Name: White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp peppermint extract; 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 73 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly captures the festive spirit, this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is exactly what your holiday baking list needs. These cookies bring together the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips with the refreshing zing of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, resulting in a soft, chewy treat that feels like a cozy winter hug. Whether you’re baking for a party or just indulging yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients arranged for baking. From the lower right corner, there is a metal measuring cup filled with light brown crushed graham crackers, next to it on the left is another metal measuring cup filled with small white chocolate chips. Above them, a small white bowl contains light brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Toward the center, there is a whole brown egg, and behind it to the right is a gray bowl filled with white flour with a slightly lumpy texture. Above the flour bowl is a small round beige dish holding a white powder, possibly baking soda or baking powder. In the top left corner, a white bowl contains red and white crushed candy pieces. There is also a small metal measuring spoon near the left edge. A wrapped stick of unsalted butter is in the background on the right side. The whole setup is clean and natural with soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even though this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe sounds indulgent, it relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each item plays an important role, from the butter providing richness to the brown sugar adding moisture and a subtle caramel note.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives the cookies a rich, soft base without overpowering the other flavors.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep sweetness that balances the peppermint’s boldness.
1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a chewy texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1/4 tsp peppermint extract: Brings that unmistakable holiday freshness without being too overpowering.
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour: The cookie’s structure comes from this essential ingredient.
1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them tender.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1/3 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of sweet creaminess throughout the cookie.
1/4 cup crushed candy canes: Adds festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor that truly makes the cookies stand out.

How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Wet Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure it’s ready for when your cookie dough is prepared. In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This mix is where the cookie’s rich flavor foundation begins.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts. These ingredients add moisture and essential flavors that make this recipe so special. Stir everything until the mixture looks silky and fully combined, making sure those festive peppermint notes are evenly spread through the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture and stir just enough to bring everything together into a smooth cookie dough. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle and patient here.

Step 4: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Crushed Candy Canes

This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes to sprinkle delicious bursts of sweetness and peppermint crunch throughout each bite. These mix-ins make this White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe truly festive and irresistible.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. It also enhances the flavors by allowing them to meld together while cooling.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Once chilled, scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls—you should get about 14 cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 1 to 2 inches between each to allow room for spreading. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little more crushed candy cane on top for extra crunch and festive flair. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Step 7: Shape and Cool

Right after removing the cookies from the oven, use the curve of a fork to gently reshape any cookies that may have spread awkwardly or lost their roundness due to melting candy canes. Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a rack or serving plate to enjoy their soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a thick, light brown batter layer that fills the bottom and sides. On top of the batter, there is a mix of two toppings: small, round, smooth white chocolate chips scattered evenly and a pile of crushed peppermint candy pieces, showing white and red fragments, mostly in the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes on top before baking adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color. For an elegant touch, you can lightly drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies to amp up the indulgence and decoration.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or even a glass of cold milk. For a festive platter, serve alongside gingerbread men or a bowl of spiced nuts to create a variety of holiday flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Use these cookies as edible gift toppers by tying a few with holiday ribbons around homemade jam jars or gift boxes. Another fun idea is to sandwiched with peppermint-flavored buttercream for a delightful twist, making your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe stand out as a centerpiece at any holiday party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their softness, as the moisture from the bread prevents the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead for the holidays, freeze the shaped cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet for a few hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, chewy texture and melts the white chocolate just a bit for that freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While white chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint for a sweeter taste, dark chocolate offers a richer contrast that many love. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combo.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for this recipe?

Place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently bash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Aim for small, uneven pieces to add texture without overwhelming the dough.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

You can use peppermint oil, but it’s much more concentrated than extract, so start with a very small amount—usually just a drop—and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free baking blend to make a gluten-free version, but the texture may vary slightly.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. Their texture and peppermint flavor remain delightful throughout this time.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is a surefire way to bring a burst of festive joy to your kitchen. The combination of creamy white chocolate, crunchy peppermint, and chewy cookie texture makes them addictive and heartwarming. Trust me, once you make these, it’ll be impossible to stop at just one. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and try this recipe—it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen in your own home!