Name: Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese room temperature; 1/2 cup butter room temperature; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Red and green food coloring (as needed); 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; Powdered sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 46 reviews

If you’re looking to add a festive twist to your holiday baking, these cookies are an absolute must-try. The Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is everything you want in a Christmas treat—soft, buttery, with that subtle tang of cream cheese, and a delightful peppermint kick that makes your kitchen smell like holiday magic. I promise, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to cookie for the season.

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Why This Recipe Works

Cream Cheese for Moisture: The cream cheese makes these cookies incredibly moist and tender, a fun twist on traditional holiday cookies.
Peppermint Flavor Balance: Adding peppermint extract only to the green dough gives an inviting, festive pop that isn’t overpowering.
Marbled Color Fun: The red and green doughs swirl together for a gorgeous, homemade look that screams Christmas.
Simple Technique with Big Impact: Rolling half-tablespoons of dough together lets you create beautiful, unique cookies without any fancy tools.

Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint cheesecake cookies, easy Christmas cookies, holiday baking recipes - This image shows a baking tray lined with a beige silicone mat that holds eight round cookie dough balls. Each ball has three swirled colors: green, red, and white, giving a marbled effect. The dough balls are spaced evenly, with a slightly rough texture on top and smooth sides. The tray has a silver metal edge and a red silicone border around the baking mat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in the ingredients working harmoniously to create that soft, rich texture with a festive twist. Plus, I’ve got some handy tips to make sure you grab the best ingredients to nail this recipe on your first try.

Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender.
Butter: Room temperature butter creams well with the sugar, helping with a light texture.
Granulated Sugar: Provides that classic sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and smoothness to balance the tang of cream cheese.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here to give the right cookie density.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift without making them cakey.
Salt: Enhances all those flavors and balances the sweetness.
Food Coloring (Red & Green): Causes the fun Christmas marbled effect—feel free to use gel coloring for more vibrant hues.
Peppermint Extract: Only in the green dough to give a subtle but unmistakably festive flavor punch.
Optional: Powdered Sugar: For dusting if you want an extra holiday touch and a little sweetness on top.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found that this Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to play with it a bit! Whether you want to skip the peppermint for a more classic vibe or add a lemony zing by swapping vanilla for lemon zest, make it your own to suit your tastes or your guests’ preferences.

Variation: Sometimes I add a teaspoon of lemon juice instead of vanilla to really play up the cheesecake tang, which my family loves.
Dietary Swap: If you prefer, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes—just keep them at room temp for best mixing.
Color Fun: Try different holiday colors if red and green aren’t your style. I’ve also done blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme.
Texture Twist: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top just before baking for an extra peppermint crunch.

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

Step 1: Cream Together the Base

Start by beating the cream cheese and butter together until they become fluffy and smooth—this usually takes me 1 to 2 minutes on high speed. It’s key that both are at room temperature to avoid lumps. Then, add the granulated sugar and whip it until everything is light and fluffy, about another couple of minutes. This step gives your cookies their signature soft texture that’s both rich and airy.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time and then the vanilla extract, about a minute in total. The eggs add structure and a little extra moisture, so don’t skip this part. I like to scrape the sides of my bowl once here to make sure everything’s well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients & Bring It All Together

In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything’s incorporated. Don’t overmix here—overworked dough makes cookies tough, and you want these soft and tender.

Step 4: Separate, Chill, and Color Your Dough

I divide the dough into three bowls at this point, then pop them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. That chill time firms the dough up a bit, making it easier to work with. When ready, add your red and green food coloring (I leave one bowl plain for contrast). Add the peppermint extract only to the green dough—that’s where all the minty magic comes from. If the dough feels sticky, a few extra minutes in the fridge will help with handling.

Step 5: Roll and Marble Your Cookies

Here’s the fun and creative part! Take about ½ tablespoon from two different colors of dough and gently roll them together between your palms to create marbled swirls. Be careful not to mix too much—you want distinct colors that swirl like holiday candy cane stripes. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment or silicone mats, giving each cookie enough space to spread a little.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 11 minutes—watch closely! You want the cookies to be light in color, just starting to show golden edges on the bottom but not browned on top. This careful timing keeps them tender and soft, not dry or crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, dust them lightly with powdered sugar. It adds a snow-dusted look and a little extra sweetness—perfect for popping in festive cookie tins!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened for that perfect creamy mix.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: It’s tempting to keep stirring, but stopping as soon as flour is combined keeps cookies soft.
Chill Twice if Needed: If dough feels too sticky when marbling, another quick chill makes shaping much easier.
Watch Your Bake Time: The moment before they brown on top is your sweet spot for that tender cheesecake texture.

How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar, which gives the cookies a snowy, festive look that’s so charming to serve at holiday parties. Sometimes I also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top right after baking for a little crunch and extra peppermint flavor.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiked coffee makes for a cozy holiday treat. If you’re setting up a dessert spread, I love placing them next to gingerbread or sugar cookies for a colorful, flavor-packed selection.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I arrange these Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with parchment paper, topped with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly. Wrapping them in cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons also makes for a lovely holiday gift that friends rave about every year.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week, which is great because they tend to disappear fast in my house!

Freezing

Freezing these cookies works wonderfully. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When sealed well, they keep for about three months without losing their chewy texture.

Reheating

To revive frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This restores that fresh-baked softness and the peppermint aroma that hooks everyone.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can skip it or replace it with vanilla or almond extract. For a citrusy twist, a little lemon or orange zest works beautifully, especially if you swap out the vanilla in the base dough.
Why are my Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies cakey or dry?

If your cookies are turning out cakey or dry, it’s usually due to overbaking or overmixing the dough. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is just incorporated, and take the cookies out when they’re still very lightly golden at the edges but not browned on top.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the dough ahead, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh on party day. Baked cookies store well up to a week in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday prep.
What if I don’t have cream cheese, can I still make these?

Cream cheese is key for that signature tang and softness in this recipe, so while you could try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta, it will affect texture and flavor. If you don’t have cream cheese, I’d suggest trying another holiday cookie recipe instead.
How do I get the best marble effect with the dough?

Mix just enough to swirl the colors together without fully blending them. Use small amounts of dough, about half a tablespoon from each color, and gently roll. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for a few minutes before shaping.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is one of my all-time favorite holiday treats because it combines festive fun with rich, creamy flavor. It’s such a joy to bake and even more fun to share—everyone comments on their unique marbled look and that perfect peppermint hint. I can’t wait for you to make these, try your own spins, and fill your home with that warm, happy holiday smell. Give them a go—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding they are!