When the holidays roll around, few things bring more joy than baking a batch of delicious, festive cookies. These Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie swap, gift-giving, or just a festive treat for the family, these cookies are sure to please everyone’s sweet tooth. They’re simple to make, customizable, and will quickly become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know to make these cookies, from the ingredients to step-by-step directions. Plus, we’ll explore some variations and answers to common questions. Let’s get started!
What Are Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies?
These cookies are an indulgent twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, made even more festive with the addition of peppermint and white chocolate. The cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crisp around the edges, while the chunks of white chocolate melt perfectly during baking, creating creamy pockets of sweetness. The crushed peppermint adds a fresh, cool bite, making these cookies a holiday favorite.
Origin of the Peppermint white chocolate cookies
The combination of white chocolate and peppermint is a popular flavor pairing during the holiday season, dating back to the early 2000s when peppermint-flavored desserts began to dominate holiday baking. While variations of this recipe have likely been passed down through families or shared in baking communities, the pairing of peppermint and white chocolate became a widely-loved flavor combination thanks to its festive appeal. This particular Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookie recipe has been adapted over the years to create a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a festive look, perfect for both casual and formal holiday gatherings.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make these Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies (makes ~24–30 cookies)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: This provides a rich, smooth base for the cookies.
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crisp texture.
- ¾ cup (165g) packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper sweetness to complement the white chocolate and peppermint.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth and richness.
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient for structure.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise slightly.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate.
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chunks or chips: The creamy base of this indulgent cookie.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint baking chips: Provides that fresh, minty flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped white chocolate or festive sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
For the Drizzle (Optional)
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted: A finishing touch for extra sweetness.
- Crushed peppermint for garnish: To make the drizzle pop with a festive look and additional minty flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Making these cookies is a breeze, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how you can make them from start to finish:
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the dough for a soft texture.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) together in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense cookies.
- Fold in the white chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint. This is where the festive flavor comes together—be sure to evenly distribute the peppermint crunch and white chocolate pieces throughout the dough.
2. Scoop & Bake
- Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and drop them onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading as they bake.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last couple of minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Optional White Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies using a fork or piping bag for a more decorative touch.
- Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint over the drizzle before it sets to enhance the holiday aesthetic.
Variations: Peppermint white chocolate cookies
This recipe is highly customizable! Here are a few variations to consider:
- For a chewier texture: Slightly underbake the cookies by 1–2 minutes. This keeps the centers soft and gooey.
- Add mini chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, mix in some mini chocolate chips along with the white chocolate.
- Sprinkles: To make these cookies even more festive, you can add some holiday sprinkles on top before baking or after drizzling the white chocolate.
- Try dark chocolate chunks: For a twist on the traditional white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks can be used for a richer flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peppermint.
FAQs About Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies
1. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain freshness, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white chocolate, you can experiment with semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.
4. How can I make the drizzle thicker?
If you prefer a thicker drizzle, simply melt less white chocolate or add a small amount of heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion: Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies
These Peppermint White Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will surely become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or packaging them up for a cookie exchange, they offer a perfect blend of sweetness and minty freshness. The chewy texture, the creamy white chocolate, and the peppermint crunch make for a delightful combination that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
By following these simple steps and variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences and create a batch of cookies that will leave everyone asking for more. So, this holiday season, bake a batch, enjoy the sweet smells filling your home, and savor the joy that comes with a perfect cookie.
