The enchanting scent of crushed candy canes and creamy white chocolate fills the air, instantly transforming any kitchen into a cozy holiday haven. As I baked these Soft White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, I couldn’t help but think about how they perfectly capture the joy and warmth of the season. With their soft, chewy texture and the delightful crunch of candy cane bits, they make for an irresistible treat that is quick to whip up—just 10 minutes of prep time! Not only are they a festive addition to cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings, but they also offer customizable options like gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun. Are you ready to bring a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are These Cookies a Must-Make?
Irresistible Festive Flavor: The delightful blend of white chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a cookie that’s bursting with holiday spirit.
Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, these cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Customizable for Everyone: Need dietary options? Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free friends without sacrificing taste.
Great for Sharing: Whether at parties or gift packaging, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and joy.
Perfect Texture: Expect soft, chewy cookies with a crispy edge, making them both comforting and satisfying to enjoy with a festive cup of cocoa.
Explore additional variations, like our Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl cookies, to keep your holiday baking exciting!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps achieve fluffy cookies.
• Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder for added softness.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness; use unsalted butter for a more controlled saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and enhances texture.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and keeps the dough moist.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Peppermint Extract – Lends a festive minty kick; adjust to taste for a stronger flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips – Offers sweetness and a creamy texture; can be swapped for dark chocolate chips for a different taste.
• Crushed Candy Canes – Provides that delightful crunch and a festive touch; use crushed peppermint as a substitute if needed.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures an ideal baking environment. As the oven warms up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Keep whisking until the mixture is well combined and evenly aerated, creating a light consistency. This foundation will guarantee that your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies maintain their delightful softness.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened salted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is fluffy and pale, usually about 2-3 minutes. The goal here is to incorporate air, making your cookies light and tender—just perfect for the season!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring a smooth texture. The delightful aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, setting the festive mood.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that’s slightly sticky. This step is key for achieving the soft, chewy texture that makes your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies irresistible.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now, fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and ½ cup of crushed candy canes. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough. The candy canes will add a beautiful festive touch and wonderful crunch to each cookie.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
To enhance texture and prevent spreading, chill your dough for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This crucial step will help your cookies maintain a thicker shape as they bake. Meanwhile, you can clean up your workspace and prepare for the next step!
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Once chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should aim for about 12-15 cookies per batch. Each scoop will puff up beautifully, creating those signature soft edges.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them—overbaking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture we all crave in White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step allows the cookies to set while offering those irresistible warm scents that embody holiday spirit. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a cozy drink!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and make them your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can join in the festive fun.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a treat that satisfies those with dietary restrictions.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to give your cookies a rich twist. The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint is simply divine!
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch that complements the chewy texture of the cookies. This adds a heartiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Minty Freshness: Enhance the peppermint flavor by using crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes. This will yield an even stronger minty punch, perfect for true peppermint fans.
- Coconut Finesse: Incorporate sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist on the classic cookie. It’s an unexpected flavor combo that delivers an extra layer of yum!
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or incorporate cinnamon to add a cozy warmth to the festive flavors. This playful heat might surprise and delight your taste buds!
As you experiment, why not try making a fresh batch of White Chocolate Orange cookies for a zesty variation? It complements the holiday spirit while offering a taste of something sweet and citrusy!
How to Store and Freeze White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready to share with friends and family.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually or layer with parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Expert Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
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Chill for Thickness: Chilling your dough for 15 minutes will yield thicker cookies, preventing them from spreading too much while baking.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the peppermint extract to your taste; a little can go a long way. Start with less and add more if desired for your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
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Parchment Paper Use: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper to help with cookie removal and to reduce sticking, making your cleanup a breeze.
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Keep an Eye on Baking: Every oven is different. Check your cookies at the 8-minute mark to avoid over-baking; you want them lightly golden at the edges.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies rather than the soft, chewy texture we’re aiming for.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and chilling it in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on busy baking days but also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Additionally, you can portion the cookie dough and freeze the scooped mounds for up to 3 months; simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet when ready to bake, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. When it’s time to enjoy, just bake as instructed, and you’ll have warm, delicious cookies that are just as delightful as if they were made fresh!
What to Serve with White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
As the scent of these delightful cookies wafts through your home, consider these scrumptious pairings that will elevate your holiday gatherings.
- Creamy Hot Cocoa: Luxuriously rich hot chocolate enhances the cookies’ sweetness, bringing warmth and cozy vibes to your festivities.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness, creating a vibrant, palate-cleansing addition.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the crunchy candy canes, balancing flavors beautifully. Enjoy a scoop alongside a warm cookie for a delightful treat.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai complement the mint in the cookies, delivering a comforting, seasonal drink to sip on.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add another holiday classic to your spread! The spiciness of gingerbread cookies creates a festive flavor dynamic alongside the peppermint joy.
- Peppermint Bark: Elevate your treat platter with layers of chocolate and mint, enhancing the overall peppermint experience and enticing everyone’s sweet tooth.
- Eggnog: Embrace the season with a glass of creamy eggnog. Its rich, spiced flavors perfectly harmonize with the soft, chewy cookies, creating a nostalgic holiday pairing.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some rich caramel sauce over your cookies for an added layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the white chocolate chips.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-sweet option, serve sparkling water with a hint of mint to cleanse the palate between bites.
Whichever combination you choose, these pairings will help create the perfect holiday atmosphere while enjoying your delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, you should opt for pure peppermint extract. This provides a robust minty taste that complements the sweetness of the white chocolate. If you prefer, you can also use peppermint oil; just remember that it’s much more concentrated, so use it sparingly—start with just a few drops and adjust to taste.
How can I tell if my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them! Your cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, which usually takes around 9-10 minutes. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s okay! They will continue to cook a bit as they cool outside the oven, ensuring the perfect soft and chewy texture.
Can I freeze my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze them, simply wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get that freshly baked taste.
How do I store my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for maximum freshness?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them even fresher, place them in the refrigerator where they’ll last for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy their soft and chewy goodness!
Can I adapt these cookies for gluten-free and dairy-free diets?
Very! To make gluten-free cookies, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free butter and substitute the white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips. Both variations maintain that festive flavor without compromising on taste!
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Not an issue at all! If your dough feels overly sticky, you can chill it for a bit longer in the refrigerator—about 15-30 minutes should do the trick. This will help firm it up and make scooping easier. If you’d like, you can also add a touch more flour, just be careful not to overdo it—stickiness is key to those chewy cookies!
Soft White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the dough for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Scoop out dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until lightly golden at the edges, then cool on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy!
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