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White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 145 reviews

These White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are a festive treat combining a creamy cheesecake center with a soft, peppermint-infused cookie dough loaded with white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Perfectly chewy with a hint of minty freshness, these cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet peppermint dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Filling

  • 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold
  • 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Peppermint Cookies

  • 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 heaping cup (200 g) white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (90 g) crushed candy cane pieces
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar, for rolling the dough
  • Extra crushed candy cane pieces for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a small mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
  2. Portion and Freeze Cheesecake Balls: Scoop the cheesecake mixture into 16 portions of 2 teaspoons each onto the baking sheet. Freeze until very firm.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  6. Add Egg Yolks and Flavorings: Mix in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract on medium speed for one minute until pale and fluffy.
  7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
  8. Fold in Chips and Candy Cane: Gently fold the white chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces into the dough using a rubber spatula.
  9. Assemble Cookies: Scoop the dough into 16 balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Flatten slightly, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing completely, and roll into a smooth ball. Roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar. Keep cheesecake balls frozen until ready to assemble each batch.
  10. Bake Cookies: Place 6 cookies per baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes 30 seconds to 12 minutes.
  11. Shape Cookies: Immediately after removing from the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to gently push the cookies back into a perfect circle to keep them thick and chewy. Alternatively, use a spoon to push edges together.
  12. Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with extra crushed candy cane pieces before serving.

Notes

  • Keep cheesecake balls frozen until ready to assemble each batch to ensure they stay firm during shaping and baking.
  • Using a cookie cutter immediately after baking shapes the cookies and prevents spreading for a thicker, chewier texture.
  • Be sure to cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a light, fluffy dough.
  • You can substitute crushed peppermint candies if candy canes are unavailable but avoid mint oils as they can be too strong.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Keywords: white chocolate cheesecake cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas treats, peppermint cheesecake dessert

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/white-chocolate-peppermint-cheesecake-cookies-recipe/