If you’re on the hunt for a festive, eye-catching treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, I’ve got just the thing for you! This Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe brings together the creamy, nostalgic charm of chocolate sandwich cookies with a luscious peppermint-flavored candy coating, beautifully striped for that extra touch of holiday magic. Every bite is a perfect dance of sweet and minty, with a crisp exterior that gives way to the soft filling inside, making these cookies a delightful showstopper for gatherings or simply a cozy afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable peppermint flavor and iconic striped look. Gathering them is easy, and they come together beautifully to create a texture and taste that’s truly something special.
- Bright white candy melts (12-ounce package): These provide a smooth, creamy coating that sets perfectly and serves as the canvas for the peppermint stripes.
- Coconut or vegetable oil (1 tbsp.): Added to the candy melts, this helps them melt smoothly and creates a glossy finish for dipping.
- Peppermint extract (1 tsp. plus extra): For that unmistakable refreshing burst of minty goodness that defines the cookies.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (22 pieces): Classic favorites like Oreos work wonderfully here, with their rich chocolate and creamy center.
- Red or pink luster dust (1/2 tsp.): This gives the stripes a shimmer and vibrant color, turning simple cookies into festive delights.
How to Make Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Melt the Candy
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat and prevent sticking. Then, melt your bright white candy melts following the package instructions—usually a gentle microwave or double boiler method works best. Stir in the coconut or vegetable oil along with one teaspoon of peppermint extract until you achieve a silky smooth mixture. The oil is a game-changer here, giving you that perfect flowing consistency for dipping.
Step 2: Dip Each Cookie in the Peppermint Coating
Next, take each chocolate sandwich cookie and, using a fork to hold it steady, dip it carefully into the melted candy. Gently tap off the excess to avoid drips and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is where your cookies transform from everyday treats into elegant, glossy minty morsels. Allow these to rest and firm up for about 20 minutes; patience here truly pays off in that satisfying snap.
Step 3: Create the Striped Peppermint Design
While your dipped cookies firm up, combine the red or pink luster dust with a few drops of peppermint extract to create a brushable paste—a little artistic magic in a bowl! Using a small food-safe paintbrush, carefully paint stripes across the tops of your set cookies. These stripes not only add festive color but also infuse a subtle extra hint of peppermint that makes the whole cookie pop. Let the stripes dry, and your cookies are ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes lightly around your serving tray. A little dusting of powdered sugar can also evoke a snowy winter feel, making these cookies even more inviting. Adding fresh mint leaves nearby can enhance both aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint-spiced coffee, creating a harmonious flavor experience. A bowl of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement the crisp mint and chocolate combo perfectly during dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging these striped beauties on a festive platter or tiered cake stand for a stunning centerpiece effect. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon makes for charming party favors or thoughtful gifts. You can even build a cookie platter with alternating layers of different colored stripes for an eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which might be rare given how irresistible these are—store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their delicate candy coating for up to one week, so you can enjoy that peppermint goodness a little longer.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies is possible if you want to prepare ahead for upcoming festivities. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When thawed at room temperature, they hold their flavor and texture well, though the candy coating might lose a bit of its shine.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want to refresh the crisp candy shell slightly, a few seconds in a warm (not hot) oven can help, but take care not to melt that pretty peppermint stripe away!
FAQs
Can I use other types of sandwich cookies in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos are traditional, you can experiment with different flavors or even gluten-free options to tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.
What if I don’t have luster dust? Can I still make the stripes?
Yes, you can substitute with colored edible gel or food coloring mixed with a bit of clear alcohol or extract to create a paintable solution. It won’t be quite as shimmery but will still give you beautiful stripes.
Is peppermint extract available year-round?
Yes, peppermint extract is typically available in grocery stores year-round, often found in the baking aisle. If you can’t find it, spearmint extract can be a mild alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, select vegan-certified sandwich cookies and use dairy-free candy melts along with plant-based oil. Also, ensure your peppermint extract does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
How long does it take for the candy coating to set?
Generally, it takes about 20 minutes for the candy coating to fully harden at room temperature. You can speed this up by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that brings so much joy not just in its taste but in the fun of making and sharing it. Whether for the holidays or any time you crave a cool minty twist on a classic cookie, these treats are sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to get a bite.
Print
Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Chocolate sandwich cookies are dipped in smooth peppermint-flavored white candy melts, then adorned with impromptu peppermint-striped accents created with a luster dust paste. The end result is a visually appealing, flavorful dessert that balances the classic chocolate cookie with refreshing peppermint and creamy white chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Coating
- 1 (12-ounce) package bright white candy melts
- 1 tbsp. coconut or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract, plus additional for brushing
Cookies
- 22 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos)
Decoration
- 1/2 tsp. red or pink luster dust
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the dipped cookies from sticking while they set.
- Melt Candy Coating: Melt the white candy melts according to the package instructions. Stir in the coconut or vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip Cookies: Working with one cookie at a time, hold a chocolate sandwich cookie on a fork and dip it fully into the melted candy coating. Tap off any excess coating to ensure an even layer, then place the dipped cookie on the prepared baking sheet.
- Set Cookies: Allow the dipped cookies to stand at room temperature until the coating is completely set and firm, about 20 minutes.
- Prepare Luster Dust Paste: In a small bowl, mix the red or pink luster dust with a few drops of peppermint extract to create a brushable paste.
- Decorate Cookies: Using a small food-safe paintbrush, brush lines of the peppermint luster dust paste across the tops of the set candy-coated cookies to create festive stripes.
- Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and coating integrity.
Notes
- For best results when melting candy melts, use gentle heat and stir frequently to avoid scorching.
- You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla extract if you prefer a different flavor.
- Make sure the cookies are completely dry before dipping to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Use a small, fine-tipped food-safe paintbrush for precise decorating with the luster dust paste.
- These cookies can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container to save time during holiday prep.
