### Prep Time: 15 minutes
### Cook Time: 10 minutes
### Total Time: 25 minutes
### Servings: 24 cookies
Imagine a delightful holiday treat that fills your kitchen with a festive aroma, delights your taste buds, and brings smiles to the faces of family and friends. Peppermint cake mix cookies are the answer to your seasonal cookie cravings! These fluffy and chewy cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and a cake mix. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver a refreshing peppermint twist that makes them hard to resist.
In this article, you’ll learn not only how to make peppermint cake mix cookies but also discover variations, storage tips, and the common mistakes to avoid while making them. Plus, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about this delightful treat. So, let’s dive into the world of these festive cookies!
What Is Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies?
Peppermint cake mix cookies are a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines the ease of a boxed cake mix with the fun of baking cookies. The primary flavor profile comes from peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies, delivering a refreshing, minty taste. The texture is soft and chewy, making them a delightful treat for those who love cookies that melt in the mouth.
These cookies originate from the need for quick and accessible baking, particularly popular during the holiday season when time may be limited. Peppermint’s association with winter festivities, like Christmas and the New Year, makes these cookies a season favorite. Light, fluffy, with crisp edges, peppermint cake mix cookies not only look beautiful with their vibrant colors but also bring a whirlwind of flavors that evoke memories of holiday traditions.
The best part? You can whip up a large batch in no time, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or as gifts for neighbors and friends. They lend themselves well to customization, allowing you to make each batch unique and special.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
You’ll adore these peppermint cake mix cookies because they are wonderfully flavorful, shockingly easy to make, and visually stunning! The use of cake mix cuts down on the prep time significantly, making this recipe perfect for busy parents, beginner bakers, or anyone looking to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste. Not to mention, these cookies are budget-friendly, enabling you to indulge your sweet tooth without breaking the bank.
Many people mistakenly believe that using cake mix results in inferior cookies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! The cake mix acts as a base, providing a well-balanced flavor and texture while saving you time. When you add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, you elevate these cookies into a festive, gourmet experience. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and minty, rounding out to a sensational holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make peppermint cake mix cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– **1 box peppermint cake mix**: This is your base ingredient, providing flavor and texture. Any brand will work, so feel free to choose your favorite or whatever is available.
– **2 large eggs**: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape. If you need an egg substitute, consider using applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flax egg.
– **1/2 cup vegetable oil**: This adds moisture to the cookies, making them soft and chewy. You can substitute with melted coconut oil if you prefer.
– **1 teaspoon peppermint extract**: This delivers the signature peppermint flavor to your cookies, enhancing the festive taste. If you can’t find peppermint extract, you can use peppermint oil (just use a drop or two as it’s more concentrated).
– **1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies**: These not only add flavor but also texture and visual appeal. Candy canes are perfect for this purpose—just crush them and sprinkle them into the batter.
– **Optional decorative sugar or additional candy canes for topping**: For an extra festive touch, you can roll the cookies in decorative sugar before baking or sprinkle additional crushed candies on top.
How to Make Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Making peppermint cake mix cookies is straightforward and quick, so let’s get those ovens preheated and your mixing bowls ready!
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and rise perfectly. While the oven heats, you can also prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract. Using a spatula or a hand mixer, mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, and you see no dry cake mix. The batter will be slightly thick yet smooth, with a lovely minty aroma starting to fill your kitchen.
3. **Fold in the Peppermint Candies**: Carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candies to your cookie dough. This will provide that delightful crunch and burst of mint flavor in each cookie. Be gentle while mixing to ensure the candy pieces are evenly distributed without crushing them too finely.
4. **Scoop the Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. You can also roll them into balls if you prefer a more uniform shape.
5. **Add Extra Toppings**: If you’re feeling festive, roll each cookie ball into decorative sugar or sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top before baking. This not only adds a beautiful touch but escalates the flavor profile.
6. **Bake the Cookies**: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. You want a slight softness in the center because they will continue to set after being removed from the oven.
7. **Cool and Enjoy**: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to retain their soft texture while firming up.
And voila! Your delicious peppermint cake mix cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
5 Variations & Substitutions
1. **Chocolate Peppermint Cookies**: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delightful chocolate peppermint combination. The richness of chocolate will complement the peppermint flavor beautifully.
2. **Gluten-Free Version**: To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Most gluten-free mixes work just like regular cake mixes but check for compatibility with the additional ingredients you choose.
3. **White Chocolate Drizzle**: For a touch of elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This adds not only visual appeal but a rich, creamy texture that balances the peppermint flavor well.
4. **Mint Chocolate Chips**: Swap regular chocolate chips for mint-flavored chocolate chips. This alteration amps up the mint flavor and combines two types of chocolate for a deliciously sweet treat.
5. **Nutty Twist**: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter. This will give your cookies a delightful crunch and add to their richness, making each bite even more hearty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking peppermint cake mix cookies, it’s easy to run into some common issues that can affect quality. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
– **Not Measuring Ingredients Properly**: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are important for success. Use measurement cups and spoons, and if your flour is compacted or your cake mix is settled, be sure to fluff it before measuring.
– **Overbaking or Underbaking**: Aim for a slightly soft center as the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being taken out of the oven. **Overbaking** can lead to dry cookies, while **undercooking** leads to gooey centers that may result in spreading, so keep an eye on the timer.
– **Using the Wrong Temperature**: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature unless specified otherwise. This helps the cookies blend better, producing more uniform texture.
– **Skipping the Cooling Step**: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This makes them easier to handle and helps maintain their shape and texture.
– **Storing Too Soon**: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before you store them. If still warm, the moisture can create soggy cookies.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Storing your peppermint cake mix cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days!
– **Storing**: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container; this helps retain moisture and avoids drying out.
– **Freezing**: These cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze them, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, and they can be kept frozen for up to three months.
– **Reheating**: If you’ve frozen your cookies, you can reheat them by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they’re warmed through. Enjoy them warm once again, just like fresh-baked!
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I use other flavors of cake mix?**
Absolutely! While peppermint is a seasonal favorite, you can use any flavor of cake mix. Vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet can be substituted. Just adjust the extract flavors accordingly for a cohesive taste in your cookies.
**2. How can I make these cookies more festive?**
Consider adding food coloring to the dough to create vibrant red or green cookies. Sprinkling more crushed peppermint on top before baking also adds charm. Dipping cooled cookies in chocolate and topping with festive sprinkles can elevate your presentation, too!
**3. What can I do if my dough is too dry?**
If your dough seems too dry, try adding a small additional amount of oil — about a teaspoon at a time — until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, adding an additional egg can help. The mixture should be slightly thick but still hold together.
**4. Can I replace the oil with applesauce for a healthier version?**
Yes, you can substitute oil with unsweetened applesauce (1:1 ratio) to reduce fat content. Keep in mind that this may yield slightly different texture and sweetness, but the peppermint flavor will still shine through.
**5. How do I make these cookies dairy-free?**
You can easily make these cookies dairy-free by using a dairy-free cake mix and replacing any dairy products (like eggs) with suitable alternatives. Look for plant-based brands to ensure a delicious outcome.
In conclusion, peppermint cake mix cookies are a delightful treat that combines the joy of baking with convenience. They are not only simple and quick to make but also customizable to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. With the right techniques and a little creativity, you can create a cookie experience that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season and beyond.
So don’t hesitate — gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and dive into the wonderful world of peppermint cake mix cookies. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why these cookies are cherished by so many and will inspire you to bake them time and time again! Share your creations with friends and family, and let the festive spirit unfold!
Enjoy the fridge and warm oven air filled with aromas while you bake and share these delicious treats. Happy baking!
