The first bite of a Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookie is like a holiday party in your mouth, bursting with minty freshness and creamy filling. Picture this: two soft, peppermint-flavored cookies hugging a luscious buttercream center, adorned with festive red and white stripes that practically scream "eat me!" Whether it’s a cozy winter evening or a cheerful holiday gathering, these cookies are bound to steal the show (and maybe even a few hearts).
I remember the first time I made these delightful treats. It was an ambitious attempt during my first holiday season as a newlywed. My kitchen looked like Santa's workshop exploded, flour everywhere and peppermint extract wafting through the air like an invitation to joy. As I pulled these beauties out of the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. These cookies are not just visually stunning; they offer a flavor experience that’ll have you sneaking back for seconds (or thirds) while trying to convince yourself they’re part of your balanced diet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these cookies perfect for any baking level, from novice to expert.
- Their delightful flavor profile combines cool peppermint with sweet vanilla for an irresistible treat.
- Visually appealing with their striking red and white stripes, they're sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Versatile enough for any festive occasion, these cookies can also be easily customized with different fillings or toppings.
Ingredients for Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough; sifted for best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to add depth and richness to the flavor.
- Baking Soda: Essential for helping your cookies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors wonderfully.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender cookie; don’t forget to let it sit out before mixing!
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect here; it gives sweetness without overpowering.
- Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together while keeping the cookies moist.
- Peppermint Extract: The star of our show! Choose high-quality extract for the best flavor punch.
- Powdered Sugar: For the fluffy buttercream filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
For the Buttercream Filling:
- Heavy Cream: A splash helps achieve that dreamy texture in your frosting; don’t skimp on quality!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper because we all know sticky cookies are no fun.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside this dry mix while you whip up something magical.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it. Just imagine those sugar crystals melting into buttery goodness!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in one egg and peppermint extract until combined. The smell will transport you straight to Candy Cane Lane; trust me on this one.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually blend in your dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! We want soft cookies here—not hockey pucks!
Step 6: Bake Those Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Transfer them carefully to wire racks to cool completely while you prepare the frosting.
To assemble: Spread or pipe some buttercream filling between two cooled cookies, then give them a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top for extra flair. You’ve just created pure magic!
Now grab yourself a glass of milk (or something stronger if you're feeling festive) and enjoy your delightful homemade Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies! festive Easter cookie bars.
You Must Know
- These striped peppermint sandwich cookies are not just a treat for the eyes; they bring the holiday spirit right to your kitchen.
- Perfectly festive, they are easy to whip up and sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on them, making your holiday gatherings a hit!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by whipping up the cookie dough while preheating your oven. Once that heavenly mix is ready, roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake until golden. Meanwhile, prepare your peppermint frosting so it's ready when the cookies cool.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond. You can also add crushed candy canes for an extra crunch or drizzle some chocolate on top for a decadent touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds; they'll be warm and soft again!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make these striped peppermint sandwich cookies even better, chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp knife for clean edges on your cookies.
- When frosting, allow the cookies to cool completely to avoid melting your delicious filling!
Sharing these striped peppermint sandwich cookies with friends during holiday parties always brings back memories of laughter and joy. Every bite reminds me of those cozy moments spent around the tree with loved ones.
FAQs :
What are Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are delightful treats made from two soft peppermint-flavored cookies that sandwich a creamy filling. The cookies often feature a festive striped design, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. With their refreshing minty taste and appealing appearance, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a decorative touch to any dessert table.
How do I store Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
To store your Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies properly, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Can I freeze Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies! To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bags for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies recipe.
What variations can I make with Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
You can easily modify your Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies by experimenting with different fillings or flavors. Try using chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or even flavored cream cheese as alternatives to the standard filling. chocolate dipped pretzels Additionally, consider adding crushed peppermint candies on top for extra crunch and festive flair! For more inspiration, check out this Peppermint Dark Chocolate Truffles recipe.
Conclusion for Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies :
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavor and festive presentation. With their easy-to-follow recipe, you can create these delicious treats in no time. Storing and freezing options ensure you can enjoy them long after baking. delicious Friendsgiving cookies Don't hesitate to try different variations to personalize this classic cookie recipe. Enjoy your baking adventure with these charming cookies!
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, pairing soft peppermint-flavored cookies with a creamy buttercream filling. Adorned with cheerful red and white stripes, these delightful cookies not only taste amazing but also provide a stunning presentation for holiday gatherings. Easy to make, they promise to bring joy and cheer to your kitchen while impressing family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared sheets; bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm.
- Cool cookies on wire racks; prepare filling by mixing powdered sugar with heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread buttercream between two cooled cookies and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the filling before sandwiching the cookies together. You can also substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a different flavor twist.
