If you’re craving a festive treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, then you absolutely have to try this White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe. These cookies are everything you want in a holiday dessert: soft and chewy chocolate goodness with a crisp peppermint crunch, all elevated by a silky white chocolate coating. They’re not only charming to look at but are also irresistibly delicious, making them the perfect sweet to share (or keep all to yourself!). Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to brighten your own day, this recipe brings joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to whip up these delightful cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that festive touch that sets this cookie apart.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Creamy and rich, it provides the perfect base for tender cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that lovely cookie crispness on the edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the chocolate flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds all ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, familiar note.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show, it gives a refreshing minty kick that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds the cookies perfectly soft yet sturdy.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense, fudgy chocolate flavor without any added sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender, chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- 10 oz white chocolate chips or melting wafers: Used for dipping, adding a luscious creamy contrast.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Provides crunch and a festive sparkle topping.
How to Make White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This will give your cookies that perfect tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint is the magical touch here, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and cocoa throughout your dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies could become tough instead of delightfully soft.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of your cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This is key for that chewy center everyone loves. After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Dip in White Chocolate and Add Peppermint
Once the cookies have cooled, melt the white chocolate chips or melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring well between each, until smooth. Dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Place on parchment paper and let the chocolate set at room temperature or chill for a few minutes to speed things up.
How to Serve White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint or even a dusting of edible glitter on top of the white chocolate for an extra festive look. A few tiny red or green holiday sprinkles can add a cheerful touch if you like a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha. If you’re serving at a party, think about pairing with a creamy eggnog or a frothy latte — they capture those cozy holiday vibes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a beautiful holiday platter lined with festive napkins or place them in decorative clear treat bags tied with ribbons for a charming gift. Layer them with wax paper in a cookie tin for a keepsake anyone will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The white chocolate coating might soften over time, but the cookies will remain just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies before dipping in white chocolate for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Once ready to serve, thaw completely and then dip in white chocolate for that fresh finish.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies slightly, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to get that melty, fresh-baked feel. Avoid heating too long or the white chocolate might soften excessively or melt off.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint extract?
Yes, you can use regular peppermint extract, but pure peppermint extract tends to have a stronger, cleaner flavor which really pops against the rich chocolate in this recipe.
What can I substitute for white chocolate chips if I can’t find them?
You can use white chocolate melting wafers or even try dipping the cookies in melted white chocolate bars broken into chunks. Just make sure to temper or melt gently so it stays smooth.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just be mindful that texture might change slightly but the flavor will still be spectacular.
Is it okay to skip the peppermint candies on top?
Yes, if you prefer a more subtle peppermint flavor or don’t have candies on hand, you can omit them. The peppermint extract combined with the white chocolate will still give that festive touch.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
When properly stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start drying out or becoming less flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Making this White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe is like crafting little bites of holiday magic. Each cookie brings together the perfect harmony of chocolate, mint, and luscious white chocolate that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly fresh. I’m so excited for you to try baking these yourself—trust me, once you do, they’ll be your go-to festive favorite for every holiday season to come!
Print
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies combine rich cocoa-flavored cookies with a festive peppermint twist. Soft and chewy chocolate cookies are dipped in creamy white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies, making them a delightful holiday treat perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- 10 oz white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: 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 bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined into a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each until smooth and creamy.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch and flavor.
- Set Chocolate: Place the dipped cookies on parchment paper and allow the white chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to speed the process.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For an extra festive touch, use colored peppermint candies or add holiday sprinkles along with the crushed peppermint.
