Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies
This easy cake mix cookie gets a holiday twist from Oreo cookies and Peppermint Crunch pieces. They will disappear almost as fast as you make them.
This easy cake mix cookie gets a holiday twist from Oreo cookies and Peppermint Crunch pieces. They will disappear almost as fast as you make them.
- Carbohydrate 2.02897367668556 g
- Cholesterol 10.4313306011111 mg
- Fat 4.60829963438222 g
- Fiber 0.223999994066026 g
- Protein 0.371899635536667 g
- Saturated Fat 2.81097749960578 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cookie (10g)
- Sodium 28.9176354612222 mg
- Sugar 1.80497368261953 g
- Trans Fat 0.385813019424556 g
- Calories 51 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and extracts.
- Beat until a soft dough forms.
- Add the cream cheese and beat in gently until combined.
- Stir in the peppermint crunch pieces and chocolate chips first.
- Then gently stir in the cookie pieces by hand being careful not to break up the cookie more.
- Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 36 balls.
- Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 9 minutes.
- Do not over bake. The cookies will be very soft and look undone.
- Let them sit on the hot cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then gently remove them with a spatula to a piece of wax paper on the counter.
- Very gently tap the tops of the cookies with the bottom of the spatula to even out the tops.
- Let them sit until completely cool.
- Store in a sealed container.
- Makes 36 cookies.
My Festive Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies: A Holiday Baking Adventure
The holidays are always a whirlwind. Between shopping, wrapping presents, attending parties, and somehow finding time to actually enjoy the season, the last thing I want to add to my to-do list is hours spent in the kitchen. Yet, there's something incredibly satisfying about baking for loved ones – a way of sharing warmth and spreading holiday cheer. This year, I opted for a shortcut with a big flavor payoff: Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies. These little gems require minimal effort and maximum deliciousness, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
I’ve always been a fan of cake mix shortcuts. They're not cheating, mind you, they are simply efficient. And with the help of a few simple additions, a basic white cake mix transforms into something spectacular. For these cookies, I started with a box of my favorite white cake mix (Pillsbury, if you're wondering!) The addition of melted butter adds richness and moisture, while a softly beaten egg binds everything together. A touch of vanilla and peppermint extract brings in that festive flair we all crave during the holidays.
The real magic, however, lies in the additions. The creamy texture of softened cream cheese lends a delightful smoothness, complementing the crispness of the Oreo cookie chunks and Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces. The dark chocolate chips add a touch of bittersweetness that balances the sweetness perfectly. I recommend using good quality chocolate chips here – it truly makes a difference in the overall taste. The combination of textures—the soft cookie base, the crunchy Oreos, and the melt-in-your-mouth peppermint crunch—is simply divine.
The baking process is surprisingly straightforward. After combining all the ingredients, I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial; it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. I find that baking them for exactly 9 minutes at 350 degrees produces the perfect texture: soft and slightly chewy in the center, with perfectly crisp edges.
These cookies are incredibly addictive. I warned my family they'd be gone quickly, and I wasn't wrong! They were devoured almost as fast as I could cool them. I find that they store really well too, in an airtight container. The festive peppermint and chocolate flavors are an absolute delight, a perfect way to satisfy that sweet tooth during the busy holiday season.
The beauty of these cookies lies not just in their taste, but in their simplicity. They're the perfect treat to bake with kids, offering a fun and engaging activity that results in delicious rewards. The process is manageable, even for the most novice bakers. And, let's be honest, who doesn't love a little holiday baking magic?
A Few Tips for Success:
- Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked cookies will have the perfect soft texture.
- Gently tap the cookies after baking to create an even top.
- Use good quality ingredients. It really makes a difference!
- Make them ahead! These cookies store well and are perfect for holiday gatherings.
This year, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the ease and deliciousness of these Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies. They're sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.
Happy baking, and happy holidays!
