There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy Oreos, refreshing peppermint, and melty chocolate chips all nestled inside a soft, chewy cookie. The Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings all these flavors together in perfect harmony, creating a festive treat that feels like a joyful celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for holiday parties, cozy nights at home, or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to become an instant favorite and a must-have in your sweet recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a special role: from the butter lending richness, to the peppermint extract adding that cool zing, and of course, the crushed Oreos delivering delightful crunch and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds your cookie together perfectly with a tender crumb.
- Baking Soda: Helps your cookies rise just enough for that soft, chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and minty flavors for balance and depth.
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Brings creamy richness and keeps cookies soft.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies crisp slightly along the edges.
- Brown Sugar (light): Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel undertone.
- Large Eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and richness while binding everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Peppermint Extract: Injects that cool, refreshing note that makes these cookies stand out.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of bittersweet goodness in every bite.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Crushed Oreo Cookies (preferably Peppermint Oreos): The star ingredient, adding crunch and intense chocolate-mint flavor.
- Optional: Crushed Candy Canes: Perfect for a festive sprinkle and an extra peppermint punch.
How to Make Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whip them for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy and light, which will give your cookies the perfect tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl! Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, which give these cookies their signature sweet and minty aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step prevents any clumps and evenly distributes the rising agents for consistent cookie texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture on low speed. Stop as soon as everything is incorporated; overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Crushed Oreos
Gently fold in both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips along with the crushed Oreo cookies. These add a delightful medley of flavors and satisfyingly varied textures throughout each cookie.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
For optimum results, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and prevents cookies from spreading too much when baking, so they come out thick and chewy.
Step 8: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough about two inches apart on your prepared sheets. For an extra-special touch, press a few extra chocolate chips or Oreo pieces on top of each dough mound before baking.
Step 9: Bake Your Cookies
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft. Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets to ensure even heat distribution and perfectly baked cookies.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for five minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add some festive flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm for a pretty, peppermint finish.
How to Serve Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Crushed candy canes are a wonderful optional garnish for these cookies, adding a pop of color and an extra peppermint kick that brightens up presentation. You can also dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Side Dishes
A glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or peppermint tea complements these cookies perfectly, balancing the rich chocolate and mint flavors. They also pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream if you want to turn them into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with holiday-themed decorations or stack them with ribbons tied around for gift-giving. Another fun idea is to serve them alongside mini marshmallows and candy cane sticks, creating a cozy winter dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 5 days, making them the perfect treat to enjoy over several days or share with friends.
Freezing
This cookie dough freezes beautifully. Simply portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the dough balls into the oven without thawing, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to refresh that freshly baked softness and melt the chocolate chips slightly. You can also reheat gently in a low oven for a few minutes if you want that just-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular Oreos instead of Peppermint Oreos?
Absolutely! While peppermint Oreos add a special minty twist, regular Oreos will still deliver great chocolate flavor and crunch. You can always increase the peppermint extract slightly if you want to boost the mintiness without the special cookies.
What is the best way to crush the Oreos?
Place the cookies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them into small pieces. Avoid pulverizing them into powder to retain some crunch in the cookies.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is best here for flavor and texture, giving that rich, creamy melt-in-your-mouth quality. Margarine may work but can affect taste, and oil will likely make the cookies too soft and greasy, so it’s not recommended.
How long can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
You can keep the dough refrigerated for up to 48 hours. This rest time actually helps deepen the flavors. Just make sure to bring the dough back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint extract is not on hand, a drop or two of peppermint oil can be used but be cautious since oils are more concentrated. Alternatively, a small amount of mint chocolate chips or crushed mint candies can give a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it will become a staple in your holiday baking lineup and beyond. The irresistible blend of peppermint, chocolate, and Oreos wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie is pure joy on a plate. So grab your mixing bowl, gather those simple ingredients, and bake up a batch to share with those you love. You won’t regret it!
Print
Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible Oreo Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic favorite Oreo cookies with festive peppermint and a double dose of chocolate chips, creating a delightful holiday treat perfect for sharing or gifting. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies bring together the nostalgic taste of Oreos and the refreshing hint of peppermint in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, light
- 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 cups Crushed Oreo Cookies (preferably Peppermint Oreos)
Optional Garnish
- Crushed Candy Canes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using medium speed with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to combine well. Stir in both the vanilla and peppermint extracts until just incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips along with the crushed Oreo cookies using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Chill Dough: For the best texture, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Portion Cookies: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart. Optionally, press extra chocolate chips or crushed Oreos onto the tops of each cookie for extra visual appeal and flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers remain slightly soft. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, use peppermint-flavored Oreos if available.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Crushed candy canes on top add a nice crunch and festive look, but are completely optional.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper creaming and texture.
