White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Nothing says the holidays quite like the combination of sweet white chocolate and refreshing peppermint. These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, a holiday cookie exchange, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, these cookies will become a festive favorite. Let’s walk through how to make these easy and delicious cookies that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies are ideal for holiday baking, combining soft, chewy white chocolate goodness with crunchy peppermint. They are quick to make, requiring only basic pantry ingredients, and the peppermint adds a beautiful holiday twist. Plus, the cookies are versatile—perfect for parties, gifts, or even a sweet treat for yourself.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the chocolate and peppermint.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cup): Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda (3/4 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Adds creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Pieces (1/3 cup): For that fresh, minty burst. You can use store-bought peppermint candy or crush candy canes.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Sugar alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try substituting granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Extra add-ins: Consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate-peppermint twist or crushed candy canes for added crunch.

this RECIPE

Equipment Needed

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of holiday magic:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Chop the peppermint: Crush peppermint candy or candy canes into small pieces until you have about 1/3 cup. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer. Once smooth, add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form the dough balls: Roll the dough into about 18 small balls, each around 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
7. Add peppermint coating: Dip the tops of the dough balls into the crushed peppermint pieces, pressing them gently to ensure the pieces stick.
8. Bake the cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 10-11 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when done.
9. Cool the cookies: Once baked, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not using softened butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, which will affect the cookie texture. Make sure the butter is softened, but not melted.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies after 10 minutes of baking. Overbaking will make them crunchy rather than chewy.

How to Store White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to make a larger batch or keep them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

These cookies make a fantastic presentation for any holiday table. Arrange them on a festive platter, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for a homemade holiday gift. You can also serve them alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea for the ultimate holiday treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes! If you prefer the flavor of milk chocolate, you can substitute it for the white chocolate chips. However, the flavor profile will be less sweet and creamy.

Can I freeze the dough for later?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep the cookies soft?
To keep your cookies soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Festive coloring: For an extra festive touch, consider adding a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough before baking.
• Make a double batch: This recipe yields 18 cookies, but you can easily double the ingredients to make a bigger batch for holiday parties or gifting.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten your holiday season. With a beautiful blend of sweet and minty flavors, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or looking for a holiday indulgence, this recipe is a must-try. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more festive recipes and baking inspiration!

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