Name: Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups (330g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure); 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, plus extra for topping if desired; 1/2 cup (heaping, 103g) crushed peppermint candy canes (about 8 standard size)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a festive treat that combines the cooling zing of peppermint with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, this Peppermint Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with crushed peppermint candy canes and white chocolate chips, creating a perfect balance of refreshing and indulgent flavors. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an everyday sweet craving, this recipe hits all the right notes to brighten your day and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a silver baking tray inside an oven with twelve round cookies baking on a sheet of brown parchment paper. Each cookie is light beige with red speckles throughout and white chocolate chips scattered on top. The cookies are slightly risen and spread out evenly in three rows and four columns. The oven rack is metallic and the background reveals the oven’s dark interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Peppermint Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building that perfect chewy texture and sparkling festive flavor, so let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it matters.

All-purpose flour (2 1/3 cups / 330g): The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise gently, adding a lightness to each bite.
Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift and texture.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g, room temperature): Provides richness and keeps the cookies soft and tender.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Adds needed sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Gives moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor.
Large egg (1) and egg yolk (1): Bind the dough while keeping the texture chewy and lush.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to complement the peppermint.
Peppermint extract (1/2 tsp): The star flavor that brightens and refreshes every bite.
White chocolate chips (1 1/3 cups / 226g plus extra for topping): Melts into sweet pockets of creamy bliss throughout.
Crushed peppermint candy canes (heaping 1/2 cup / 103g): Adds delightful crunch and festive peppermint bursts.

How to Make Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. This ensures the lifting agents and seasoning are evenly distributed for perfect cookie rising and balanced flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room-temperature butter with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl to mix everything evenly. This step is crucial because it introduces air, making your cookies wonderfully light.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the whole egg first, then the egg yolk for extra richness. Blend in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract next, which will bring out the refreshing and warm flavors that define this peppermint cookies recipe.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Over-mixing here can lead to tough cookies, so a gentle touch is best for that perfect tender crumb.

Step 5: Mix in White Chocolate and Peppermint Candy

Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until they’re evenly distributed. The white chocolate adds lush sweetness, while the peppermint candies bring a festive crunch and that unmistakable holiday zing.

Step 6: Shape and Chill

Scoop the dough using a slightly heaped #40 cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 heaping tablespoons or 37 grams) and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 20 minutes. This resting period helps the cookies maintain their shape and develops a more concentrated peppermint flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange 12 cookie dough balls on each sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookies look puffed and slightly under-baked in the center. The gentle under-baking ensures the ultimate soft, chewy texture once cooled.

Step 8: Cool and Optional Topping

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you want to add some extra white chocolate sparkle, press a few white chocolate chips onto each warm cookie before they fully set. Repeat the baking process until all dough balls are used.

How to Serve Peppermint Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies on a metal cooling rack. Each cookie has a light golden color with red swirls mixed inside, and white chocolate chips are spread on the top of each cookie. Scattered around and partly under the cookies are red and white striped candy canes. To the right of the rack, a red cloth with thin white stripes is placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a festive touch, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. These garnishes make the cookies look as good as they taste and add a welcoming holiday flair to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Peppermint cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. Their cooling peppermint flavor also complements creamy vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream for a delightful dessert duo. Consider serving alongside a platter of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies stacked on a decorative plate or in a holiday-themed tin to wow your guests. You can also create cookie sandwiches by sandwiching peppermint-flavored buttercream or white chocolate ganache between two cookies for an extra decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them soft and chewy without drying out, so you get that freshly baked feel each time you reach for one.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead for later enjoyment, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring previously baked cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. This will soften them and revive those melty white chocolate pockets, making every bite as delicious as the first.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of the specific amount in the recipe?

Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to balance the flavor without overpowering the cookies. Feel free to adjust slightly based on your preference, but too much extract can make the cookies bitter.

What if I don’t have candy canes? Can I use peppermint candies?

Crushed peppermint candies are a great substitute. Just make sure they’re finely crushed so they incorporate evenly into the dough. Avoid any candies with added coatings that might affect texture.

Can I swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate?

Absolutely! While white chocolate and peppermint are a classic combo, dark or milk chocolate chips will create a richer, slightly less sweet cookie with delicious contrast.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can substitute cup-for-cup and ensure it contains xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but the peppermint flavor will still shine.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also deepens the flavor, giving you that perfect chewy texture Peppermint Cookies Recipe is loved for.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Cookies Recipe is a true celebration of holiday spirit and classic flavors all rolled into one irresistible cookie. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a burst of peppermint and creamy white chocolate. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and get ready to share these festive delights with friends and family—you’re going to love every bite!