If you’re searching for a sweet treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays, look no further than Peppermint Oreo Cups. These delightful bite-sized desserts combine the classic flavor of Oreo cookies with a creamy peppermint filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy. What’s more, they are incredibly simple to make, making them an ideal choice for holiday parties or gift-giving. Your friends and family will love their festive appearance, especially when topped with whipped cream and garnished with mini peppermint candies or candy canes. The freshness of peppermint combined with the rich chocolate flavor of Oreos creates an irresistible holiday treat that everyone will rave about!
Not only are Peppermint Oreo Cups delicious, but they are also quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time celebrating and less time in the kitchen. The no-bake aspect makes them especially convenient; simply prepare the cookie base, fill them with the delightful peppermint mixture, and let them chill until it’s time to serve. Everyone will appreciate the fun and festive vibe these treats bring to your holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re great for both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Oreo Cups
- Simple to make with minimal ingredients, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Rich chocolate and creamy peppermint flavors combine for a deliciously festive treat.
- Great for parties, family gatherings, or as homemade gifts during the holiday season.
- No fancy gadgets required; all you need is a mixing bowl, a muffin tin, and a pastry bag!
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for ultimate party convenience.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin whipping up these delightful Peppermint Oreo Cups, setting the stage for cooking success is crucial. Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure an efficient prep process. A mini muffin tin is essential for this recipe; consider greasing it lightly with cooking spray or softened butter to prevent sticking. You will also need a mixing bowl for combining your cookie crumbs and melted butter along with another bowl for preparing the peppermint filling.
As you prepare, it’s a good idea to have your cream cheese softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this task so if you have one, prepare it for use! Finally, using a piping bag to fill the cookie cups will help you achieve clean and polished results when adding the peppermint filling. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Oreo cookies, crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 drops pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Mini peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookie base bakes evenly and achieves that perfect crunch. While the oven is heating, take out a mini muffin tin and apply a thin layer of grease using either cooking spray or a small amount of butter; this will help your cookies release easily once baked.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Cups
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter, stirring until the mixture becomes fully incorporated and resembles wet sand. Take about one tablespoon of this mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of each muffin cup, forming a small cup shape. Make sure to create a slightly thicker layer at the edges to hold the filling securely. This may get a little messy, but don’t worry — it will all come together nicely in the baking process!
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Base
Once you have each muffin cup filled with the cookie mixture, pop the tin into the preheated oven. Bake them for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set. Right after you take them out, take a spoon or your fingers and gently press down the centers to create more space for that delectable filling. Allow them to cool completely before moving on to the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a touch of food coloring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want the filling to be thick enough to pipe into the cookie cups without running all over the place! If you find the filling a little too runny, you can chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before piping.
Step 5: Pipe and Top the Cups
Once the filling is ready and your cookie cups are cooled, grab a piping bag and fill it with the peppermint mixture. Carefully pipe the filling into each cooled cookie cup, stopping just shy of overflowing. The festive touch comes next — top each one with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a mini peppermint candy or crushed candy cane for that extra holiday cheer!
Step 6: Chill Until Ready to Serve
After garnishing your Peppermint Oreo Cups, place them in the fridge to chill until you are ready to serve. This will help the filling to set up perfectly and give guests a cool treat that’s perfect for any holiday celebration!
Variations
- Protein: For an additional protein boost, consider incorporating Greek yogurt into the peppermint filling.
- Vegetables: Mix in a small amount of finely grated zucchini for moisture without sacrificing flavor!
- Spices: Experiment with flavored extracts; almond or vanilla add a unique twist to the filling.
Cooking Notes
- Chilling the filling slightly before piping makes it easier to work with, giving you neater finished cups.
- Make sure to crush peppermint candies right before serving to avoid them melting if they’ve been sitting out.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Peppermint Oreo Cups on a festive platter for an attractive holiday dessert display.
- Pair them with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that elevates any festive gathering.
Tips
- Utilize the freshest peppermint extract for the best flavor — the natural oils give an incredible aroma and taste!
- Don’t skip the red or pink food coloring; it not only adds a festive touch but elevates the look of the filling as well.
- Try using different types of Oreos, like peppermint or red velvet, to switch up the flavor profile!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per cup
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can Peppermint Oreo Cups be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add the toppings right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even whipped coconut cream.
Can I freeze Peppermint Oreo Cups?
Yes! They can be frozen, although the texture may change slightly once thawed. Ensure they are stored in a freezer-safe container.
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, chill it for a while before trying to pipe it into the cookie cups. This will firm it up and make the process much easier!
Conclusion
Peppermint Oreo Cups are not just a treat; they are a festive experience! Perfectly blending the joy of holiday flavors with ease of preparation, these delightful desserts will surely become a family favorite. They’re versatile enough to impress guests at your holiday gatherings or make lovely edible gifts for loved ones. So why not get into the holiday spirit and whip up a batch of these delightful treats? We hope you enjoy every bite and invite you to share your experiences! Feel free to leave a comment below for variations you’ve tried or any tips you have for making them even better!
Print
Peppermint Oreo Cups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Peppermint Oreo Cups are a festive treat that combines creamy peppermint filling with Oreo cookie crust, perfect for holiday parties!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Oreo cookies, crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 drops pink or red food coloring (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Mini peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin.
- Combine crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter, press into muffin cups.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set; cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and food coloring until creamy.
- Fill cups with peppermint mixture, top with whipped cream and garnish.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 2 g