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The joyful aroma of holiday baking wafts through my kitchen as I whip up a batch of Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Each bite is a wonderful celebration of creamy white chocolate paired with the refreshing zing of peppermint, perfect for this festive season. What’s even better? These cookies are simple to make, taking just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, making them a go-to for holiday gatherings or cozy nights beside the fire. Plus, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available, everyone can enjoy these sweet treats. As I scoop the dough, I can’t help but wonder—what will your favorite variation be: a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for crunch or a rich twist with dark chocolate?
Why Try This Peppermint Cookie Recipe?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, making it a breeze to whip up delicious holiday treats.
Versatile Delight: With gluten-free and dairy-free options, everyone can indulge in these flavorful cookies.
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Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint is a holiday match made in heaven!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges or festive gatherings, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
Unique Variations: Experiment with the recipe by mixing in dark chocolate or nuts for added depth—your creativity has no limits!
Elevate your baking game with these festive cookies that pair perfectly with Homemade Chocolate Chip or a warm cup of cocoa.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
• Perfect for festive baking!
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For the Dough
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All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture for the cookies; consider using a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
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Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, making them light and fluffy; always check freshness for best results.
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Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, enhancing the cookies’ texture; pairs perfectly with baking powder for optimal results.
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Salted Butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor; substitute with dairy-free butter for a non-dairy treat.
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Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a tender texture; brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.
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Large Egg – Serves as a binding agent to hold the cookie together; crucial for the cookies’ success.
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Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; opt for pure extract for the best taste.
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Peppermint Extract – Infuses that classic holiday flavor; reduce the amount for a milder experience or switch to peppermint oil for a more concentrated flavor.
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For the Add-ins
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White Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and creamy texture; dark chocolate can be swapped in for a richer flavor.
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Crushed Candy Canes – Provides festive crunch and peppermint flavor; use generously for a lovely topping and extra flair.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal later. This foundational step sets the stage for perfectly baked Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, creating a warm environment for those delightful treats.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda until they are evenly combined. This process usually takes about a minute and ensures that the leavening agents are well-distributed throughout, giving your cookies the perfect rise. Set aside your dry ingredients while you prepare the wet mix.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened salted butter and granulated sugar together at medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it adds air into the mixture, resulting in a tender texture for your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth, about another minute. The combination of these ingredients introduces moisture and flavor, essential for the celebratory season!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough; you want it to remain light and airy to achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture. This is a key step in making your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies truly special.
Step 6: Fold in the Add-ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This action adds delightful pockets of sweetness and festive crunch, making every bite a wonderful experience of the holidays.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps maintain the shape of your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies while baking, preventing them from spreading too much and ensuring they stay thick and delicious.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring to space each mound about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread while baking, resulting in a perfect, soft texture.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for 9-10 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Pull them out at just the right moment to achieve that delightful balance of chewy and soft.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This crucial step prevents them from breaking apart while transitioning, letting the cookies set perfectly while they cool down to the right texture for enjoying.
How to Store and Freeze White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, allowing for quick, fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture, perfect for enjoying those delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies again.
Tips for the Best White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
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Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerating your cookie dough for at least 15 minutes helps prevent excess spreading. This will ensure your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies remain thick and chewy!
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so keep it gentle for that soft texture we all love!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Stale leavening agents will affect the cookies’ rise and overall texture, making them less enjoyable.
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Watch the Bake Time: Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden and the centers are soft. This prevents them from becoming dry and maintains that chewy bite.
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Add Personal Touches: Feel free to customize your cookies! You can make gluten-free versions or swap out white chocolate for dark chocolate if you desire a richer flavor.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies, adding your favorite flavors and textures to each delightful bite!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously tender treat.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
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Dark Chocolate: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a rich, decadent twist—you can even combine both for a fun contrast!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cookie.
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Minty Freshness: Toss in a handful of mint candies or a drop of fresh mint extract to enhance that refreshing holiday flavor further.
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Chocolate Peppermint: For a fun twist, incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version of these festive cookies.
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Spiced Joy: Sprinkle in seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke those warm, cozy holiday vibes with every bite.
While you’re at it, why not try these cookies with a cozy drink? These sweet treats pair wonderfully with Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl cookies or a hot cup of spiced chai to enhance your winter gatherings!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply arrange them on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the bake time if baking from frozen. This way, you’ll enjoy soft, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on busy nights!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
The sweet, minty aroma of freshly baked cookies invites you to create a cozy holiday spread that delights the senses.
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Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa enhances the cookies’ sweetness and provides a comforting companion for a festive evening.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The bold spices in a chai latte contrast beautifully with the soft peppermint cookies, offering a delightful flavor experience.
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Peppermint Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy peppermint ice cream takes indulgence to the next level, perfectly marrying flavors and textures for a holiday treat.
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Gingerbread Men: The spiciness of gingerbread cookies complements the peppermint infusion beautifully, adding a festive flair to your dessert table.
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in dark chocolate provides an exciting contrast to the sweetness of your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
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Nutty Biscotti: A crunchy biscotti adds texture and an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sweetness of your cookies, creating a multifaceted cookie platter.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: Crisp slices of pear or apples provide a refreshing balance to the rich cookies, lightening the palate after each indulgent bite.
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Holiday Punch: Serve up a festive punch, whether it be spiced or fruity, for a celebratory drink that enhances the joyous, festive atmosphere.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, use ingredients at room temperature. For butter, ensure it’s softened but not melted; feel free to leave it out for about an hour before baking. Fresh eggs will also bind the cookies perfectly, so check for any cracks in the shells.
How should I store my baked White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Store your cooked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re looking to enjoy them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks—this keeps them soft and chewy. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing them up.
Can I freeze the dough for the White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and bake as usual.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to the dough being too warm or if you’ve over-mixed it. Make sure you chill the dough for at least 15 minutes before baking. Also, keep an eye on the oven temperature; an oven that runs hot can also cause over-spreading.
Are these White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies safe for pets or specific allergies?
No, these cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, wheat, dairy, and nuts (if added). It’s essential to keep them away from pets, particularly chocolate, which can be harmful. For those with dietary restrictions, I recommend substituting with gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter to ensure everyone can enjoy this festive treat!
Soft White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Cozy Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cream the softened salted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
