Name: Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup Oreo cookie chunks; 1 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces plus extra for topping; ½ cup dark chocolate chips plus extra for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a festive yet totally irresistible treat, you absolutely have to try my Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the classic beloved Oreo chunk goodness with a refreshing peppermint kick and melty dark chocolate, all wrapped up in a soft, cake-mix based dough. Trust me, once you bake a batch, these cookies become the highlight of every holiday gathering or cozy night in. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these scrumptious little bites that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Base: Using a white cake mix makes the dough soft, tender, and super easy to whip up without fuss.
Flavor Fusion: Peppermint extract, along with Andes Peppermint Crunch and Oreo chunks, creates an amazing holiday flavor combo that’s fresh and comforting.
Perfect Texture: A touch of cream cheese adds moisture and richness that keeps the cookies soft and slightly chewy, unlike any other cookie you’ll try.
Customizable & Festive: The dough’s chill time helps control spread, and you can jazz up the top with extra chocolate and peppermint for an extra-special look.

Peppermint Oreo Cookies, peppermint Oreo cookies, Oreo peppermint cookies, festive cookie recipes, holiday cookie ideas - Several round cookies with a light beige color are spread out on a brown textured mat. Each cookie has visible dark brown chocolate chips and small red candy pieces embedded across the surface. The cookies have a soft, slightly bumpy texture and are spaced evenly apart, showing their round edges clearly. The background underneath the mat is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe relies on a clever blend of ingredients that balance convenience, flavor, and texture beautifully. Each component plays its part, and I’ll share a few tips to help you pick the best versions for the tastiest results.

Peppermint Oreo Cookies, peppermint Oreo cookies, Oreo peppermint cookies, festive cookie recipes, holiday cookie ideas - Flat lay of a small pile of white cake mix powder on a simple white ceramic plate, a few tablespoons of soft unsalted butter slightly melting on a white ceramic dish, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, another small white ceramic bowl containing pale vanilla extract, a smooth block of softened cream cheese resting on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark Oreo cookie chunks, a small white ceramic bowl holding shiny Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth, glossy dark chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: Using a boxed white cake mix keeps things easy without sacrificing tender crumb and sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened but not melting — this helps create a smooth dough texture and rich taste.
Large egg: Gives structure and moisture to the dough, helping it rise softly.
Peppermint extract: Adds that unmistakable holiday zing; be careful not to overdo it as it can turn bitter.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Cream cheese: Softened but still chilled, it adds luscious moisture and helps keep cookies tender.
Oreo cookie chunks: The star of the show — I like to break Oreos into uneven chunks for variety in every bite.
Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces: If you can find these peppermint chocolate pieces, grab them! They add a cool mint crunch. If not, crushed peppermint candy bars work too.
Dark chocolate chips: I prefer dark for depth and balance against the sweet peppermint.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I absolutely love this Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe just as is, but I know everyone’s taste buds are a bit different. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping out peppermint candy pieces, tweaking the chocolate types, or even adjusting for dietary preferences, these cookies are super forgiving and fun to play with.

Variation: One year, I swapped Andes pieces for chopped candy canes when I couldn’t find them — it added a sharper peppermint crunch that my family adored.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and vegan butter, and swap dark chocolate chips for vegan-friendly versions to keep the magic alive.
Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, I recommend using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips instead of dark or milk chocolate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough Until It’s Beautifully Soft

Start by adding the white cake mix, softened butter, egg, peppermint and vanilla extracts, plus the cream cheese to your mixing bowl. I usually use my stand mixer for this—it takes a bit longer with a hand mixer, but either works. Beat everything together until the dough is smooth and soft, with no butter or cream cheese streaks. I’ve learned the key here is patience—you want a cohesive dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky.

Step 2: Fold in the Peppermint, Oreos, and Chocolate

Gently stir the Oreo chunks, Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces, and dark chocolate chips into your dough. Don’t overmix here—you want the chunks evenly distributed but still chunky. After folding, cover and refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. This step is crucial because chilled dough is way easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake.

