Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies feature a refreshing peppermint flavor combined with smooth cream cheese and butter. Made in under 25 minutes with just five ingredients, they require no chilling and bake into tender treats perfect for any time. The dough is gently mixed, shaped into balls, then lightly pressed before baking to maintain a soft center and slightly firm edges. Ideal for quick and flavorful desserts or snacks.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:53:45 GMT
A plate of Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, dusted lightly and ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
A plate of Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, dusted lightly and ready to be enjoyed. | citrushearth.com

Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies deliver a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor. Crafted with just five simple ingredients and no chilling necessary, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion—especially the holiday season when peppermint treats shine.

A plate of Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, dusted lightly and ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
A plate of Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, dusted lightly and ready to be enjoyed. | citrushearth.com

These cookies blend the richness of cream cheese and butter with the bright, invigorating taste of peppermint extract. Their simplicity doesn’t compromise flavor, making them a cozy, impressive treat to share.

Ingredients

  • 113 g (4 oz, ½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 113 g (4 oz, ½ cup) cream cheese, softened
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
  • 190 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and cream cheese
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
3. Add sugar and peppermint
Add the sugar and peppermint extract; beat until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in flour
Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Portion dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Flatten
Gently press each ball to slightly flatten.
7. Bake
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft (do not overbake).
8. Cool
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to preserve the soft texture. Press cookies lightly to maintain their delicate cracks and tender centers. Baking slightly underdone keeps them irresistibly soft.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a festive twist, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before baking or drizzle with white chocolate after cooling. To alter the flavor profile, substitute peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a milder taste.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these cookies with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy pairing. They also make delightful gifts when wrapped in decorative tins or cellophane bags.

Warm, freshly baked Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, showing perfect cracks and soft centers. Save to Pinterest
Warm, freshly baked Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies, showing perfect cracks and soft centers. | citrushearth.com

With their simplicity, delightful texture, and unmistakable peppermint essence, these Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese Cookies quickly become a beloved recipe to revisit year after year.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these cookies soft?

The combination of cream cheese and softened butter creates a tender, moist texture that keeps the cookies soft.

Can I substitute peppermint extract?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used for a milder, classic flavor without overpowering the cookie’s texture.

Is chilling the dough necessary?

No chilling is required, making preparation faster and simpler while still ensuring a good consistency.

How can I add festive flair?

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before baking or drizzle with white chocolate after cooling.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Soft Peppermint Cream Cheese

Tender, melt-in-mouth cookies flavored with peppermint and cream cheese, made quickly with minimal ingredients.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
12 minutes
Overall time
22 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 24 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

Base

01 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
03 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavor

01 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract

Dry

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare oven and pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream butter and cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Add sugar and peppermint: Incorporate the granulated sugar and peppermint extract; beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 04

Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Portion dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 06

Shape cookies: Gently press each dough ball to slightly flatten.

Step 07

Bake cookies: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking.

Step 08

Cool cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

What You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese) and wheat (flour).
  • May contain traces of other allergens depending on product brands.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 95
  • Fat content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Protein amount: 1 grams