A Cozy Holiday Treat: White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out the best in our culinary adventures. As the crisp winter air fills our homes with the scent of fresh pine and flickering candles warm our hearts, I can’t help but think of my beloved White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. These cookies are like little bites of holiday cheer, perfectly soft, with a delicate crunch from the crushed peppermint that dances on your taste buds.
During my childhood, the scent of these cookies baking always signaled the start of the holiday festivities in our home. We would gather in the kitchen, laughter echoing as we rolled and dropped spoonfuls of dough, eagerly awaiting the first batch to come out of the oven. It was a tradition that warmed our hearts and made our home feel cozy and inviting. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a part of the memories I cherish.
Trust me, once you try these scrumptious delights, you’ll want to pin this recipe for later sharing and baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy: Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a tender texture that’s utterly comforting.
- Holiday Flavor: The delightful combination of white chocolate and peppermint encapsulates the essence of the season.
- Simple to Make: This easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a batch in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a go-to treat for gatherings.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in festive tins, and they make wonderful gifts for friends and neighbors.
Ingredients You’ll Need for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy holiday delights:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re well incorporated.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together beautifully.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips and the heavenly crushed peppermint.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them well.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center.
- Allow to cool on wire racks, then enjoy the sweet aromas that fill your home!
Fun Ways to Customize It
While these White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are simply delightful on their own, here are a few fun variations you might try to make them your own:
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgently creamy finish.
- Zesty Orange Peel: Add a few teaspoons of finely grated orange peel to the dough for a zesty twist that complements the peppermint.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and earthy flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out half of the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a touch of richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time. Once prepared, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation.
- Easier Scoop: Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 135
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 9g
Fat: 7g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 85mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and simply bake the cookies when you’re ready.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to swap white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.
How long does it last?
These cookies are best enjoyed within a week, but they can be frozen for up to three months if you’d like to save them for a special occasion!
A Cozy Closing Note
These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies not only evoke the warm, comforting spirit of the holidays but also provide a delicious way to gather friends and family around the table. They’re perfect for making sweet memories and sharing with loved ones—or just indulging in a cozy evening at home. Be sure to save this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe to your Holiday Treats board so it’s ready when you need to whip up a cozy gift or a sweet surprise! Happy baking!
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy cookies infused with white chocolate and peppermint, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re well incorporated.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together beautifully.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them well.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges, but still soft in the center.
- Allow to cool on wire racks before enjoying.
Notes
For harder cookies, bake slightly longer. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, holiday treats, white chocolate, peppermint, baking