Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for something unique and wonderfully festive this holiday season, you’re going to love what I have for you today. This Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels like a cozy slice of Christmas itself—soft, creamy, and bursting with that cool peppermint twist. I can’t wait to walk you through making these gorgeous marbled beauties that have quickly become a staple in my kitchen every December.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe works together to create a balance of texture and flavor that’s both rich and bright. Here’s what I recommend paying attention to when gathering your ingredients to make this as fun and easy as possible.

• Cream Cheese: Soft, full-fat cream cheese adds moisture and that signature tangy flavor that sets these cookies apart.
• Butter: Using room temperature butter helps with smooth mixing and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering so you can taste the peppermint and cheesecake notes.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help with the structure so your cookies hold their shape.
• Vanilla Extract: Smoothes and rounds out the flavor; if you want a bit more tang, try a splash of lemon juice instead.
• Flour: The backbone of the dough; all-purpose works best for that classic soft cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides lift for a light, slightly cakey texture that’s oh so inviting.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Red and Green Food Coloring: Bring that festive holiday spirit with swirls of color—use gel food coloring for vivid shades with less liquid.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show that delivers refreshing holiday cheer in every bite.

Make It Your Way

I love to tinker with this Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or occasion, and you absolutely should too! This recipe is a flexible canvas for your holiday creativity.

• Variation: I sometimes swap peppermint extract for orange or almond extract when I want a different twist—both work surprisingly well and bring their own charm to the cookie.
• Dietary Modification: If dairy is a concern, cream cheese alternatives and butter substitutes can work, but be sure to test one batch first as texture will vary.
• Extra Festive: Adding crushed candy canes on top right after baking creates a crunchy, colorful finish that kids adore.

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

Step 1: Whip Up the Cream Cheese & Butter Mixture

Start by beating the cream cheese and butter at high speed until the mixture is fluffy and smooth—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. I like to use a stand mixer for this part because it gives the fluffiest texture with minimal effort. Then, add the sugar and beat until it’s fully incorporated and light—about another 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the soft, tender base of the cookie. Remember, if you rush this or don’t get it fluffy enough, your cookies might end up dense.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. At this point, the batter will start to look shiny and easier to work with. Don’t skip this step, because it helps with the structure and flavor of your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients & Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The trick here is not to overmix—stir enough to blend but don’t go crazy or your cookies will turn out tough. Your dough will be slightly sticky yet workable, which is perfect for the next step.

Step 4: Divide, Chill, and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into three small bowls and chill for at least 15 minutes—this makes it easier to handle. Once chilled, add red food coloring to one bowl, green food coloring and peppermint extract to another, and leave the third dough plain (or tint it lightly if you want). Mix each until you reach your desired hues. If your dough feels too sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes—trust me, it makes a big difference.

Step 5: Create Your Marbled Cookies

Grab about ½ tablespoon of each colored dough and gently roll them together between your palms to create that gorgeous marbled effect. Be careful not to overwork it, or the colors will blend too much and you’ll lose that festive look. Place each cookie ball on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them a bit apart so they don’t merge in the oven.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies at 350°F for 10 to 11 minutes. Look for light coloring with a hint of browning on the bottom, but avoid letting the cookies get browned on top—that means they’re overbaked and will be dry. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, dust with powdered sugar for that snowy effect—so pretty and extra tasty!

How to Serve Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like dusting my cookies with a light snowfall of powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a delicate sweetness and a snowy holiday vibe that’s always a hit. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for that extra crunch and sparkle. It makes these cookies feel like a festive treat straight out of a Christmas market.

Side Dishes

These cheesecake cookies pair beautifully with a hot mug of cocoa or a peppermint-spiced latte. I’ve also served them alongside a simple cheese board with some fruity jams and nuts for holiday gatherings—it’s a fun way to mix sweet and savory and keeps guests nibbling happily.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging these cookies in a wreath shape on a platter, alternating the marbled colors for a festive and eye-catching display. Another fun idea is to package them in clear boxes tied with red and green ribbons as homemade gifts—it always gets rave reviews from friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay soft and delicious, but if your kitchen is humid, a cool spot or even the fridge works well. Just bring them back to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe if you want to prep cookies ahead of time. I freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven—no need to thaw! This not only saves time but preserves that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies you want warm, a few seconds in the microwave or a quick 3-4 minute stint in a 300°F oven refreshes their soft texture wonderfully. Just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Christmas Cheesecake Cookies Recipe holds such a special place in my holiday baking lineup because it’s one of those treats that actually dares to be different—soft, tangy, and infused with minty magic. I love sharing these with friends and family because they’re unexpected, delightful, and just a little bit fancy without being complicated. So go ahead, make a batch, and trust me—you’ll want to keep these coming back year after year. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

Print