Olivia’s Famous Peppermint Crunch Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Recipe

Every family has those cherished recipes that define the holiday season, and for ours, it’s undoubtedly these Famous Peppermint Cookies. What started as my sister Olivia’s experimental baking project has blossomed into a non-negotiable Christmas tradition, especially for my dad! If these aren’t on the cookie tray, holiday cheer levels definitely plummet. After years of enjoying them, I’ve finally convinced her to share the coveted recipe for her now legendary peppermint cookies with all of you. Get ready to add a burst of festive flavor to your holiday baking with these unique and utterly delightful treats that are destined to become a staple in your home too!

Unveiling the Secret to These Macaroon-Like Peppermint Cookies

What makes these peppermint cookies truly stand out from the crowd? It’s a secret technique that delivers a surprisingly delicate texture, reminiscent of a crisp macaroon. Unlike most cookie recipes that demand high heat, you’ll notice these are baked at a significantly lower temperature. This isn’t an oversight; it’s a deliberate method that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens in the oven: the lower, slower bake allows the cookies to gently puff up in the middle while developing a delightful, slightly crunchy outer crust. This meticulous approach is key to achieving that desirable textural contrast—a soft, chewy interior perfectly encased by a crisp exterior. Over-baking these cookies at a higher temperature would result in a uniformly crunchy biscuit, losing the signature soft center that makes them so unique and addictive. We’re aiming for edges that are just beginning to turn golden, signaling perfection without venturing into dry territory. Trust me, if you bake them until they’re browned all the way through, you’ll definitely need a generous mug of peppermint coffee or rich sugar-free hot cocoa to dunk them in, and while delicious, that’s not the intended experience for this particular treat.

Precision is Key: Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cookies

Achieving consistently perfect cookies often comes down to precise measurements and techniques. In my kitchen, I swear by ice cream or portion scoops for uniform cookie sizes. Using THIS SCOOP ensures you’ll yield a perfect three dozen cookies from this recipe batch, making them ideal for holiday gifting or large gatherings. Consistency in size isn’t just about aesthetics; it also ensures even baking, so every cookie on the tray cooks perfectly at the same rate.

Once you’ve scooped your dough rounds and arranged them on your baking sheet with adequate spacing, don’t skip the next crucial step. Gently press down on the top of each cookie with three fingers to create a slightly flattened surface. This slight flattening helps achieve that signature crunchy edge and softer center. But the real “peppermint punch” comes next: generously sprinkle the tops of these flattened dough rounds with some of the reserved peppermint baking chips. This extra layer of peppermint goodness not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but amplifies the refreshing flavor, making each bite an explosion of holiday cheer. These small details collectively elevate the cookies from good to truly famous.

Why These Peppermint Cookies are a Holiday Must-Have

These peppermint crunch cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. They are consistently the first to disappear from holiday cookie trays and are an absolute sensation at any party. The vibrant peppermint flavor is perfectly balanced with the sweet, chewy cookie base, embodying the very essence of Christmas. There’s something undeniably magical about a treat that can instantly transport you to a festive wonderland, and these cookies do just that. Olivia, my sister, has truly earned her reputation as “the girl with the Peppermint Cookies,” and it’s a title she wears with pride. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little love and a unique baking approach to create something truly memorable.

Beyond their delightful taste and texture, these cookies offer versatility in presentation. Arrange them on a festive platter, pack them into decorative tins for thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply pile them high for your family to enjoy. Their distinctive appearance, enhanced by the bright red and white peppermint chips, makes them a visual treat that complements any holiday spread. They pair wonderfully with a warm beverage on a chilly winter evening or stand alone as a refreshing post-meal indulgence. Make these once, and you’ll understand why they’ve become such an indispensable part of our family’s holiday celebrations.

A Deeper Dive into the Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in appreciating the nuanced flavors and textures of Olivia’s Famous Peppermint Cookies. Let’s break down the components that contribute to their irresistible charm:

• Unsalted Butter (16 tablespoons): Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content of your cookies. It also provides that rich, creamy base essential for a tender cookie. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup) & Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup): The combination of both sugars is critical. Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses flavor, while granulated sugar contributes to the crispiness of the edges and helps with spread. This balance is key to the macaroon-like texture.
• Large Egg (1): The egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together, and also adds moisture and richness, contributing to the cookie’s structure and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A generous amount of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, providing a warm, aromatic foundation that complements the vibrant peppermint. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): This leavening agent reacts with the acidic components (like brown sugar) to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which gives the cookies their slight puff and contributes to their tender crumb.
• Kosher Salt (¾ teaspoon): Salt is a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and making the peppermint notes pop. Kosher salt has larger flakes than table salt, dissolving slower and offering a cleaner taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cup): The main structural component. Sifting it helps prevent lumps and ensures a lighter texture. Measure it correctly (spoon and level) to avoid dense cookies.
• Quick Oats (1 cup): Quick oats add a lovely chewiness and a wholesome texture to the cookies, distinguishing them from a standard sugar cookie and contributing to the satisfying mouthfeel.
• Angel Flake Coconut, sweetened (1 cup): This provides an additional layer of texture and a subtle, sweet, tropical note that surprisingly harmonizes beautifully with the peppermint, adding complexity.
• Chopped Pecans (1 ¼ cup): The pecans introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, contrasting with the soft cookie and sharp peppermint. Toasting them lightly before adding can deepen their flavor.
• Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips (1 ½ cup): The star of the show! These chips are crucial for that unmistakable festive peppermint flavor and the beautiful red and white flecks that scream “holiday.” Their slight melt provides bursts of creamy, minty goodness.

Did you make this recipe? I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please let me know by leaving a review or comment below. And for more delicious recipes, holiday inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to see your creations!

📖 Recipe Card

Olivia’s Famous Peppermint Cookies

These festive peppermint cookies have become a beloved holiday tradition and a newer family favorite in our home. My sister Olivia absolutely MUST bake them every Christmas, or our dad simply won’t have a happy holiday! With their unique macaroon-like texture and delightful peppermint crunch, they’re truly unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 16 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ¾ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Quick Oats
• 1 cup Angel Flake Coconut, sweetened
• 1 ¼ cup Chopped Pecans
• 1 ½ cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to a precise 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature is critical for achieving the unique macaroon-like texture of these cookies. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the spacious bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed for an additional 2 minutes, until the mixture is thoroughly combined, light, and noticeably fluffier.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Mix-ins: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the baking soda, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated and the dough begins to come together. It’s important to stop the mixer when you can still see a few streaks of flour; this prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies. Next, gently fold in the quick oats, sweetened angel flake coconut, chopped pecans, and 1 cup of the Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips (reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping). Mix on low speed, just until everything is evenly combined and the flavorings are well disbursed throughout the dough.
5. Scoop, Flatten, and Top Cookies: Using a 1-inch portion scoop (or about 1 tablespoon), scoop rounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. For that distinctive texture and flavor boost, gently press the tops of each dough round down lightly with three fingers to create a slightly flattened surface. Then, liberally sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of peppermint chips over the top of each cookie.
6. Bake and Cool Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated 300°F oven for 12-15 minutes. The key is to bake them just until the outer edges begin to get lightly crisp and subtly browned, while the center remains beautifully soft and slightly puffed. Be very careful not to over bake them, as this will sacrifice their signature chewy texture. Once baked, remove the baking tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before you handle them.
7. Final Cooling and Serving: Carefully transfer the slightly cooled cookies from the baking tray to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe consistently yields a perfect 3 dozen delicious 1-inch cookies, ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving):

Serving Size:

1 cookie

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: (This value is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation.)

Did you make this recipe?

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