The Ultimate Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies (Easy Holiday Treat!)
Imagine a crisp, chocolate sandwich cookie, enrobed in a smooth, snowy-white peppermint coating, and finished with elegant, hand-painted stripes of shimmering red luster. That, my friends, is the stunning, patisserie-worthy magic of these Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies. This is, without a doubt, the most sophisticated and deceptively simple no-bake treat you will make this Christmas….
Imagine a crisp, chocolate sandwich cookie, enrobed in a smooth, snowy-white peppermint coating, and finished with elegant, hand-painted stripes of shimmering red luster. That, my friends, is the stunning, patisserie-worthy magic of these Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies. This is, without a doubt, the most sophisticated and deceptively simple no-bake treat you will make this Christmas.
I promise you, there is no greater holiday hosting triumph than presenting a platter of these beauties. The cool, crisp peppermint shell gives way to the crunchy chocolate cookie and creamy filling, a perfect symphony of textures and flavors. The final, painted-on shimmer is a touch of pure elegance that will have everyone believing you bought them from a high-end bakery.
Get ready to create the most talked-about cookie on the platter, a simple, 5-ingredient recipe that proves elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why These Peppermint Cookies are a Holiday Masterpiece
You are going to be completely amazed by how easy it is to create such a stunning cookie. This recipe is a true holiday gem. Here’s why:
- Looks Like It Came from a Professional Bakery: The smooth white coating and delicate, hand-painted luster stripes create a truly elegant and professional-looking cookie that is guaranteed to impress.
- A 5-Ingredient, No-Bake Wonder: This entire recipe uses just 5 simple ingredients and a brilliant shortcut (store-bought cookies!) to create a gourmet treat with zero baking required.
- Classic Peppermint-Chocolate Flavor: The beloved holiday combination of cool, bright peppermint and rich chocolate is a timeless classic that everyone adores.
- Perfect for Holiday Gifting: Packaged in a beautiful box with tissue paper, these stunning cookies make an incredibly thoughtful and impressive homemade gift.
- A Fun and Artistic Project: The process of dipping the cookies and then “painting” them with luster dust is a wonderfully creative and satisfying activity.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 35 minutes |
| Setting Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 22 cookies |
| Calories | 145 kcal per cookie (estimated) |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / No-Bake |
Your 5-Ingredient Shopping List
This elegant cookie comes together with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
→ For the Striped Peppermint Cookies
- 1 (12-ounce) package bright white candy melts → The secret to a pure, snowy white coating, as opposed to the more yellow hue of white chocolate.
- 1 Tbsp coconut or vegetable oil → Helps to thin the candy melts for a smoother, more even coating.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract → For that classic, cool holiday flavor. Plus a few extra drops for painting!
- 22 chocolate sandwich cookies → Such as Oreos. The classic, crunchy star of the show.
- ½ tsp red or pink luster dust → This edible, shimmering powder is what creates the beautiful, painted-on stripes.
Let’s Get Decorating! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create the most beautiful cookies of the season? Let’s get dipping and painting!
Part 1: The Peppermint Coating
- Prep Your Station: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is essential for a clean, non-stick finish.
- Melt the Candy Melts: Place the bright white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them according to the package directions, usually in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly smooth.
- Add Flavor and Sheen: Stir the coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted candy until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fluid.
- Dip the Cookies: Working with one cookie at a time, place it on the tines of a fork and dip it into the melted candy, turning to coat it completely. Lift the cookie out with the fork and gently tap the fork against the rim of the bowl to allow all the excess coating to drip off.
- Set to Dry: Carefully slide the coated cookie off the fork onto the prepared parchment paper. Repeat with all the cookies. Let them stand at room temperature until the coating is completely firm and set, about 20 minutes.
Part 2: The Shimmering Stripes
- Make the “Paint”: In a very small bowl, stir together the red luster dust with just a few drops of peppermint extract to form a brushable, liquid-paint-like paste.
- Paint the Stripes: Using a small, clean, food-safe paintbrush, carefully paint delicate lines across the tops of the set cookies. Let the luster dust paint dry completely. Store your beautiful cookies in an airtight container!
Striped Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl according to package directions. Stir in the oil and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth.
- Working one at a time, place a cookie on a fork and dip it in the candy melts to coat completely. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess.
- Slide the coated cookie onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all cookies. Let stand until the coating is completely set, about 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together the luster dust and a few drops of peppermint extract to form a brushable paste.
- Use a small food-safe paintbrush to brush delicate lines across the tops of the set cookies. Let the stripes dry completely.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Striped Cookies
These simple secrets will help you achieve that professional, bakery-quality look.
- Use Bright White Candy Melts. As the recipe suggests, this is the key to a true, snowy-white finish. Regular white chocolate chips have a natural yellowish tint from cocoa butter, but bright white candy melts will give you that perfect, crisp white canvas.
- The Fork Trick is Essential. Don’t try to dip the cookies with your fingers! Placing the cookie on a fork allows you to submerge it completely and, most importantly, lets you tap off all the excess coating for a thin, neat, professional finish.
- Don’t Overheat Your Candy Melts. Just like chocolate, candy melts can be scorched. Use short intervals in the microwave and stir well. The residual heat will do a lot of the melting for you.
- Start with a Tiny Amount of Liquid for Your Luster Dust. You need very little peppermint extract to turn the luster dust into a “paint.” Start with just a drop or two and mix. You’re looking for the consistency of watercolor paint, not a watery liquid.
- Let Them Set Completely. Be patient and make sure the white candy coating is 100% hard and dry before you attempt to paint on the stripes. This will ensure your lines are crisp and clean.
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Edible Art
These cookies store beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gifting.
- Storage: Once the luster dust stripes are completely dry, you can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Place layers of wax paper or parchment paper between them to protect the delicate decorations. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
FAQs: Your Striped Cookie Questions, Answered!
Where do I find luster dust and bright white candy melts?
You can find both of these items in the cake decorating or baking aisle of most major craft stores (like Michaels or Jo-Ann), at specialty cake decorating supply stores, or online.
Can I use a different kind of cookie?
Yes, this technique is very versatile! It would be beautiful with other sandwich cookies, or even with simple shortbread or sugar cookies as a base.
Can I use regular white chocolate instead of candy melts?
You can, but the color will be more of a creamy off-white rather than a pure, snowy white. You’ll also need to be more careful when melting, and the finish may not be quite as hard and shiny as with candy melts.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract for the luster dust paint?
You need a small amount of an alcohol-based liquid to turn the dust into paint, as water will bead up on the candy coating. If you don’t have peppermint extract, a very small amount of a clear spirit like vodka will also work and the alcohol will evaporate completely, leaving just the shimmer behind.
Final Thoughts: Your Most Elegant Holiday Treat
There is nothing more satisfying than creating a treat that looks truly breathtaking with just a few simple steps. These Striped Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are the epitome of effortless elegance. They are a beautiful, delicious, and sophisticated addition to any holiday celebration. I hope this simple recipe helps you create something truly special and impressive this Christmas. Happy Holidays!
