White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly blends creamy sweetness with a refreshing burst of mint, this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into soft, tender cookies studded with luscious white chocolate chips and crunchy peppermint bark pieces, all wrapped up in a subtle peppermint aroma that feels like a cozy holiday hug. These cookies aren’t just delightful to eat—they bring a magical charm to any gathering or cozy night in. Once you start making this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your most cherished seasonal delights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These simple yet carefully selected components come together effortlessly to make sure your cookies turn out just right—soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with peppermint and white chocolate goodness.

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the main structure for the cookie, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup cake flour: Adds extra lightness and helps keep the cookies delightfully soft.
• 1 tsp. cornstarch: A subtle secret that creates an extra tender texture.
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly without spreading too thin.
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder: Adds a gentle lift and lightness to the dough.
• 1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes): Brings richness and a tender chew to each bite.
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a nice golden exterior.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds some moisture.
• 1 large egg yolk: Makes the cookies extra rich and chewy.
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract: Infuses each cookie with that unmistakable minty freshness.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the peppermint perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, divided: Melts to create pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cookie.
• 7 oz. peppermint bark: Provides delightful crunch and festive flair.
• Candy canes (crushed, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and extra minty crunch on top.

How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This setup prevents sticking and ensures even baking, setting you up for cookie success right from the get-go.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead of time ensures an even distribution throughout your dough for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cold butter cubes with brown and white sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to incorporating air, helping your cookies rise beautifully and maintain a soft texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, egg yolk, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Beat until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure no ingredient is left behind—every bit counts in flavor and texture!

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture, about a quarter cup at a time, and blend just until incorporated. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so be gentle and patient to keep them tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Bark

Gently fold in 1 cup of the white chocolate chips and chopped peppermint bark, which add bursts of creamy sweetness and crunchy minty bits to your cookies. You can save some peppermint bark pieces for garnishing later—it’s a fun final touch!

Step 7: Shape the Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into six large balls or smaller ones if you prefer bite-sized treats. Keep in mind smaller cookies will need a bit less baking time, so adjust accordingly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 11 minutes. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to set their soft yet sturdy texture.

Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish

Warm the remaining white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top to add that festive sparkle and peppermint pop that makes these cookies irresistible.

How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of melted white chocolate topped with crushed candy canes transforms these cookies from delicious to downright stunning. Not only does it add texture and color, but the extra peppermint crunch elevates every bite into a festive experience.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a hot cup of peppermint tea, creamy eggnog, or even a bold espresso. Pairing them with warm drinks brings out their mint-chocolate character beautifully and makes for a cozy treat that warms your heart.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies tied with a red or green ribbon for holiday gifting, or serve them on a platter alongside a bowl of peppermint bark pieces and extra white chocolate chips for a delightful cookie board. Presentation is half the fun, and these festive cookies make any table pop with their cheerful look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain that perfect soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container—the moisture helps keep cookies tender.

Freezing

For bigger batches, freeze the cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper.

Reheating

Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a warm oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This brings back the softness and melts the white chocolate slightly, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

Yes! You can use all-purpose flour alone, but your cookies may turn out slightly denser. Cake flour adds that tender, delicate crumb, so if you don’t have it, mixing all-purpose flour with a bit of cornstarch can be a helpful substitute.

Is peppermint extract necessary?

Peppermint extract is key to capturing the signature mint flavor in this recipe. If you don’t have it, you can try using peppermint oil sparingly, but beware—it’s much stronger, so start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute the peppermint bark?

Absolutely! You can use crushed candy canes or peppermint candies instead, but peppermint bark adds a lovely mix of chocolate and mint that enhances texture and flavor. If you want to change things up, chopped Andes peppermint chips are also a great alternative.

Why is the oven temperature so high at 400°F?

Baking at 400°F helps these cookies develop a crisp edge while keeping the center soft and chewy. It’s a trick that gives the perfect texture contrast typical of freshly baked cookies with a tender bite inside.

How should these cookies be stored for gifting?

For gifting, place the cookies in a sturdy tin or airtight container lined with parchment paper. Add a layer of parchment between layers of cookies to prevent sticking and breakage. They stay fresh for about a week and look extra special when decorated with a festive bow.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love how easy and rewarding this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is to make. From the sweet aroma filling your kitchen to the delightful taste of every bite, these cookies are sure to become your go-to seasonal treat. Give them a try soon—you’ll be sharing this recipe with friends and family before you know it!

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