peppermint-chocolate goodness for yourself – then watch the cookie jar empty fast!

Print