If you’re searching for that perfect holiday treat bursting with festive spirit, this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe absolutely fits the bill. Imagine buttery, golden cookies studded with creamy white chocolate chips and sparkling splinters of peppermint candy in every bite. Whether you’re gathering for a family movie night, filling gift bags for friends, or trading sweets at a festive cookie exchange, these cookies capture the magic of the season. Deliciously nostalgic, a little bit whimsical, and simple enough to whip up at a moment’s notice, these are about to become your new holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to irresistible cookies is all in the right ingredients. This White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe shines because every component plays a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s why each item matters:
- Unsalted butter: Gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and lets you control the saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up just at the edges.
- Packed brown sugar: Lends a touch of caramel flavor and keeps the centers chewy.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together and give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and brings warm bakery notes.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, ensuring the perfect chewy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise so they’re light, with just a bit of spread.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings depth to the flavor.
- White chocolate chips: Speckles the cookies with creamy sweetness and a touch of decadence.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Add irresistible crunch and a cool, minty sparkle in every bite.
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies can lift right off without sticking—clean-up will be a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Don’t rush this part—a solid two to three minutes mixing will leave you with a pale, fluffy mixture that promises tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, ensuring each is fully blended in before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with warmth and sweetness.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of the rising agent, so every cookie turns out perfectly fluffy and light.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing so your cookies stay soft and tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Magic
With a spatula, carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. The mixture will smell absolutely heavenly—try to resist eating it straight from the bowl!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a five-minute pause, letting them finish baking from the residual heat. Once set, transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra sparkle, sprinkle the warm cookies with a touch more crushed peppermint right out of the oven. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look absolutely magical and adds a wintery charm.
Side Dishes
Serve these festive cookies alongside a mug of hot cocoa swirled with whipped cream, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgia trip. If you’re feeling fancy, pair with a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream!
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack and wrap the cookies in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, or layer them in a holiday tin. They also look beautiful arranged on a tiered cake stand as the centerpiece of your dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft and flavorful for up to a week—if they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Let them cool completely, then place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and crunch for up to three months. You can even freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from the freezer for freshly-baked treats anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm cookie, simply pop one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds or until just warmed through. If you’re reheating a batch, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract for even more minty flavor?
Absolutely! For a bolder peppermint punch, add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough. Just be careful—peppermint extract is quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with another kind of chocolate?
If you love experimenting, try milk or dark chocolate chips for a different taste. However, the creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh peppermint crunch in this recipe.
How do I crush peppermint candies without making a mess?
Place your candy canes or peppermint candies in a zip-top bag, seal it tight, and go over them with a rolling pin until you have the perfect mix of chunky bits and peppermint dust.
Are these cookies chewy or crisp?
This White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe delivers cookies with chewy centers and crisp edges, thanks to the balance of brown sugar and white sugar in the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Set it out for a few minutes before scooping, then bake as directed whenever you’re ready for freshly baked cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe to brighten up a chilly afternoon or to add sparkle to your holiday gatherings. If you love the blend of chocolate and mint, these are bound to make you smile. Give them a try and share the joy—one bite, and you’ll see why these cookies are a cherished favorite year after year!
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of white chocolate and peppermint in a perfect crunchy cookie. They are easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra peppermint flavor, add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well and are perfect for holiday gifting or cookie exchanges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
