White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect festive treat, combining creamy white chocolate chips with refreshing peppermint pieces in a soft, fluffy cookie. These cookies are quick to make and bring a burst of holiday flavor to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to spread cheer!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Festive Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and cool peppermint.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make these cookies beginner-friendly.
- Holiday-Ready: Crushed peppermint pieces add a beautiful, festive touch.
- Soft & Chewy: Achieve the ideal texture for cookies that stay moist and fluffy.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup peppermint pieces (crushed candy canes or peppermint candies)
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream butter and sugar smoothly.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Preparation Tips
- Soften Butter Properly: Let butter sit at room temperature until softened but not melted. This creates the best cookie texture.
- Crush Peppermint Evenly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush peppermint candies into small, even pieces for better adhesion and flavor.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make cookies dense.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Crush candy canes or peppermint candies into small pieces until you have about 1/3 cup.
2. Make the Dough
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in White Chocolate: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Shape and Decorate the Cookies
- Roll Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1.5–2-inch balls (about 18 total).
- Add Peppermint Topping: Dip the tops of the dough balls into the crushed peppermint pieces. Gently press the pieces onto the dough to help them stick.
4. Bake and Cool
- Bake: Arrange dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–11 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are now ready to enjoy—soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday flavor!
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Pairings
- Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a traditional and comforting treat.
- Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint for a festive dessert duo.
2. Holiday Cookie Platters
- Add these cookies to a holiday cookie tray with:
- Sugar cookies with royal icing
- Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Gingerbread men
3. Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create an indulgent holiday dessert by sandwiching peppermint or vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
4. Dessert Boards
- Include these cookies on a dessert charcuterie board with:
- Dark chocolate truffles
- White chocolate bark with peppermint
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries
- Mini cheesecakes or brownies
5. As a Gifting Treat
- Package these cookies in festive tins or gift boxes lined with parchment paper. Tie them with a ribbon and include a holiday card for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overbaking the Cookies
- Mistake: Baking too long results in dry or hard cookies.
- Solution: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Uneven Peppermint Topping
- Mistake: Large or uneven peppermint pieces can make the topping sparse or fall off during baking.
- Solution: Chop peppermint candies finely and press them gently onto the dough balls for better adhesion.
3. Cookies Spreading Too Much
- Mistake: Warm dough can cause cookies to flatten excessively in the oven.
- Solution: Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm, or if you notice spreading in the first batch.
4. Dense or Tough Cookies
- Mistake: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense or tough cookies.
- Solution: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender texture.
5. Not Softening Butter Correctly
- Mistake: Using butter that’s too hard or too melted affects the cookie texture.
- Solution: Soften butter by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short 5-second bursts until softened but not melted.
Side Dish Recommendations
1. Beverages
- Serve alongside warm drinks like:
- Peppermint mocha or hot chocolate
- Chai latte or eggnog
- Mulled wine or a holiday cocktail
2. Light Desserts
- Complement the cookies with lighter desserts like:
- Vanilla pudding
- A simple fruit salad with pomegranate seeds
- Whipped cream topped with crushed peppermint
3. Savory Pairings
- Add a savory twist to your dessert spread by pairing these cookies with:
- A cheeseboard featuring Brie, Gouda, or mascarpone
- Spiced candied nuts for a sweet and salty combination
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Premium white chocolate chips and real vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Control Peppermint Flavor: If you prefer a stronger minty flavor, add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
- Let Cookies Cool Fully: Cooling on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes before transferring prevents breaking or crumbling.
- Experiment with Chocolate Types: Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate to customize the flavor.
With these serving ideas and expert tips, your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will be the star of any dessert table!
Recipe Tips
1. Achieving the Perfect Texture
- Remove cookies from the oven when the centers are slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, resulting in soft, chewy cookies.
2. Crush Peppermint Finely
- For even distribution and better adhesion, use a food processor or place the peppermint in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. Use High-Quality White Chocolate
- Premium white chocolate chips melt smoothly and enhance the flavor. Avoid overly sweet or waxy brands.
4. Balance the Peppermint Flavor
- Add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a stronger minty flavor. Be cautious not to overdo it, as peppermint can be overpowering.
5. Chill the Dough if Needed
- If the dough is sticky or you notice spreading during baking, chill it for 20–30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Storage Instructions
1. Room Temperature
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Freezing Options
- Unbaked Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze fully cooled cookies in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Candy Canes Instead of Peppermint Candies?
Yes! Crushed candy canes work perfectly and are easy to find during the holidays.
2. What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
Peppermint candies provide plenty of flavor, but you can substitute vanilla extract alone if needed. For a milder peppermint flavor, consider using a mix of vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Can I Substitute the White Chocolate Chips?
Yes! Dark or milk chocolate chips work beautifully for a richer flavor. You can also try peppermint-flavored chips for extra mintiness.
4. Why Are My Cookies Spreading Too Much?
Warm butter or dough can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough if your kitchen is warm.
5. Can I Make Larger Cookies?
Certainly! Use about 3 tablespoons of dough for larger cookies and bake for 12–14 minutes, checking for doneness.
6. What’s the Best Way to Prevent Peppermint from Melting?
Press the crushed peppermint pieces gently into the dough before baking. Avoid overly small fragments, which may melt into the cookie.
7. Can I Add More Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or even shredded coconut can be folded into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
8. How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check your peppermint candies and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
9. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Use multiple baking sheets and bake in batches for best results.
10. Can I Decorate These Cookies Further?
Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate for a festive touch, or sprinkle additional peppermint pieces after baking for a pop of color.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday spread. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these cookies are sure to impress.
Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or enjoying with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try for the holiday season. Bake a batch today and make your celebrations even sweeter!
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