The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cookies. If you’re searching for the perfect recipe to capture the festive spirit, look no further than these Easy Holiday White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. These cookies combine rich cocoa, creamy white chocolate, and a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them the ultimate holiday treat.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Picture this: a soft and chewy chocolate cookie, dipped in silky white chocolate, and sprinkled with festive peppermint bits. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a showstopper at holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies will be a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for these delightful cookies:

For the Cookie Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1⅔ cups (237g)
Unsweetened cocoa powder	1 cup (98g)
Baking soda	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (226g)
Granulated sugar	1¼ cups (250g)
Light brown sugar (packed)	¾ cup (160g)
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Peppermint extract	1 tsp

For the Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
White chocolate (broken or chopped)	16 oz.
Crushed peppermint bits	¼ cup (approx.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds.
• Set this mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar.
• Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

4. Add the Eggs and Extracts

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

6. Shape the Dough

• Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons (about 25 grams each).
• Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

7. Flatten Slightly

• Gently flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

8. Bake the Cookies

• Bake one sheet at a time for about 8 minutes. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked to retain their chewy texture.
• Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Adding the White Chocolate and Peppermint

9. Melt the White Chocolate

• Place the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Melt at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.

10. Dip and Decorate

• Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted white chocolate.
• Place the cookies on parchment paper and sprinkle the dipped portion with crushed peppermint bits.

11. Set the Chocolate

• Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the white chocolate is firm.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Holiday White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday Parties: Arrange them on a festive platter alongside other treats.
• Gift Boxes: Wrap them in decorative cellophane bags or cookie tins for thoughtful holiday gifts.
• Dessert Buffets: Pair with hot chocolate or eggnog for the ultimate holiday dessert station.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not too warm to achieve a creamy consistency.
• Crush Peppermint Evenly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create finely crushed peppermint bits.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures a soft, chewy texture.
• Chill for Clean Dipping: If your cookies are too warm, chill them briefly before dipping in white chocolate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per cookie (makes approximately 30 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Total Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g

FAQs About Easy Holiday White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate works well and balances the sweetness, though the cookies will have a less festive appearance.

2. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

5. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Ensure the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth before dipping. Let the cookies come to room temperature after chilling.

6. Can I skip the peppermint bits?

Of course! The cookies will still be delicious without them, but you’ll miss out on the festive crunch.

Conclusion: A Festive Treat Worth Baking

These Easy Holiday White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies bring together the best of the season’s flavors—rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint. They’re a must-bake for anyone looking to spread holiday cheer through the art of baking.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the delightful aroma of these festive cookies. They’re sure to become a holiday tradition in your household!

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