The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, festive treats that warm the heart and delight the senses. Among the cherished confections that grace tables during this special period are Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of the holidays. These cookies are not just any treats; they carry a unique creaminess from the cream cheese combined with a refreshing hint of peppermint, creating a sumptuous flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating.
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, many of us find solace in baking, enjoying the process of creating delicious sweets that can be shared with loved ones. Festive treats like Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons have a special place in holiday traditions around the world, symbolizing togetherness and the joy of giving. Whether served at a holiday party, gifted in decorative boxes, or simply enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold evening, these cookies are sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and celebration. Let’s dive into the world of Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons and discover what makes them such a beloved holiday classic!
What are Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons?
Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons are delightful holiday cookies that combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with the refreshing essence of peppermint. These cookies have a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite a blend of festive flavors. The dough is typically made with a base of cream cheese, sugar, and flour, which gives these treats their unique consistency and flavor. The addition of peppermint extract elevates this classic cookie into a true holiday favorite.
The origins of Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons can be traced back to traditional holiday baking in various cultures that emphasize the warmth and togetherness of the season. While the precise history is uncertain, their popularity has grown immensely in the United States, often becoming staples during Christmas gatherings and festive celebrations. These cookies evoke the spirit of the holidays, creating connections between people through the act of sharing and enjoying homemade treats.
Seasonally, Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons are synonymous with Christmas, where their vibrant flavors and festive appearance embody the joy of the holidays. Often adorned with crushed candy canes or drizzled with white chocolate, these cookies not only taste delicious but also look stunning on any dessert table, inviting everyone to indulge in their sweetness.
Ingredients Needed
To create your own batch of Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons, you'll need the following essential ingredients:
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient that provides a rich, creamy texture.
- Sugar: To sweeten the cookies and enhance their flavor.
- Flour: To form the structure of the cookies.
- Peppermint extract: For a refreshing holiday flavor boost.
- Other seasonings: Such as baking powder and vanilla extract to enhance the taste.
- Optional toppings or decorations: Crushed candy canes or sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
With these ingredients on hand, you're well on your way to baking a batch of these delightful cookies that are sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations.
Equipment Required
To successfully bake your Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons, you'll need a few essential pieces of kitchen equipment:
- Oven: For baking the cookies to perfection.
- Mixing bowls: To combine all your ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or whisk: To blend the cream cheese and sugar effectively.
- Baking sheets: For placing the cookies in the oven.
- Parchment paper: To prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Detailed Recipe Section
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden hue.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour and peppermint extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Form the Buttons
Once the dough is prepared, take small portions and roll them into balls about the size of a teaspoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
4. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking!
5. Cool and Garnish
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cool, feel free to add your optional toppings like crushed candy canes or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Baking Tips and Advice
To ensure your Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Avoid over-mixing: When mixing your dough, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Proper storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- Presentation ideas: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or gift them in festive boxes to share with loved ones.
Healthier Variations
For those looking to enjoy a lighter version of Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons, consider these alternatives:
- Sugar alternatives: Substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar free sweetener for a healthier option.
- Gluten-free flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Vegan options: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg for a vegan-friendly treat.
These variations allow everyone to partake in the deliciousness of Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons without sacrificing flavor.
Why Use Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is a fantastic ingredient in baking, providing a rich, creamy texture that elevates the flavor profile of your cookies. Unlike traditional butter, cream cheese offers a slight tanginess, which complements the sweetness of the cookie dough. Additionally, it helps to keep the cookies soft and moist while adding a luxurious mouthfeel.
The nutritional aspect is also noteworthy, as cream cheese often contains less fat than other traditional fats like butter, making it a delicious and potentially lighter addition to your baked treats.
Serving Suggestions
For an exceptional experience, consider pairing your Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons with:
- Beverages: These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of coffee, a soothing tea, or rich hot chocolate.
- Occasions: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and festive parties, they bring a touch of sweetness to any celebration.
- Creative presentations: Wrap them in decorative cellophane, tie with a festive ribbon, or display on a beautiful platter to impress your guests.
FAQs
What is the best way to store Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons?
The best way to store these cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature, keeping them fresh and soft for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract for a different flavor, but it may be stronger, so use sparingly. Alternatively, try using crushed mint candies in the dough.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons can last about a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Are there gluten-free versions of this recipe?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients are free from gluten contamination.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons are not just cookies; they embody the spirit of the holiday season with their delightful flavors and comforting textures. Whether you're baking them as part of your holiday tradition or experimenting with healthier variations, these cookies are sure to bring joy to gatherings. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences with these festive treats!
References
For additional information on baking tips and health variations, you may want to consult reputable culinary websites or baking textbooks that focus on holiday recipes.
Cream Cheese Peppermint Buttons
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cookie cutter (optional)
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese softened, 8 oz
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened, 1 stick
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies for topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press some crushed peppermint candies onto the tops of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
