**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10-12 minutes
**Total Time:** 25-27 minutes
**Servings:** 24 cookies
If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the joy of baking with the delightful flavor of peppermint, you’ve landed in the right place! These **Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies** are not only easy to whip up, but they also deliver a punchy flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as a delightful snack at home, these cookies will make every occasion a special one.
What makes this recipe so special? The simplicity of using a cake mix minimizes preparation time, making it ideal even for those who may not be comfortable in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll delve deep into everything you need to know about making these irresistible cookies—the ingredients, the baking process, variations you can try, and even tips to ensure success. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
What Are Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies?
Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are fun, festive treats made primarily from a cake mix, which serves as the base for the cookie dough. **Cake mix** is a convenient and versatile ingredient that allows you to create different flavors and textures without extensive baking knowledge. These cookies usually boast a soft, chewy texture with a crushed peppermint flavor that dances on your palate.
These cookies often feature a combination of **peppermint extract** and crushed candy canes, giving them a refreshing and minty flavor profile that perfectly embodies the winter season. The vibrant red and white colors of the crushed candy cane create a visually appealing treat that looks just as festive as it tastes! With their easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for busy parents, novice bakers, or anyone looking to whip up a sweet treat without a lot of hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies.
– **Ease of Preparation:** With just a handful of ingredients, you can have fresh cookies baked and cooling on your counter in under 30 minutes. That makes them ideal for last-minute gatherings or family cravings!
– **Cost-Effectiveness:** Using a **cake mix** cuts down on the cost compared to making cookies from scratch since you won’t need to buy multiple ingredients.
– **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of vanilla and peppermint is simply irresistible. The crunch of peppermint candy canes brings a delicious texture while adding a refreshing twist.
– **Versatility:** This basic recipe is an excellent foundation for creativity. You can easily swap in different flavors of cake mix, or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
– **Kid-Friendly:** These cookies are a great project to involve the little ones. They can help in mixing, rolling, and, of course, crumbling the candy canes!
– **Impressive Presentation:** The festive colors and shapes make the cookies a hit for any event, whether it’s a holiday party or a bake sale.
But, before you jump in, it’s important to understand the right balance of flavors and textures to achieve the best results. Here’s what you need to get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
– **1 box of White Cake Mix:** This is the base of your cookies. The white cake mix provides a sweet flavor and fluffy texture. You can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix if you want a richer taste.
– **1/2 cup of Vegetable Oil:** The oil adds moisture and helps create a chewy texture. You could also use melted butter for a richer flavor profile.
– **2 large Eggs:** Eggs are a key binding agent that helps give the cookies texture and structure.
– **1 teaspoon of Peppermint Extract:** This extract enhances the peppermint flavor and adds a nice aromatic quality. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can adjust the amount.
– **1 cup of Crushed Candy Canes:** The star ingredient! Crushed candy canes add both a crunchy texture and bursts of peppermint flavor. You can use store-bought crushed candy canes or use the back of a rolling pin to crush whole candy canes.
– **Optional:** **Powdered Sugar for dusting** or a chocolate drizzle for decoration, adding a gourmet touch to your cookies.
Before starting, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
How to Make Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Ready to create your delicious Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies? Follow these simple steps to ensure success!
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and properly rise. While your oven heats, you can proceed with mixing your ingredients.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine your box of cake mix and the crushed candy canes. Stir well to ensure the candy is evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, which will help to incorporate its delightful flavor into every bite.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Next, add in the vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer, mix the ingredients together on low speed until the dough is well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky; if it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to achieve the right consistency.
4. **Scoop the Dough:** Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
5. **Bake the Cookies:** Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers may appear slightly undercooked. This will give your cookies that ideal chewy texture.
6. **Cool and Dust:** Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
7. **Enjoy!** Once they’ve cooled down, gather your friends and family for a delightful tasting of these peppermint-infused treats!
5 Variations & Substitutions
Exploring variations can add fun to your baking endeavor! Here are a few ideas:
1. **Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:** Swap out the white cake mix for chocolate cake mix. This substitution adds a rich depth to the flavor and pairs wonderfully with the peppermint. These cookies taste like a candy cane brownie!
2. **Peppermint Oreo Cookies:** Crushed Oreo cookies can be added into the mixture for a delightful twist. This variation provides a crunchy texture and an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor that complements the mint.
3. **Gluten-Free Option:** For gluten-free eaters, use a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well. This allows everyone to indulge without worry.
4. **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold in some chocolate chips (mint-flavored or traditional) into the dough before baking. This adds sweetness and a gooey texture to your cookies, creating a balanced flavor profile.
5. **Lightly Frosted Cookies:** After the cookies have cooled, consider frosting them with cream cheese or buttercream frosting flavored with a hint of peppermint. This adds extra creaminess and elevates your cookies to a new level of deliciousness.
Use these variations to create your ideal cookie masterpiece. The possibilities are endless!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking, mistakes can often happen. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:
– **Overmixing the Dough:** Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing! You’re looking for a smooth consistency with some lumps of candy cane throughout.
– **Not Cooling the Cookies:** Be sure to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up properly, maintaining that chewy texture.
– **Incorrect Oven Temperature:** Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven that’s too hot can cause the cookies to bake too quickly, resulting in burnt edges and dry centers.
– **Ignoring Ingredient Temperature:** Using cold eggs or oil can hinder the mixing process. Make sure everything is at room temperature for an easier blending process.
– **Skip the Parchment Paper?** Avoid skipping the parchment paper! It prevents sticking and ensures even baking, especially for cookies that may spread while baking.
With these tips, you can ensure a smooth baking experience and delightful cookies.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Storing, freezing, and reheating cookies can be done easily with a few simple guidelines:
– **Storage:** Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Keep a piece of bread in the container to maintain the cookies’ moisture.
– **Freezing:** These cookies freeze beautifully! After they’ve cooled, simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
– **Reheating:** To bring cookies back to life, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore their softness and warm up that minty goodness!
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies over several days—or even weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. **Can I use another flavor of cake mix?**
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. You can use chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor, vanilla for a lighter taste, or even funfetti for added color and sweetness. Adjusting the cake mix allows you to customize the cookies to your liking.
2. **How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?**
Cookie spreading can be an issue if there is too much fat in the mixture. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
3. **What can I use instead of crushed candy canes?**
If peppermint isn’t your thing, or if you can’t find candy canes, consider alternatives like crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
4. **Can I double this recipe?**
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies! Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to hold all the ingredients, and watch your bake time, as larger batches might require a bit more time in the oven.
5. **How can I make these cookies less sweet?**
If you’d like a less sweet cookie, consider using less sugar than the recipe calls for, or replacing some of the candy canes with crushed nuts. You could also choose a less sweet cake mix if available.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a joyous celebration of flavor and texture that anyone can enjoy. With their delightful aroma and comforting taste, they are guaranteed to bring smiles to faces young and old. Don’t hesitate to try your own variations to make them your own or share them with loved ones to spread some sweet cheer! Now, get those baking sheets ready, and enjoy this festive baking adventure! Happy baking!
[Read also: Easy Dessert Recipes for Beginners]
