INTRODUCTION
Peppermint cookies are a delightful treat that people love to make, especially during the holiday season. These cookies combine the sweet taste of white chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Each bite offers a wonderful blend of flavors that brighten up any gathering. Imagine the smell of these cookies baking in your oven, filling your home with a sweet and minty aroma that brings joy and warmth.
Making peppermint cookies is not only fun but also very straightforward. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, anyone can create a delicious batch right in their own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love peppermint cookies. First, they taste amazing. The combination of sweet white chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes every bite unforgettable. You can enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack any time of the day.
Second, this recipe is easy to follow. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can make these cookies without any hassle. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores.
Third, these cookies are perfect for the festive season. They make a great gift option for friends and family. Putting together a jar of peppermint cookies is a sweet and thoughtful gesture that anyone will appreciate.
Finally, these cookies look beautiful. The bits of crushed peppermint candy canes and white chocolate chips give them a festive appearance that is sure to impress your guests. You will not only enjoy the taste but also the lovely presentation.
HOW TO MAKE Peppermint Cookies
Making peppermint cookies is a fun and satisfying process. You’ll enjoy every step from gathering the ingredients to pulling the cookies out of the oven. Follow this guide, and you’ll be on your way to delicious peppermint cookies.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric stand mixer with paddle attachment (or a hand mixer)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Cookie scoop (size #40 works well)
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/3 cups (330g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/3 cups (226g) white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (heaping, 103g) crushed peppermint candy canes
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be added later.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients mix well.
- Mix in the large egg, and then add the egg yolk. Next, blend in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Again, scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are combined.
- Now, take the flour mixture and slowly add it to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Pour in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Gently mix to combine everything. You want to distribute the chocolate and peppermint evenly without breaking them too much.
- Using a #40 cookie scoop, scoop out the dough. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the cookie dough balls in the fridge for about 20 minutes. While they are chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 175 degrees Celsius) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After chilling, transfer 12 cookie dough balls to the lined cookie sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven until they are nearly baked through; this takes about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you desire, press a few extra white chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie while they are still warm.
- Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough until you have baked all your cookies.
- Once all the cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
HOW TO SERVE Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint cookies can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them on their own with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. They are also a wonderful addition to a dessert table. Arrange them on a platter and let your guests pick their favorites.
For a festive touch, you can sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top before serving. You can also place them in decorative boxes or jars as gifts.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Peppermint Cookies
To store your peppermint cookies, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool area at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. To do this, let the cookies cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Peppermint cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a few different things. Here are some ideas:
- Hot Beverages: Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies with other desserts like brownies or cakes for a festive party spread.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use peppermint cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
- Holiday Treat Bags: Package them in treat bags with other sweets for festive gifting.
VARIATIONS
This peppermint cookie recipe is versatile. Here are a few ways you can change it up:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough to create chocolate cookies. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with peppermint.
- Different Chocolate Chips: Instead of white chocolate chips, you could use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a different taste.
- Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra texture.
- More Mint Flavor: If you love mint, add more peppermint extract to enhance the minty flavor even more.
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. - How do I crush peppermint candy canes?
Place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. - What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can increase the amount of vanilla extract or add a dash of mint tea for a slight mint flavor. - These cookies spread out too much. What did I do wrong?
This could happen if the butter was too soft or if the dough was not chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough properly before baking.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Peppermint Cookies
If you want to prepare in advance, you can make the dough ahead of time. Follow the instructions up to the point before you bake them. After shaping the dough into balls, freeze them instead of chilling. Once frozen, transfer the cookie balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your peppermint cookies and the joy they bring!
Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl periodically.
- Mix in the egg and then add the egg yolk. Blend in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Pour in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Gently mix to combine.
- Using a #40 cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and shape into balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the cookie dough balls in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- After chilling, transfer 12 cookie dough balls to the lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven until nearly baked through, about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve peppermint cookies on their own or with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. They also work well on dessert platters or as ice cream sandwich cookies.