As I unwrapped the festive candy canes, the sweet scent of peppermint filled the air, instantly transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings. These Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are my go-to treat during this season, delivering a delightful combination of creamy white chocolate chips and the nostalgic crunch of crushed candy canes. Not only do they evoke that special Christmas magic, but they’re also a breeze to whip up in just 10 minutes! Perfect for cookie exchanges or pairing with a steaming cup of cocoa, these holiday cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. And for those who follow specific diets, they can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free. Who wouldn’t want to add a sprinkle of cheer to their festivities with these delightful cookies? Curious to learn how to make them? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?
Festive Flair: These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer, combining the rich taste of white chocolate with the refreshing bite of peppermint!
Quick & Easy: In just 10 minutes, you can have a batch of cookies that are sure to dazzle everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Versatile Options: Tailor them to your guests’ preferences! With simple swaps, you can create gluten-free or dairy-free variations—everyone can indulge!
Memories in Every Bite: The crunchy candy cane bits bring back warm memories of festive celebrations, making each cookie a delightful nibble of nostalgia.
Perfect Pairing: Serves wonderfully alongside a steaming cup of cocoa or coffee, creating the ultimate cozy experience. Looking for more festive treats? Check out these Candy Cane Cookies for another delightful addition to your holiday spread!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
Prepare to create your own festive magic with these delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a gluten-free option, swap in gluten-free flour.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a soft texture.
- Baking Soda – Enhances browning and helps the cookies spread nicely.
- Salted Butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with dairy-free butter for a dairy-free treat.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetness and moisture, key to a perfectly chewy cookie.
- Large Egg – Binds everything together and provides added moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses a spirited holiday flavor that can’t be beat.
- White Chocolate Chips – Delivers creamy sweetness and delightful texture.
- Crushed Candy Canes – Offers crunchy bits and an extra minty flavor punch.
Enjoy baking your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and watch them become a holiday favorite in your home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. This is crucial for your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, as it allows them to bake evenly and develop that delightful golden edge. While the oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda until well combined. This mixture is essential for the soft texture of your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Set the bowl aside, allowing the ingredients to blend nicely while you move on to the wet components.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened salted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key in aerating the butter, ensuring your cookies achieve that soft and chewy texture.
Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, add one large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well on low speed until everything is smoothly incorporated. The fragrant peppermint will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the festive treat soon to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want to keep that lovely airy texture in your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies while ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now, fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes into the dough. This adds both a creamy sweetness and a delightful crunch. Ensure the candy canes are well distributed throughout the cookie dough for that signature holiday flavor in every bite.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without sticking together, achieving that perfect shape.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a bit underdone.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Once cooled, serve your delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these delightful cookies, creating something uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
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Dairy-Free: Swap in dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a delicious dairy-free version that still packs a festive punch.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and a flavor boost that complements the peppermint beautifully.
Indulging in these variations not only adds depth but also a personal touch that makes them even more special.
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Minty Chocolate: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, bold flavor that will impress anyone who bites in.
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Cocoa Powder: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolatey base, creating tempting mocha-inspired cookies.
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Spicy Kick: For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon to the dough, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
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Sprinkle Magic: Top with festive sprinkles or drizzles of melted chocolate before baking for a festive presentation that’s sure to wow at any gathering.
For more holiday-themed inspiration, consider making Candy Cane Cookies or try your hand at delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies for a delightful treat lineup this season!
Make Ahead Options
These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month—just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just pop them straight into the oven and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies ready with minimal effort, just as delightful as if baked the same day!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Nothing completes the festive spirit like a thoughtfully curated meal alongside your delightful baked treats!
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Hot Cocoa: A steaming mug of rich, velvety hot cocoa perfectly complements the minty sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing perfect for winter evenings.
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Peppermint Tea: This herbal option enhances the peppermint flavor in your cookies, crafting a soothing experience that’s wonderfully refreshing and warm.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream balances the crunch of candy canes, offering a delightful contrast that turns your cookie into a sumptuous dessert.
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Coffee: A warm cup of brewed coffee provides a bitter note that beautifully offsets the sweetness of the cookies, making it a wonderful pairing for cookie exchanges or midafternoon treats.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits brings a fresh, juicy texture that cuts through the sweetness while adding a colorful touch to your dessert spread.
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Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of milk; it enhances the soft and chewy texture of the cookies, invoking childhood nostalgia with every bite.
Embrace these delightful pairings to elevate your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies into a full cozy holiday experience, wrapping warmth and good cheer into every moment spent with loved ones!
Storage Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the fridge, where they will stay good for up to 10 days; ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: To enjoy your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies later, freeze them for up to one month. Place them in a freezer bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Expert Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Chill for Thickness: Extend the chilling time to 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies, which will maintain a chewy texture.
- Butter Matters: Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, to achieve that light and fluffy batter desirable for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
- Mind the Bake: Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked for optimal softness.
- Flavor Enhancer: For a more pronounced peppermint flavor, consider adding an extra splash of peppermint extract in the dough, but adjust sugar accordingly.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Crush candy canes into uneven pieces for varying textures in each bite, making your cookies even more delightful!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best texture, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum, which helps replicate the chewiness of traditional flour!
How should I store my baked cookies?
To keep your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This method helps retain that delightful soft and chewy texture. If you want to extend their freshness, place them in the fridge for up to 10 days in a sealed container.
Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to one month. Simply scoop the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking! If you want to freeze baked cookies, place them in an airtight freezer bag, pressing out any excess air, and they’ll last for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked taste.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the butter being too warm or not enough chilling time. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 15 minutes, and for thicker cookies, consider chilling for 30 minutes. If you find your cookies are still spreading, try using a little extra flour in the dough next time to help maintain their shape.
Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
Yes! To make your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies dairy-free, simply substitute the salted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. Most brands work well for baking, and you’ll still achieve that rich flavor with a lovely texture. Always check the labels of the white chocolate chips you use to ensure they’re dairy-free as well!
Delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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