If you're looking for the ultimate holiday cookie, Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies are a must-try! With their soft, buttery texture, sweet white chocolate chips, and refreshing peppermint crunch, these cookies will be the star of your holiday dessert spread. Perfectly festive and incredibly easy to make, they’re a delightful treat for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa.
Why You'll Love These Craveable Cookies
- Festive Flavors. The combination of chocolate and peppermint screams holiday cheer!
- Soft and Chewy Texture. These cookies are perfectly tender with just the right amount of crispness at the edges.
- Easy to Make. Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them perfect for gatherings.
Whether you’re baking for loved ones or whipping up a batch to gift, these cookies will become a holiday favorite in no time.
What Do White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and minty flavors. The buttery dough is complemented by creamy white chocolate and crunchy peppermint bits, creating a harmonious blend that’s impossible to resist.
What Makes Cookies More Chewy?
To make cookies more chewy, follow these tips and tricks focused on ingredients, baking techniques, and storage:
- Use More Brown Sugar. Brown sugar contains more moisture than granulated sugar due to its molasses content. This moisture helps retain softness and chewiness in the cookies. A higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar makes cookies softer and chewier.
- Add an Extra Egg Yolk. Egg yolks are rich in fat and help create a denser, chewier texture. Replace one whole egg with two egg yolks or add an additional yolk to the recipe for extra richness.
- Choose Bread Flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which creates more gluten and contributes to a chewier texture. Substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for chewier cookies.
Ingredients You'll Need
- All-Purpose Flour- The base for soft, tender cookies.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder- Ensures the cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt- Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter- Softened to create a rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar- For sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs- Provide structure and help the cookies bind.
- Vanilla Extract- Enhances the overall flavor.
- Peppermint Extract- Adds that iconic holiday flavor.
- Chocolate Chips- The creamy counterpart to the minty crunch.
- Crushed Candy Canes- Add a festive and slightly crunchy finish.
How To Make Peppermint Cookies
- Prepare the Dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the Dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Shape the Cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Optional Garnish. While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch and festive flair.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some creative variations for Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies to make them uniquely yours:
- Don’t Overbake. Keep an eye on the cookies. Slightly underbaking them ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Crush Candy Canes Easily. Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
- Chill the Dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients. Fresh baking soda, baking powder, and peppermint extract ensure the best flavor and texture.
These variations allow you to customize your cookies to suit different tastes or occasions, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply indulging at home!
Variations
Here are some creative variations for Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies to make them uniquely yours:
- Dark Chocolate- Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add Nuts- Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle with Chocolate- Once cooled, drizzle cookies with melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
- Gluten-Free Option- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
What To Enjoy With Peppermint Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a cozy beverage elevates the experience. Here are some ideas:
- Hot Cocoa- The ultimate holiday pairing.
- Peppermint Mocha- Double down on the peppermint flavor.
- Eggnog- A creamy, festive complement.
- Vanilla Ice Cream- Turn your cookies into an indulgent dessert by sandwiching them with ice cream.
How Long Do They Last?
Store the cookies in an airtight container for 5-7 days to prevent them from drying out or becoming stale. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Put them in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Refrigeration helps preserve freshness longer, but it may slightly alter the texture (making them firmer). Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Place the peppermint cookies in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for 2-3 months.
To enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or warm them slightly in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel.
More Festive Foods
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Keto Ginger Cookies
- Eggnog French Toast
- Christmas Punch
- Molasses Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the Dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Shape the Cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Optional Garnish. While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch and festive flair.
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