If you’ve been searching for a festive, show-stopping treat that combines classic holiday charm with a delightful twist, look no further than this White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft, buttery sugar cookie goodness dipped in creamy white chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy peppermint candies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or simply to share some sweetness with loved ones, these cookies will bring joy with every bite and instantly become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery texture of the cookies to the refreshing peppermint kick and luscious white chocolate coating. Getting these ingredients just right ensures your cookies are nothing short of irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure and that classic soft crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving a tender texture.
- Baking powder: Adds a touch of lift to keep the cookies from being too dense.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel—make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crisp on the edges.
- Large egg: Binds the dough, helping it hold together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, comforting background note to complement the peppermint.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show, providing that fresh, cool peppermint punch.
- White chocolate: Melted to dip the cookies in, adding creamy sweetness and elegance.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Sprinkled on top for crunch, festive color, and extra peppermint flavor.
How to Make White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep makes the whole process smoother and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents, so your cookies have the perfect lift and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins because creamed butter and sugar trap air, giving your cookies that wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. The peppermint extract will infuse each bite with that iconic holiday freshness, so don’t be shy here.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could become tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers for a beautiful, even shape.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to bake on the sheet after removal, so take care not to overbake.
Step 8: Melt the White Chocolate
While the cookies cool, melt the white chocolate gently in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or use a double boiler. Smooth white chocolate is key to a flawless dip and beautiful finish.
Step 9: Dip and Decorate
Once the cookies are fully cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top before the chocolate sets for that festive crunch and vibrant pop of color. Place on parchment to set completely.
How to Serve White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling additional crushed peppermint candies on the white chocolate while it’s still wet creates a lovely festive look and extra texture. For a dash of elegance, you can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha. They also complement a chilled glass of milk beautifully, which helps balance the sweetness and refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a decorative platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with a bright red ribbon for gift-giving. They also look stunning stacked in mason jars for an inviting holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers for up to three months.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies just-baked warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the white chocolate’s melt-in-your-mouth feel.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint candy instead of candy canes?
Absolutely! Crushed peppermint candy or even peppermint bark works wonderfully and gives the same delightful crunch and flavor. Just make sure to crush them finely enough to stick well to the chocolate.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Vanilla extract alone can work in a pinch, but the peppermint extract is what makes this recipe truly special. You could also try adding a tiny amount of finely chopped fresh mint leaves for a subtle twist.
How thick should I flatten the cookie dough balls?
A gentle flattening to about half an inch thick helps the cookies bake evenly and get that soft-yet-slightly-crisp texture. Too thick or too thin can affect the bake time and texture.
Can I dip the entire cookie in white chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Dipping the whole cookie will be messier but extra indulgent. Just allow plenty of time for the chocolate to set completely before serving.
Are these cookies good for freezing after they are dipped?
Yes, once the white chocolate is fully set, you can freeze the cookies in airtight containers. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature to avoid condensation on the chocolate.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a holiday treasure that combines simplicity, flavor, and festive flair in every bite. Whether for gifting, sharing, or indulging yourself, these cookies bring warmth and joy that fill any room. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy it is to create something so special right from your own kitchen!
Print
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies are a festive holiday treat combining soft, buttery sugar cookies infused with peppermint extract and finished by dipping in rich melted white chocolate, sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for a perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For Decoration
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix to avoid tough cookies.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, and gently flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Melt the White Chocolate: While the cookies cool on a wire rack, melt the white chocolate either in a microwave in short bursts stirring frequently or in a double boiler until smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the chocolate sets. Place cookies on parchment to allow the chocolate to harden completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is properly softened for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than crisp.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate before dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
