**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 24 cookies
Imagine biting into a soft and delectable cookie that boasts a burst of festive flavor, complemented by the refreshing essence of peppermint. That’s exactly what you’re in for with these delightful Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies! This recipe transforms the classic cake mix into a cookie wonderland that is perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth any time of the year.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and virtually no elaborate techniques, making them perfect for even the most novice bakers. With their lovely pink hue and peppermint candy cane crunch, they’re not just sweet treats but also a feast for the eyes. Throughout this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, share variations for dietary preferences, elucidate common pitfalls to avoid, and provide helpful tips to maximize your baking experience.
What Is Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies?
Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are delightfully easy cookies made primarily from cake mix, which saves both time and effort in the kitchen, while yielding a soft and chewy texture. The main star here is the **peppermint**, which can be derived from either peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. The flavor profile is aromatic and refreshing, making these cookies an enchanting addition to any dessert table, especially around the holidays.
The origins of “cake mix cookies” stem from the popular trend of simplifying baking by using a pre-made cake mix as a base for cookies—a wonderful way to marry the richness of cake batter with the delightful shape and texture of a cookie. Adding peppermint makes these cookies festive and appealing, especially during the winter months. You can expect a delightful crunch from bits of crushed candy canes alongside a soft and chewy interior when you take your first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
There are countless reasons to adore these Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies. First and foremost is the **taste**; the combination of sweet and minty flavors creates a festive treat that’s beloved by many. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa, these cookies are utterly satisfying.
In terms of **ease**, you’ll find that this recipe is exceptionally quick and straightforward. No complicated steps or special techniques are required—simply mix, scoop, and bake! This makes it an excellent project for busy parents, especially during the bustling holiday season when time is at a premium.
Cost-effectively, using a cake mix minimizes the need for a long list of ingredients, allowing you to whip up a batch without breaking the bank. Moreover, peppermint is widely regarded as a **seasonal flavor**, so it fits perfectly into the theme of holiday baking and gatherings.
Lastly, the versatility of this recipe cannot be overstated. You can easily customize it by incorporating variations such as different types of chocolate chips or holiday-themed sprinkles, ensuring that these cookies can suit any taste preference. The cookies freeze very well, allowing you to prepare them in advance and bake them later for fresh treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create your Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– **1 box of red velvet cake mix**: This serves as the base for your cookies and gives them a lovely festive color.
– **2 large eggs**: These provide moisture and structure for your cookies.
– **1/3 cup vegetable oil**: The fat adds moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
– **1 tsp peppermint extract**: A key ingredient for achieving that delightful minty flavor.
– **1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies**: Adds texture and a pop of color while enhancing the peppermint flavor.
– **1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)**: For added sweetness and creamy texture—they pair beautifully with peppermint.
These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores, and many you might already have in your pantry. If you’re interested in **substitutions**, consider using almond extract for a unique twist, or switch out white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate, if you prefer a contrast to the minty flavor.
How to Make Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Follow these straightforward steps to make your Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies:
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the cookies to bake evenly and provides the perfect texture, ensuring they remain soft while developing a slight crisp on the outside.
2. **Prepare Your Baking Sheet**: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will also help with easy cleanup afterward.
3. **Mix the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the **cake mix**, **eggs**, and **vegetable oil**. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to blend the ingredients until they are well combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky—this is perfectly normal.
4. **Add the Extract and Candy Canes**: Stir in the **peppermint extract** and continue mixing until incorporated. Next, fold in the **crushed candy canes** (and **white chocolate chips**, if using) into the mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; you just want everything to be evenly distributed.
5. **Scoop the Dough**: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Since these cookies will spread slightly, ensure you leave enough space.
6. **Bake**: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so avoid over-baking.
7. **Cool**: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for maintaining their chewy texture.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once cooled, serve these delicious peppermint cookies among friends and family, or keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
5 Variations & Substitutions
1. **Chocolate Peppermint Cookies**: To make these cookies chocolate-flavored, substitute the red velvet cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. The result is a rich chocolate cookie with peppermint flavor that is utterly irresistible. You can also incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for double the chocolate joy.
2. **Gluten-Free Option**: For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. This allows everyone to enjoy the cookies without gluten concerns. Pair it with gluten-free candy canes, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. **More Minty or Less Minty**: If you adore a strong peppermint flavor, feel free to increase the **peppermint extract** to 1.5 tsp. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler peppermint note, reduce it to ½ tsp. Finding the perfect balance according to your taste is key.
4. **Add a Citrus Twist**: To shake things up with a bit of Zing! You can incorporate the zest of half an orange or lemon into the dough. This brightens the cookies and creates a refreshing contrast to the mint flavor.
5. **Cream Cheese Frosting**: For an extra indulgent treat, frost your cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting. This adds a rich, creamy layer that pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor and gives a festive, decadent look to your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is **overmixing** the dough. Excessive mixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy delights. Mix until just combined for a tender result.
Another issue can arise from **underbaking** the cookies. It’s vital to bake your cookies until the edges are set; underbaking can result in a gooey center that may not hold together well.
Also, ensure that your **oven temperature** is calibrated correctly. An incorrect temperature can drastically affect baked goods. Cookies may spread too much or not set correctly, depending on whether the oven is too hot or too cold.
Finally, do not skip the chilling step before baking. Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes helps to solidify the butter and can result in thicker cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To ensure your Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies remain fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week, though they’ll likely be eaten long before that!
If you’d like to make these cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough. Simply scoop dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake from frozen, slightly increasing the baking time by a couple of minutes.
For already baked cookies, they can be frozen as well. Just make sure to separate each cookie with parchment paper before stacking them in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, place the cookies in a microwave-safe container and heat for about 10-15 seconds to restore their softness. Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use a different flavor cake mix?**
Absolutely! You can experiment with any flavor of cake mix you like. Chocolate or vanilla cake mixes would pair beautifully with peppermint flavors.
2. **Can I use regular sugar instead of cake mix?**
Using regular sugar will not yield the same result, as cake mix contains all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and other ingredients. Stick to using the cake mix for an ideal texture and flavor.
3. **How do I make these cookies lower in sugar?**
If you want to cut down on sugar, consider reducing the amount of candy canes you use, or opt for sugar-free chocolate chips. There are sugar substitutes available, but they may affect the texture of the cookies.
4. **What is the best way to crush candy canes?**
Place the candy canes in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them. Alternatively, you can pulse them briefly in a food processor—but be cautious not to turn them into powder.
5. **Are these cookies suitable for shipping?**
Yes, these cookies ship well! Just ensure they are adequately packed to avoid breakage. They can stay fresh for about a week if properly sealed.
In conclusion, Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are the epitome of festive baking with their vibrant color, delightful flavor, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday party or simply to enjoy at home with a warm drink, they are bound to bring joy and delight to anyone who takes a bite. I encourage you to try this simple yet delicious recipe, customize it to your liking, and share them with loved ones. Happy baking!
