As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen transforms into a bustling haven of warmth and cheer, filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goodies. Among my favorite creations are the Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, which bring a delightful twist that captures the spirit of the season. With just 10 minutes of prep time, these cookies are not only a quick treat to whip up but also offer allergy-friendly variations, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. Their soft, chewy texture paired with a festive candy cane crunch makes them perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy evenings spent with loved ones. Curious about how these sweet delights can elevate your holiday gatherings? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Make?
Festive Delights: Experience the joy of the holiday season with these Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, each bringing a sweet and minty crunch that captures holiday spirits.
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up a batch of these cookies that make stress-free holiday baking a delight.
Diet-Friendly Options: Whether you need gluten-free or dairy-free variations, this recipe has you covered for all your guests’ needs.
Perfectly Chewy: The combination of soft centers and crispy edges creates a texture mood that will keep everyone reaching for just one more.
Versatile Treats: Enjoy these cookies as a standalone dessert or elevate your treats by pairing them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or even a scoop of peppermint ice cream for an extra festive touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Share these delightful cookies at holiday gatherings, and watch as they quickly become the star of the dessert table!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Baking Soda – Enhances browning and texture for that perfect cookie experience.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; swap with dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and aids in texture; consider using alternative sweeteners for variations.
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent for moisture and structure in these delightful cookies.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor, enriching the overall taste.
For the Minty Goodness
• Peppermint Extract – Infuses a fresh minty flavor; adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
• Crushed Candy Canes – Adds festive crunch and color, perfect for the holiday spirit.
For the Sweet Indulgence
• White Chocolate Chips – Introduces creamy sweetness; feel free to replace with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
With these ingredients, you can create irresistible White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday festivities!
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 waiting for the temperature to rise, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal. The parchment will ensure that your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined, about 30 seconds. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour for the best texture in your cookies. Set aside this dry mixture as you proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream the salted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a beautiful, airy texture that will contribute to the softness of your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in one large egg along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts until everything is smoothly combined. This should take about 30 seconds. The extracts will impart a delightful flavor to your cookies, making them festively aromatic and irresistibly tasty.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen your cookies. You want to see a slightly sticky dough form, indicating you’re on the right track for Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Candy Canes
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds a festive crunch and creamy sweetness to every bite, perfectly blending into your cookie mixture.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Chilling helps solidify the butter, which leads to thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape beautifully while baking.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
After chilling, use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial since the cookies will spread as they bake, ensuring that your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies don’t merge into one another.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; you want them to be light golden around the edges while still soft in the center. This contrast creates that delightful soft and chewy texture.
Step 10: Cool on the Baking Sheet
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the aroma of your freshly baked Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies filling your kitchen as they cool!
Helpful Tricks for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chill Dough: Ensure you chill the dough for at least 15 minutes to achieve the ideal thickness and chewy texture in your cookies.
Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda to ensure your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies rise properly.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them when edges are golden and centers remain soft to avoid dryness.
Don’t Overmix: Combine dry and wet ingredients gently and just until incorporated; overmixing can result in dense cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the dough from losing its freshness and maintains that delicious chewy texture. Additionally, you can freeze the dough for up to three months; simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer the balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Whichever method you choose, you’ll have delightful cookies ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Customization Ideas
Feel free to make these delightful cookies your own with these fun and friendly variations that can suit everyone’s taste!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a safe and delicious treat.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with your favorite dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or dairy-free butter, for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture and a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Switch out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Spiced Twist: Incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, fragrant holiday touch.
- Minty Boost: Crank up the minty factor by adding an extra drop or two of peppermint extract for those who crave a stronger flavor.
- Sandy Sugar Top: Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking for a sparkling finish that adds visual appeal and a little crunch.
- Candy Cane Varieties: Experiment with different holiday candies, like crushed gingerbread or toffee bits, for new festive surprises.
For more delicious cookie inspiration, check out these Lemon Oatmeal Cookies or try something fun with Strawberry Chocolate Bites. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These delightful cookies create the perfect centerpiece for a cozy holiday gathering, inviting warmth and cheer to every bite.
- Hot Cocoa: A rich, creamy cup of hot cocoa complements the minty sweetness, creating a comforting pairing for chilly nights.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices of a chai latte enhance the festive flavors of the cookies, making every sip and bite a joyous experience.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: A scoop of peppermint ice cream adds a refreshing contrast, transforming your cookie into a delightful sundae.
- Mixed Nuts: The crunchy texture of mixed nuts balances the soft chewiness of the cookies, providing a fun contrast that will keep your palate intrigued.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and a burst of juiciness, cleansing the palate between bites of rich, sweet cookies.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a decadent touch, spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top, blending tanginess with sweetness beautifully.
These pairings will create an unforgettable holiday spread, elevating your time spent with friends and family with every delicious bite.
Storage Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, keeping them deliciously soft and ready for snacking.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container; simply allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply scoop from frozen and add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time for perfect White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Reheating: If enjoying leftovers, gently warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore their lovely soft texture, making them feel freshly baked again!
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour provides the best structure and texture for these cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free baking blend works wonderfully as a substitute.
How should I store my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
For up to a week, keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before indulging.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough from frozen onto a baking sheet and add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if my cookies are too flat?
If your cookies spread too much in the oven, it could be due to soft butter or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and not melted, and chill the cookie dough for at least 15 minutes before baking.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t call for nuts, but if you’re serving others, always double-check any added ingredients like chocolate chips or candies. If you want to add nuts for your personal taste, consider using allergy-friendly options or check for cross-contamination.
Can I replace the white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate?
Very much so! For a dairy-free version, feel free to substitute white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips or even dark chocolate. This will also add a richer flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully!
Decadent White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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