White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies – Sweet, Minty, and Festive

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly combines the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of festive flavors, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. With their bright, snowy appearance and subtle minty aroma, they’re a visually appealing and deliciously satisfying cookie for any occasion.

The charm of White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The buttery cookie base provides a soft, chewy bite, while light brown sugar adds warmth and depth. Granulated sugar contributes to the slightly crisp edges, and fine salt enhances the sweetness. White chocolate chips add creamy richness, and crushed candy canes give the cookies a refreshing peppermint crunch, making each bite festive and irresistible. Vanilla extract ties all the flavors together, giving the cookies a sweet, aromatic undertone that is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are quick to make, require simple ingredients, and are visually festive, making them perfect for holiday baking. Unlike some holiday cookies that can be overly sweet or dry, White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies strike the perfect balance of chewy and soft with a slight crisp around the edges. The combination of white chocolate and peppermint is classic, creating a refreshing, indulgent flavor that appeals to both children and adults. They also keep well, allowing you to bake ahead for parties or gifts.

Ingredients

Baking & Spices:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg

Desserts & Add-ins:

• 1 cup high-quality white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup candy canes, crushed

These ingredients work together to create cookies with a soft, chewy texture, creamy pockets of white chocolate, and crunchy, refreshing peppermint pieces. Using high-quality chocolate and fresh candy canes ensures maximum flavor and festive appeal. The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter creates a rich, tender cookie base that holds the mix-ins perfectly.

Step-by-Step Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.

Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Use room-temperature butter and egg for smooth mixing and consistent texture. Lightly crush candy canes rather than pulverizing to maintain small crunchy pieces throughout the cookies. Don’t overbake; the cookies will continue to set slightly as they cool. For extra festive flair, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top of each cookie before baking. Use high-quality white chocolate for the best creamy flavor and avoid white chocolate chips that contain vegetable oils, which can affect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or peppermint tea for a complete holiday experience. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gift baskets, or simply decorating your dessert table. These cookies also pair well with other holiday treats like gingerbread, chocolate crinkles, or sugar cookies for a festive variety platter.

Variations

For a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough along with vanilla. Swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate for a chocolatey contrast with the peppermint. Mix in a handful of crushed nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture. For a colorful holiday presentation, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies and top with extra crushed candy canes. Make mini cookies for bite-sized treats or larger cookies for an impressive display.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

3. Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes? Yes, peppermint candies work well and provide the same minty flavor.

4. Can I make these cookies vegan? Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg.

5. Can I use chocolate chips instead of white chocolate? Absolutely, dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used.

6. How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

7. Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches.

8. Can I add other spices? Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the peppermint flavor nicely.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute all-purpose flour.

10. How do I prevent candy canes from melting too much? Add candy canes near the end of the baking time or fold them gently into the dough to maintain some crunch.

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Conclusion

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that perfectly balances sweet, creamy white chocolate with refreshing peppermint crunch. Soft, chewy, and visually appealing, they make an excellent addition to holiday celebrations, gift baskets, or simple family indulgence. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and endless possibilities for customization, these cookies are a must-bake for anyone who loves the flavors of the season. Enjoy them warm, share them with friends, or savor them with a cup of your favorite holiday beverage for a truly festive experience.