Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like baking. The aroma of sweet peppermint, the rich creaminess of white chocolate, and the comforting crackle of warm cookies fresh out of the oven all combine to create one of the most festive desserts imaginable: White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
These cookies are the very essence of Christmas—sweet, refreshing, and filled with seasonal cheer. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa, these treats are bound to become a staple on your Christmas dessert table.
In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: ingredients, tools, step-by-step directions, baking tips, variations, and even how to package them as holiday gifts. By the end, you’ll have not only a recipe but also inspiration to make this Christmas season extra special.
Ingredients for White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
To make these indulgent holiday cookies, you’ll need:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon peppermint extract
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1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
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1 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)
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Extra white chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Making Christmas cookies is much smoother when you have the right tools on hand:
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Mixing bowls (medium and large)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
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Cooling rack
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Rolling pin (optional, for crushing candy canes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial for soft, chewy cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract until combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
Using a spatula, fold in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Optional: drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed candy canes.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cookies
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Don’t overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center; they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
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Chill the dough – If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking.
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Use high-quality chocolate – Better chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Gift-ready idea – Package cookies in clear holiday bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift.
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Make ahead – Freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen for fresh cookies anytime.
Variations for Holiday Fun
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Chocolate Peppermint Twist: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate-based cookies.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Peppermint Bark Cookies: Add chunks of peppermint bark instead of candy canes.
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Red & Green Festive Touch: Mix in holiday-colored sprinkles for extra Christmas flair.
Approximate Nutrition (per cookie)
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Calories: 160
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Sugar: 16 g
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 8 g
(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
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Festive Flavor – The refreshing peppermint perfectly balances sweet white chocolate.
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Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Easy to Make – Simple steps, big rewards.
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Holiday-Ready – Beautifully decorated cookies for any Christmas dessert table.
These cookies pair beautifully with classic Christmas dinners, from roast turkey to side dishes like Green Bean Casserole, making them a must-have in your holiday recipe collection.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
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Serve warm cookies with hot chocolate, eggnog, or mulled wine.
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Add them to a Christmas cookie platter alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies.
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Use them in cookie exchange parties—they’re guaranteed to be a favorite.
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Pair with savory Christmas classics such as Green Bean Casserole, roasted ham, or stuffing for a balanced festive menu.
Conclusion
If there’s one cookie that screams Christmas, it’s the White Chocolate Peppermint Cookie. With its soft, chewy base, bursts of creamy chocolate, and refreshing peppermint crunch, it’s a holiday dessert that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re baking for your family, a Christmas party, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a true holiday delight. So, roll up your sleeves, turn on the Christmas music, and bake a batch of these festive cookies today. 🎄✨
