There is something irresistibly charming about the Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-have for any cookie lover’s collection, especially during the holiday season. These cookies combine the delightful visual appeal of red and white stripes with the refreshing zing of peppermint and the creamy goodness of white chocolate filling. Each bite offers a perfect balance of festive flavors and textures, from the tender, buttery cookie to the cool, creamy filling edged with crunchy crushed peppermint candies. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and warmth to every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the cookies’ flavor, texture, and festive look. From the rich softness of the butter to the refreshing hint of peppermint extract, every component is essential in creating the magic of this treat.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s light texture.
- One large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers that classic refreshing peppermint aroma and taste.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation that forms the body of the cookie, perfectly balanced for structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Red gel food coloring: Creates the vibrant red stripes that make these cookies visually festive.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/2 cup): Adds a crunch and extra peppermint magic to the finished edges.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Forms the creamy and sweet sandwich filling.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Smooths out the white chocolate for a luscious filling texture.
How to Make Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure a smooth baking process. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is key as it incorporates air and sets the stage for tender cookies. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to infuse your dough with those warm and fresh flavors.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients and Combining
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could toughen the cookies.
Step 3: Coloring and Shaping the Dough
Once your dough is formed, divide it in half. Add the red gel food coloring to one half and knead carefully until the color is uniform and vibrant. This step gets you those beautiful, festive stripes. Roll each half into long ropes, then twist them together gently to create a candy-cane effect. Flatten the twisted dough gently to the desired thickness, around a quarter-inch, perfect for crisp yet tender cookies.
Step 4: Cutting and Baking the Cookies
Use your favorite round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out neat, festive shapes from the dough and place them on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the cookies have set and the edges start to turn a light golden color. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture once cooled.
Step 5: Making the Filling
While the cookies cool completely, prepare the luscious filling by melting white chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between to achieve a silky smooth mixture. Allow the filling to cool slightly so it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Assembling the Sandwich Cookies
Spread the creamy white chocolate filling generously onto the flat side of half the cookies. Press the remaining cookies on top to form sandwiches. For that extra festive touch and delightful texture, gently roll the edges of each sandwich cookie in the crushed peppermint candies. This final step delivers crunch and a pop of peppermint flavor that truly completes the experience.
How to Serve Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation by topping your cookies with additional crushed peppermint on the plate or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes elevate the festive look and add an inviting touch of sweetness that impresses your guests instantly.
Side Dishes
These striped peppermint sandwiches pair superbly with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. The warmth of hot beverages beautifully contrasts with the cool peppermint flavor, making each bite even more delightful. For gatherings, consider a hot chocolate bar where these cookies can be your star accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
To make these cookies the centerpiece of your holiday treats table, arrange them in swirling patterns on decorative platters or stack them in mason jars tied with red ribbons for a charming gift idea. You can also layer them in cookie tins separated by parchment paper to keep them fresh and visually appealing, perfect for holiday parties or thoughtful giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left after the festivities, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and maintains the perfect balance between chewy and crisp for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy their peppermint goodness even after the celebration.
Freezing
To preserve your Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe for longer, freeze the fully assembled cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, they keep well for up to two months, so you can enjoy them anytime you crave a festive treat.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to enjoy these cookies at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly microwave a single cookie sandwich for about 10 seconds, just enough to soften the filling without melting the assembly apart. This gentle warming revives the creamy filling and enhances the peppermint aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel for this recipe?
While you can use regular food coloring, gel food coloring is recommended because it provides richer color without affecting the dough’s consistency, helping you achieve those vibrant red stripes beautifully.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I use something else?
If peppermint extract isn’t available, you could substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract or almond extract, but keep in mind that the distinctive minty flavor is a hallmark of this recipe, so the taste will be mild.
How can I make the stripes in the cookies more defined?
Chilling the dough before rolling and twisting helps keep the colors distinct and cleaner, preventing the red coloring from bleeding into the white dough for clear, crisp stripes.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients with no animal gelatin or additives, making them a delightful dessert option for vegetarians.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! The recipe scales well, so just double all ingredients accordingly and give yourself a little more time for dividing, coloring, and assembling the dough to keep those peppermint stripes perfect.
Final Thoughts
Making the Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe is truly a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with holiday spirit and delightful scents. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and beautiful presentation that is sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to bake these and create your own treasured moments with every sweet, minty bite!
Print
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are festive, minty treats perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a striking red and white twisted dough, soft baked cookies sandwich a creamy white chocolate peppermint filling, rolled in crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch and extra peppermint punch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring (as needed)
Filling and Finishing
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated, giving your dough a fragrant base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt for even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Color and Form Dough Ropes: Divide the dough in half; tint one half with red gel food coloring by kneading until evenly colored. Roll both halves into long ropes and twist them together to create the signature striped effect.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Gently roll the twisted dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use a round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cookies are just set and lightly golden around the edges, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Filling: Melt the white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it thickens.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Spread the white chocolate filling on the flat underside of half the cookies, then top each with another cookie to form sandwiches.
- Finish with Crushed Peppermint: Roll the edges of the cookie sandwiches in crushed peppermint candies for a festive look and added crunch.
Notes
- For cleaner red and white stripes, chill the dough slightly before rolling and twisting.
- Using gel food coloring prevents thinning out the dough and gives a more vibrant red color.
- Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to 4 days.
