Jolly White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Soft, pillowy cookies with a delightful winter twist sparkle with white chocolate peppermint magic.

These festive treats melt in your mouth with creamy richness.

Crushed candy canes add a delicate crunch that dances across each buttery bite.

The sweet aroma of peppermint swirls through the kitchen, promising pure holiday bliss.

Delicate and elegant, these cookies transform an ordinary dessert into a seasonal celebration.

Each batch brings warmth and cheer to your table.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than melting chocolate.

Reasons to Love Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies

• Transform ordinary baking into a festive celebration with these white chocolate peppermint cookies that sparkle with seasonal cheer.
• Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and delivers impressive, bakery-worthy results with straightforward steps.
• Combine the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the cool, crisp punch of peppermint for a dessert that delights taste buds and creates instant smiles.

Peppermint Cookie Ingredients Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the cookie's texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy foundation for the cookie's soft texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden-brown color.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, comforting background flavor.

• White Chocolate Chips: Delivers pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cookie.
• Candy Canes, Peppermint Candy: Adds a festive crunch and cool mint flavor to the cookies.

Steps for White Chocolate Peppermint Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Crush Peppermint Candy

Transform candy canes into delightful sprinkles by placing them in a zip-top bag.

Use a rolling pin to crush them into small, delicate pieces.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add an egg and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and salt.

Mix carefully to create a soft dough, avoiding overmixing which can make cookies tough.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Magic

Carefully fold white chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed for delicious melty pockets in every bite.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1.5-2 inches in diameter.

Dip the tops into the crushed peppermint, pressing gently to help the pieces adhere.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Bake for 10-11 minutes.

Look for slightly underbaked centers, which will firm up during cooling.

Step 8: Cool and Savor

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and wait 10 minutes before indulging in these festive treats.

Helpful Hacks for Peppermint Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture without over-softening.
• Measure flour precisely using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry, dense cookies that fall apart.
• Use a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag to create uniform, fine candy pieces that distribute evenly across cookie tops.
• Watch cookies closely after 10 minutes; they should look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft, chewy center when cooled.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storing White Chocolate Peppermint Batches Right

• Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between each row. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Roll cookies into balls, coat with peppermint, then freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Perfect Sips and Sweets to Serve With

• Pair Sweet Cocoa with Rich Peppermint Mocha: A creamy, indulgent hot chocolate blends perfectly with the white chocolate and peppermint notes, creating a luxurious winter flavor experience that elevates the cookie's sweetness.
• Complement with Cold Milk Sensation: Chilled whole milk cuts through the cookie's richness, providing a smooth, refreshing contrast that highlights the peppermint's crisp, cool undertones while balancing the white chocolate's creamy texture.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful dessert combination, where the cookie's peppermint crunch meets the ice cream's silky smoothness, delivering a decadent holiday treat.
• Enhance with Sparkling Prosecco: A light, bubbly prosecco adds a festive touch, its effervescence and slight acidity beautifully offsetting the cookie's sweet profile and creating an elegant dessert pairing perfect for celebrations.

Flavor Swaps for Peppermint Cookie Fans

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg substitute like flax egg, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and choose sugar-free white chocolate chips to create a low-carb cookie option.

FAQs

• Why do I need to crush the peppermint candy canes?

Crushing candy canes creates a festive, crunchy topping that adds texture and a burst of peppermint flavor to the cookies. It also helps the candy pieces stick better to the cookie dough.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

While white chocolate chips work best for this recipe, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a center that still appears slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look just slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.

• What's the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.