If you’re craving a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season with a burst of sweet and minty flavors, then this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint candies, creating a delightful crunch in every bite. Soft, chewy, and decorated with speckles of red peppermint, they bring a gorgeous pop of color and flavor that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply want a cozy dessert to enjoy with your favorite hot drink, these cookies hit all the right notes with their irresistible taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding buttery richness and sweetness to the perfect chewy texture and that festive peppermint snap. Here’s what you’ll need to make cookie magic happen:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and rich flavor essential for soft cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that slight crispness around the edges.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to keep cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that shapes the cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Delivers pockets of creamy sweetness with every bite.
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies: Infuses the cookies with that delightful, cool, crunchy peppermint flair.
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with tougher cookies.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, making sure each cookie dough scoop will have a generous amount of these festive delights.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies to Perfection
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges start to turn a lovely golden hue.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes so they set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is especially important to keep their shape and texture perfect.
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to dress these cookies up a little, try sprinkling a few extra crushed peppermint candies on top while the cookies are still warm. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate can turn these into mini edible works of art, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their creamy sweetness and cool peppermint crunch make them a lovely companion for holiday beverages and cozy winter moments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with holiday-themed napkins. Stack them tall for a cookie tower, or package them in clear cellophane with a red ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also sandwich some peppermint-flavored frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy them over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven.
Reheating
To refresh the cookie’s softness and bring back that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This little trick makes them taste freshly baked again and melts the white chocolate chips a bit for extra gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the peppermint, but keep in mind it will change the overall flavor profile. White chocolate complements the peppermint’s sweetness more traditionally, but swapping is easy and tasty.
How finely should I crush the peppermint candies?
Crush them until you have small pieces about the size of coarse sugar granules. Too fine, and they might melt completely during baking; too large, and they could overpower the texture. Aim for a nice balance of crunch and distribution.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies from crumbling.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If the cookies spread excessively, your butter might have been too soft or the dough too warm when baking. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking to maintain better shape.
Do I have to use crushed peppermint candies?
While crushed peppermint candies are what give these cookies their signature crunch and minty burst, you can experiment with peppermint extract instead for flavor. However, you’ll miss out on the delightful texture contrast the candies provide.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing your very own batch of White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not only festive and beautiful, but they also bring warmth, sweetness, and a refreshing peppermint spark to your table. Whether it’s for holiday cheer or a sweet everyday indulgence, this recipe is a keeper that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of joy in cookie form!
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies, perfect for the holiday season. Soft and chewy cookies are packed with sweet white chocolate chips and refreshing crushed peppermint candies, offering a perfect balance of creamy and minty sensations in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for an easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to evenly distribute the sweet and minty elements throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For stronger peppermint flavor, increase crushed peppermint candies to 1 1/2 cups.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
- For a crunchier cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes but be careful not to overbake.
- Use good quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
- Crushing peppermint candies can be done by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin or heavy pan.
