Name: Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Essential for helping cookies rise.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Enhances texture and browning.); 1 cup Salted Butter (Substitute with dairy-free butter for a vegan option.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens dough.); 1 large Egg (Acts as a binder.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Reduce for milder flavor.); 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (Swap with dark chocolate for a twist.); 1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes (Use more for extra peppermint kick.); 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Finely chopped walnuts or pecans.); 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Mix in for a chocolate variation.); 1/2 cup Mint Candies (For extra minty flavor.); 1 teaspoon Spices (Cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor.)

As I stood in my kitchen, a flurry of joy enveloped me like a warm hug from an old friend. I was about to create something truly special: Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Their enchanting aroma soon danced through the air, infusing the space with festive cheer. With just 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, these delightful treats offer the perfect remedy for anyone weary of fast food. Not only are they ideal for cookie exchanges, but they also come with the bonus of being gluten-free and easily adaptable for a vegan audience. Imagine sharing these decadent cookies at your next gathering or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoying a chewy bite on a winter evening. Ready to learn how to elevate your holiday baking? Let’s dive into the joy of these seasonal delights!

Why are These Cookies Special?

Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes, you can whip up these delightful treats, making them a lifesaver for busy bakers during the holidays.

Versatile Options: Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative or a vegan twist, this recipe offers substitutions that cater to everyone.

Delectable Flavor: The combination of sweet white chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that captures the essence of the season. Treat yourself to similar festive delights like Chewy Oreo Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Peppermint cookies for variety!

Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress guests at any gathering, bringing joyous smiles with each soft, chewy bite.

Effortless Charm: Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy nights in, they lend an enchanting aroma that fills your kitchen with holiday spirit.

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the perfect structure for your cookies; use gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Baking Powder – This leavening agent is essential for helping the cookies rise to fluffy perfection.
Baking Soda – Enhances the texture and browning, making every bite irresistible.
Salted Butter – Adds rich flavor; substitute with dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a light, airy texture.
Large Egg – Acts as a binder, giving your cookies that delightful chewiness.
Vanilla Extract – This boosts the overall flavor, making it even more scrumptious.
Peppermint Extract – Delivers the essential minty flavor; reduce the amount if you prefer something milder.
White Chocolate Chips – Adds creamy sweetness; swap with dark chocolate for a delicious twist.
Crushed Candy Canes – Sprinkles of festive crunch; feel free to use more for an extra peppermint kick!

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped Nuts – Finely chopped walnuts or pecans lend a lovely texture to your cookies.
Cocoa Powder – Mix in a bit for a rich chocolate variation that’s equally delightful.
Mint Candies – For extra minty goodness, definitely consider stirring in crushed mint candies.
Spices – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavor profile beautifully.

These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer a comforting embrace of flavors that will surely fill your home with holiday cheer. Get ready to share them with family and friends!

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, ensuring a non-stick surface for baking these delightful Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. This preparation step will set the stage for perfectly baked cookies with just the right texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda for 30 seconds. Make sure you incorporate these dry ingredients well, as this will create a light texture in your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. This mix provides the foundation for the cookies, ensuring they rise beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, in another bowl, beat the softened salted butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial, as it helps to add air into the dough, resulting in soft cookies. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and has expanded in volume.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add in one large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix everything for 1 minute until fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder here, providing the necessary chewiness that makes these Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies so delicious, while the extracts impart their refreshing flavors.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few flour streaks are perfectly okay. Folding the dry ingredients into the wet ensures a tender cookie, keeping the texture light. This step is vital for maintaining the delightful softness that these cookies are known for.

Step 6: Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds the sweet and crunchy elements to your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The candy canes will not only enhance the minty flavor but will also add a festive touch to each cookie.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Once combined, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Chilling the dough will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier treats. You can use this time to clean up your workspace or prepare any additional festive decorations.