Step 3: Prep, Bake, and Watch the Magic Happen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop or roll the dough into 24 balls—don’t worry if they feel a bit firm from chilling. Place 12 on a baking sheet and stash the other 12 back in the fridge so you can bake in batches. Bake for about 10-11 minutes. Keep a close eye because these cookies look soft and even a little underdone when they come out, but that’s totally right. Overbaking is the quickest way to lose their fabulous soft texture.

Step 4: The Finishing Touches Once Out of the Oven

Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 2-3 minutes—this helps them set up without drying. Then, carefully transfer them to parchment paper using a thin metal spatula; this keeps their delicate shape intact. If you see some puffy tops, I like to gently tap them down with the spatula bottom and press on a few extra chocolate chips or peppermint pieces for an eye-catching finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe

Don’t Rush the Chill Time: Refrigerating the dough is key to manageable scooping and prevents your cookies from spreading too thin.
Watch Your Oven Closely: Cookies can look underbaked but will set perfectly as they cool—taking them out just a minute or two early saved mine from turning hard.
Use a Thin Spatula: This helps transfer soft cookies without breaking them—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Butter & Cream Cheese Consistency: Keep them softened but cool; overly soft or melted ingredients can cause dough to be too sticky and trickier to handle.

How to Serve Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe

Peppermint Oreo Cookies, peppermint Oreo cookies, Oreo peppermint cookies, festive cookie recipes, holiday cookie ideas - The image shows a small stack of three chunky cookies on a white lace paper doily placed on brown parchment paper. The cookies are light beige and embedded with visible dark chocolate chips and small red and white candy bits spread evenly throughout. The top cookie of the stack has a bite taken out, revealing a soft, dense inside with the same chocolate and candy pieces. In the background, more cookies are cooling on a wire rack, slightly blurred, and to the left is a white ceramic ramekin filled with rough pink and white candy pieces. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When serving, I love adding a few extra pieces of crushed peppermint candy or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top. The extra sparkle not only looks festive but also amps up that refreshing peppermint flavor. Plus, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on some cookies can do wonders to balance sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or peppermint coffee for a winter treat that feels like a warm hug. They also go surprisingly well alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a simple bowl of fresh strawberries for a bit of sophisticated contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange them on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar to mimic snow and scatter holly leaves (real or edible) around for color. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with red and white twine makes for a charming gift or party favor. These little touches really elevate the simplicity of this recipe into something memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peppermint Oreo Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for up to four days—though if they disappear faster, that’s on you! To keep them fresh, I recommend layering with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or fully baked cookies. For dough, wrap individual balls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months—baking straight from frozen just adds a minute or two to baking time. Fully baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature when ready.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they’ll dry out. This little reheating trick brings back that melty, soft texture I love.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe?

I’ve found white cake mix works best for this recipe because it’s a neutral base that highlights the peppermint and Oreo flavors without overwhelming them. Yellow or chocolate cake mixes might change the cookie’s texture and sweetness. That said, if white cake mix isn’t available, feel free to experiment, but expect a slightly different result.
What if I can’t find Andes Peppermint Crunch pieces?

No worries! You can substitute crushed peppermint candy bars, candy canes, or even peppermint baking chips. These alternatives will keep that refreshing mint crunch that makes these cookies special.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is crucial. The cold dough is firmer and less likely to spread too thin during baking. Also, make sure your butter and cream cheese aren’t overly softened or melted.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these gluten-free, choose a gluten-free white cake mix and make sure your Oreo cookie chunks are the gluten-free variety. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored airtight at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and fresh for up to four days. Beyond that, they might start drying out, but you can always refresh them by warming gently in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peppermint Oreo Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I’m so excited for you to try it too. It’s a quick, no-fuss way to bake cookies that feel homemade and impressive all at once. These cookies have brought smiles and good vibes to every occasion I’ve served them at, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delightful peppermint Oreo goodness!