White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies
Servings 16 cookies
Ingredients
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
- 6 oz cream cheese cold
- 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Peppermint Cookies:**
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 heaping cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy cane pieces
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar for rolling
- Extra crushed candy cane pieces for sprinkling
Instructions
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
- Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and sugar is dissolved.
- Scoop the cheesecake mixture into 16 portions on the baking sheet. Freeze until firm.
**For the Peppermint Cookies:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces.
- Scoop the dough into 16 portions and roll into balls. Flatten each ball and place a frozen cheesecake portion in the center. Roll into balls again, ensuring the cheesecake is fully covered. Roll the balls in sugar.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes 30 seconds to 12 minutes.
- As soon as they’re out of the oven, use a large circular cookie cutter to shape them for a thicker, chewier cookie. Let them cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with extra crushed candy cane pieces before serving.
- These White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies are bound to be the star of your holiday baking lineup. Enjoy the festive flavors and share the joy with family and friends!