If you’re searching for a festive and delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season or just craving a refreshingly sweet snack, the Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies perfectly balance the crisp, buttery cookie with a cool peppermint cream filling, all wrapped up in a charming red-and-white striped pattern. With a luscious white chocolate dip and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top, these cookies are as enchanting to look at as they are heavenly to eat. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved classic to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the magic of Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies calls for straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the softness of butter to the zing of peppermint extract, every component brings both flavor and texture, while the red food coloring creates that eye-catching festive look.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures the cookies stay tender and rich in flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create a light texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Brings that refreshing, cool peppermint taste essential to the recipe.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, providing the needed structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft yet sturdy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Red food coloring: Gives the cookies their festive striped appearance; gel coloring works best for vibrant color.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts: For dipping, adding a creamy sweetness and gorgeous finish.
- Crushed peppermint candies: A crunchy, colorful garnish that adds sparkle and extra peppermint punch.
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base for the luscious peppermint filling.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the peppermint flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Boosts the minty goodness in the filling.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts filling consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy; this step is crucial for giving the cookies their soft texture. Next, add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts, beating well until everything is combined. In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure even distribution. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to form a soft dough that holds together nicely without being sticky.
Step 2: Create the Stripes
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add red food coloring to one half and gently knead until the entire portion shows a vibrant, consistent red. Now comes the fun part: roll each dough half into long ropes of equal length. To make the signature striped look, twist or stack these ropes together side by side, then press and roll gently to fuse them without losing the striped effect. Slice the combined dough into small disks and flatten them just a bit for uniform cookies. Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step sharpens the stripes and helps cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the cookies remain soft in the center. When done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling before filling is essential — it helps the cream filling stay intact and prevents melting.
Step 4: Make the Peppermint Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up the filling by beating softened butter until it’s smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, combining well between additions. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency that’s perfect for sandwiching cookies together without oozing out.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
Spread a generous layer of the peppermint filling on the flat side of half the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies to create perfect pairs. Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts, and dip half of each sandwich cookie into the coating for a decadent touch. Before the coating sets, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the dipped portion to add crunch and festive flair. Allow the dipped cookies to rest until the chocolate hardens before serving.
How to Serve Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, crushed peppermint candies add not only texture but also a sparkling burst of color that perfectly complements the red and white cookie stripes. You can also dust a bit of powdered sugar over the finished cookies for a snowy effect that’s perfect during the holidays.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or creamy eggnog, balancing the cool peppermint flavor with cozy warmth. If you prefer something lighter, a simple peppermint tea or a latte enhances the refreshing notes of the cookies without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a holiday party or gifting them, arrange them in a festive tin lined with decorative parchment paper. You can also stack them with a gingerbread cookie or sprinkle edible glitter for extra sparkle. Wrapping sandwich cookies individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for irresistible edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy these treats over several days.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a party or holiday gathering, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating is not typically necessary. If you prefer a warm cookie, gently heat in a microwave for 5-7 seconds or pop in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes, but be careful not to melt the white chocolate coating.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is key for the signature flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or another flavor extract you love, such as almond or lemon, to create a different but equally delicious cookie.
Is gel food coloring better for the red stripes?
Yes, gel food coloring is recommended because it provides a vibrant, rich red without adding too much liquid to the dough, which helps maintain the perfect consistency and the crispness of the cookies.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for dipping?
Definitely! Dark chocolate offers a wonderful bitter contrast to the sweet peppermint filling and can be a delicious twist if you prefer less sweetness. Just be sure to sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies quickly before the chocolate sets.
How do I get the stripes to look clean and well-defined?
Chilling the dough before baking is essential for crisp, sharp stripes. Also, rolling the colored dough into precise ropes and gently twisting or stacking without overmixing helps the stripes remain distinct during baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
While the original recipe uses butter, egg, and all-purpose flour, you can experiment with plant-based butter substitutes, flax eggs, and gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary preferences, but expect slight differences in texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe is such a joyous experience, blending festive colors with irresistible flavors that brighten any occasion. Whether for holiday sharing or a cozy treat anytime, these cookies invite smiles and compliments with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try baking these yourself and experience the magic firsthand—they’re sure to become one of your favorite baked treasures!
Print
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are festive holiday treats featuring vibrant red and white twisted cookie doughs filled with a creamy peppermint buttercream and dipped in white chocolate with crushed peppermint garnish. These sandwich cookies combine a tender, buttery texture with refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for Christmas celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
Dipping and Garnish
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts (for dipping)
- Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Color and Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one half and knead until the color is uniformly distributed. Roll each piece into long ropes separately. Twist or stack the two colored ropes together and gently roll to combine the colors, creating stripes. Slice the twisted dough into small disks and flatten slightly to shape the cookies. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just set but not browned. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Filling: Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, continuing to beat. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the filling reaches a light and spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Spread the peppermint filling on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Dip and Garnish: Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts until smooth. Dip half of each sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the coating sets. Let cookies rest until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes
- Chill the dough well to help achieve sharp, defined stripes.
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red color without altering dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 1 month, thawing before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
