White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking to bring holiday magic right into your kitchen, this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies combine the rich, creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing bite of crushed peppermint candies, creating a perfect balance of flavors that feels both festive and indulgent. Each chewy bite offers a delightful crunch and a hint of cool peppermint that makes these treats unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something special, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your cookie rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a spectacularly delicious cookie. Each element plays a key role, from the buttery base that ensures a tender texture to the peppermint pieces that add a festive twist with every bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies tender and moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel note for deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure so cookies hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become wonderfully soft.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness throughout the cookie.
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and festive flair.
How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick when it’s time to take them out.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key to getting a soft and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
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 will infuse your dough with delightful warmth and depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the White Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. This step is where the signature flavor and texture of this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe really begins to shine.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them out as they will spread a bit. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a delicate golden color, signaling that perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them set so you get that fudgy interior with a slight crunch on the outside.
How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of white chocolate over cooled cookies adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra pop of holiday cheer. For an elegant presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of peppermint tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. Pairing with a warm latte can elevate your cookie experience into a cozy, indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not package these festive delights in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbon? They make perfect gifts. You can also stack them in a cookie jar with colorful layers of crushed peppermint between each cookie for an eye-catching holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they stay deliciously soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the holidays.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch in advance, you can freeze the cookie dough balls, tightly wrapped, for up to three months. When ready, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Enjoy warm cookies by reheating them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or placing them on a baking sheet and warming them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives that just-baked softness and melty white chocolate bliss.
FAQs
Can I substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with peppermint, using dark chocolate chips can add a richer contrast and depth of flavor if you prefer.
What type of peppermint candy works best?
Crushed hard peppermint candies or peppermint sticks both work wonderfully. Just make sure the pieces are small enough to evenly distribute throughout the dough without being too large to bite comfortably.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
How do I prevent the peppermint candies from melting too much during baking?
Crushing the candies into small pieces helps them distribute evenly and minimizes melting. Also, avoid overbaking; pulling the cookies out as soon as the edges are set keeps the candy crunch intact.
Can I double this White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! The recipe scales up well, just be sure to use larger bowls for mixing and flatten dough portions slightly when baking to maintain even cooking times.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of holiday flavors wrapped up in a cookie. With its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and minty together in one bite, it’s a treat that will brighten any gathering or quiet moment. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, have fun baking, and enjoy every delicious moment making these festive cookies your own!
Print
White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies that combine creamy white chocolate chips with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candies. Perfectly soft with a subtle crisp edge, these cookies are a holiday favorite that bring together classic flavors in a simple, easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating good aeration for soft cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly until the dough is well combined but avoiding overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set their texture and prevents breakage.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with the sugars.
- Crush peppermint candies finely but not into powder to retain crunchy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow to finish setting on the cooling rack.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking for convenient holiday treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
