Introduction
As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like the joyous warm scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season. With their rich bursts of white chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint, every bite will transport you to a winter wonderland. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or stashing a few away for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect canvas for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract, and let those sweet aromas fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation for your cookie dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to be tender and delicious!
- Now comes the fun part—fold in the white chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candies. The combination of flavors will create a delightful sweet and minty treat!
- Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread as they bake, creating nice, chunky cookies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and your home smells irresistible.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra festive touch, try sprinkling a few additional crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven. Not only does this enhance their beauty, but it also adds an even greater burst of peppermint flavor. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious.
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugars together, take your time to achieve that light and fluffy texture, which is key to a tender cookie. Also, taking care to incorporate the dry ingredients just until combined ensures your cookies will have just the right chewiness without being overly dense.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate? Absolutely! Dark chocolate and peppermint are a classic combination that will work just as well.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time? You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you want to bake them, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a joyful indulgence perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. Their crunchy edges and soft centers are a match made in heaven, and each bite is a celebration of flavors. So gather your loved ones, bake up a batch, and enjoy the delights of the season!