Step 8: Scoop Dough
After chilling, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Each scoop should be mounded to ensure a generous cookie. This spacing is essential to give each cookie room to spread while baking, creating soft centers and crispy edges.

Step 9: Bake Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. This baking time is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are known for.

Step 10: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period lets them firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer. After that, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The delightful transformation from warm to cool will enhance the flavors perfectly, making them irresistible!

Expert Tips for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chill Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 15 minutes to ensure thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape nicely when baking.
Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough; combine the ingredients until just mixed to maintain the tender texture your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are known for.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent overbaking. The cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the center for the best chewiness.
Quality Extracts: Choose pure peppermint extract with minimal additives for the best flavor. This simple choice elevates the mintiness in your cookies.
Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts alongside your chocolate chips and candy canes.

How to Store and Freeze White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Airtight Container: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Refrigeration: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, but be aware that they may become slightly firmer.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, you can reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven, ensuring they are soft and delightful once again.

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your cookies; these variations will ignite your flavor imagination and delight your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Replace salted butter with your favorite dairy-free butter for a vegan version that’s just as delicious.
Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; the cookies will still turn out light and chewy!
Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that brings a whole new layer of texture. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of white chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Option: Toggle the sweetness by substituting white chocolate chips with dark chocolate; it creates a rich contrast that chocolate lovers will adore.
Cocoa Twist: For a twist on flavors, mix in some cocoa powder into the cookie base for a chocolatey delight that’s perfect for holiday treat lovers!
Additional Minty Flavor: Incorporate crushed mint candies or a splash of fresh mint extract for a minty explosion that makes every bite feel like a winter wonderland.
Seasonal Spice: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up your cookies with soothing spice notes, making them cozy and festive.
Candy Cane Topping: Don’t stop at mixing crushed candy canes into the dough— sprinkle extra crushed canes on top just before baking for an even more festive, crunchy finish.

Whether you’re in the mood for cozy evenings with a cup of peppermint hot cocoa or planning a cookie exchange, these variations will ensure you have something special to share. If you want more delicious ideas, try making Salted Caramel Chocolate or indulge in some Pistachio Cream Chocolate treats!

What to Serve with Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Elevate your holiday gathering by pairing these delightful cookies with delicious accompaniments that enhance their festive flavors!

Hot Cocoa: A rich, warming drink that complements the minty sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy winter experience.
Spiced Chai Latte: The blend of spices in chai elevates the cookies’ peppermint notes, making for a comforting, spicy-sweet pairing.
Peppermint Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy peppermint ice cream for an indulgent contrast, creating a refreshing bite in every mouthful.
Cranberry Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture and tartness balance the sweetness of the cookies and offer a delightful variation for your taste buds.
Winter Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples add a burst of color and zesty brightness, creating a light but satisfying contrast.
Nutty Snack Mix: A combination of nuts and dried fruits creates a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cookies, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Mulled Wine: The warm spices in this classic drink elevate the cookies’ flavors while offering a festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.

These pairings create a well-rounded festive celebration, making each bite of your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies even more delightful!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it, which helps to enhance the flavors while maintaining their chewy texture. If you’re really planning ahead, the cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them straight from the freezer into the preheated oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. By prepping in advance, you can enjoy homemade cookies anytime with minimal effort, keeping the holiday spirit alive!

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using pure peppermint extract with minimal ingredients. This not only enhances the mintiness in your Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies but also ensures you capture that refreshing taste without any artificial aftertaste.

How should I store the cookies?
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Keep an eye out for any dark spots or dryness, which can indicate they are beginning to stale.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! To freeze unbaked cookie dough, roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls until firm, about 1-2 hours, before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just adjust the baking time slightly when cooking from frozen.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, ensure your butter is at the correct temperature—softened but not melted. Also, try chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes before baking, as this helps maintain their shape. If they still spread, adding a bit more flour can help to stabilize them.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the salted butter with dairy-free butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the large egg. Each version remains deliciously soft and chewy!