Peppermint Oreo Cookies

Can I say that? I don't have to call these "Chocolate Creme Sandwiches" or something? Pssht. This ain't Waaaalmarttt.

I think the chipped polish gives the picture a more peppermint=y look

Anyway, speaking of discount super stores, I got a little carried away in Target last night. I stopped in for shampoo and got totally sidetracked by Christmas decor (it's always something). I ended up with Christmas sticky notes, bells for my mini tree (it's the size of a coffee mug... and now it has giant bells on it.. it's SO cute), gift labels, tissue paper, candy canes, ribbon, etc. I'm getting really amped. And I know I'm a week early (I've never really loved Thanksgiving all that much; I know scandalous right?). But you know what, I'm an adult. And adults do what we want. Even if that's to get really excited about a holiday that's largely based upon belief in a fictional character who sneaks into your house and delivers presents in the night. And even if that means buying sticky notes shaped like bells. And gingerbread man squeaky toys for your dog, who has no concept of Christmas at all and makes the gingerbread man an amputee in .05 seconds. Whatever.

Vanilla Almond Milk = perfect dunking option

PS How cute is this!?

OMG Christmas Penguin, look out!

But after returning home and continuing to be really excited, I decided to mash up some candy canes and make these delicious peppermint oreo cookies. Because what better way to be excited about the holidays and steal a little of Thanksgiving's thunder than with peppermint candy cane confections? And who doesn't love a good oreo cookie? Exactly. So, here's a little bit of my week-too-early holiday cheer. If you can't stomach it for another week, save the recipe. It's definitely worthwhile! The whole thing is done in the bowl of a food processor. One stop shop. Minimal dishes, maximum milk dunking enjoyment. (If you haven't already heard me say this, I'll say it again: If you don't have one, GET A FOOD PROCESSOR.) The wafer part of these cookies is spot on to the original oreo; the frosting is a bit off, but I attribute that to the lard and preservatives that this homemade version leaves out. (You're better off without it.)

Soundtrack: Found this one on a friend's FB page and I sorta love it. It sounds a little generic in some parts, but most of it's really unique and fun.

TDRMC Annual Mix by Taikomochi Records

Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Adapted from Retro Desserts, Wayne Brachman, via Smitten Kitchen
Makes 15-20 sandwiches (I made mine larger, because I was in an "I want to eat 2 cookies, but tell myself I ate 1" kind of mood)


For the cookies:
1 1/4 c ap flour
1/2 c unsweeted Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 c sugar
1/2 c plus 2 tbsp butter, room temp
1 egg


For the creme:
1/2 c butter, room temp
2 c powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 peppermint candy canes, smashed into bits


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.


In the bowl of a food processor, add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Process on low until blended. Cut butter into tablespoons and add to bowl. Process on low until fully combined. Add egg and continue to process on low for 2-3 minutes, or until dough comes together and is fully moistened. You will need to scrape with a spatula at least once to ensure even distribution.


Spoon dough onto lined cookie sheets in rounded teaspoons. Flatten cookies a bit with the flat part of a spatula or palms. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through.


While cookies are baking, rinse food processor bowl and blade and dry. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a cooking rack.


To make the creme, reattach food processor bowl to base and add butter. Process for 1 minute on low, scraping the sides occasionally, until whipped. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue to process for another 3 minutes, or until creme is light and fluffy. With processor running on low, add candy cane bits. Run for another 30 seconds. 


Once cookies are fully cooled, use a spoon to drop about a tablespoon of creme on the underside of a cookie. Press the underside of another cookie to the creme to spread it out and create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are used. 


Dunk in milk and enjoy!

Whiiiirrrrrr