If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of peppermint and the joyful colors of the holiday season, the Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe is the perfect treat. These charming cookies combine festive red and white stripes with a luscious peppermint-white chocolate filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a delicious way to celebrate winter, this recipe delivers delightful flavors and eye-catching presentation that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe plays a key role, from creating the tender cookie dough to building that signature peppermint flavor. The list is simple and easy to source, making this recipe both approachable and rewarding.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough ensuring a tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with a delicate crispiness on the cookie edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough giving it a soft yet sturdy bite.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Red gel food coloring: Used to create vivid, festive stripes that won’t affect dough consistency.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor, adding that unmistakable cooling peppermint punch.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Forms a creamy, dreamy filling that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
- Crushed peppermint candies: Perfect for rolling the sandwich cookie edges, adding extra crunch and festive flair.
How to Make Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is delightfully light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a mixer. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed in the dough.
Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough
Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—overmixing will make the cookies tough, so pause as soon as your dough comes together. Divide the dough evenly in two. Leave one half plain to keep that clean, classic look, and tint the other half with vibrant red gel food coloring. This contrast will create those iconic stripes that make the cookies pop.
Step 3: Roll, Chill, and Layer
Shape each half of dough into a thin rectangle approximately a quarter-inch thick, smoothing it between parchment paper for an even surface. Chill both dough rectangles for 30 minutes—this step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping maintain sharp edges during baking. Next, carefully stack the red dough on top of the plain dough and press gently to combine. Trim any uneven edges for a neat finish.
Step 4: Create Stripes and Cut Cookies
Cut the stacked dough into thin strips, then rearrange those strips side-by-side, alternating colors, to construct your striped pattern. Press gently with a rolling pin to seal the layers together. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out your sandwich cookie bases, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly to bake beautifully.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. The scent of buttery, peppermint-infused goodness should start filling your kitchen here. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack—this step is crucial to prevent the filling from melting later on.
Step 6: Make the Peppermint White Chocolate Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the white chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring frequently until smooth and silky. Remove from heat and fold in peppermint extract for that refreshing holiday essence. Let the filling chill in the fridge until it thickens enough to spread easily without running.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of the peppermint white chocolate filling onto the bottom side of half the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create delightful sandwiches. For an extra special touch, roll the edges in crushed peppermint candies—this adds festive color, texture, and a burst of minty crunch.
How to Serve Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies or dust a little powdered sugar over the top of your finished cookies. A small drizzle of white chocolate can also add elegance and enhance the flavor layers. These little accents make your striped peppermint sandwich cookies just as beautiful as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or your favorite peppermint-flavored tea. They make for a delightful companion to a glass of cold milk, balancing sweetness and freshness perfectly. Whether for a holiday party or a cozy afternoon snack, pairing your cookies smartly elevates every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, arrange your Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe on a festive plate or tiered cookie stand. Wrap them individually in cellophane tied with ribbon for charming party favors. You can also stack them beside other seasonal treats for a dynamic dessert buffet that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking and assembling, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their texture and flavor. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days, ready whenever a peppermint craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these festive cookies ahead of time, freezing is an excellent option. Freeze the baked, cooled cookies separately before sandwiching with filling to prevent sogginess. Once assembled, place wax paper between layers and freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no extensive reheating is necessary. If desired, gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to soften the filling slightly, but be careful not to melt the peppermint candies or the white chocolate too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended for this recipe since it produces bright, vivid stripes without altering the dough’s texture. Liquid food coloring might make the dough too wet, affecting the cookie’s structure.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to crush them gently. Aim for a mix of small pieces and fine bits to add both texture and color to the cookie edges.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with another kind of chocolate?
White chocolate creates a sweet, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with peppermint. You can experiment with milk or dark chocolate, but expect a richer, less sweet flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cutter?
Dip your cookie cutter in flour or warm water between cuts to keep it clean and prevent the dough from sticking. This helps achieve neat and consistent shapes every time.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe uses no animal-derived gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients, making it a perfect holiday treat for vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to dive into this Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe and experience the magic of those festive stripes paired with a creamy peppermint-white chocolate center. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like the holidays and your friends beg for the secret. Whether it’s your first time baking them or you’re a seasoned cookie enthusiast, these treats are guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to any gathering. So grab your mixing bowl and get started—you’ll love the results!
Print
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies, featuring vibrant red and plain cookie layers with a creamy peppermint white chocolate filling. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these visually striking cookies combine a tender buttery base with refreshing peppermint and a crunchy peppermint candy garnish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring
Filling and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture to incorporate moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to prevent overworking the dough.
- Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into two halves. Leave one plain, and tint the other with red gel food coloring to achieve vibrant stripes.
- Roll and Chill: Roll each dough half into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle between parchment sheets, then chill both for 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Create Stripes: Stack the red dough on top of the plain dough, press gently, trim edges, and cut the stacked dough into thin strips. Alternate placing strips side-by-side to form a striped pattern, sealing gently with a rolling pin.
- Cut Cookies: Use a round cutter to cut out cookies from the striped dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: Heat white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract, then chill until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the peppermint white chocolate filling onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Optionally, roll the edges in crushed peppermint candies for extra crunch and festivity.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant and true red color without altering dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- Ensure the filling is properly chilled and thickened before assembling to prevent oozing.
