There is something truly magical about the holidays, and the White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. These cookies blend the buttery, soft texture of classic sugar cookies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, all wrapped up in a luscious white chocolate coating sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to friends, or just craving a sweet treat to celebrate the season, this recipe is an absolute must-have. The balance of flavors and textures will keep you coming back for more, making it one of those joyful baking traditions you’ll cherish forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and festive. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness, to the peppermint extract that gives it that refreshing zing, and of course, the white chocolate and crushed peppermint that elevate it into a holiday treat.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The perfect base that provides structure and keeps cookies soft but sturdy.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, giving them a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lightness to the dough, balancing density.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and gives the cookies a slight crunch on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and enhances all other flavors.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the essential cool, festive mint flavor.
- White chocolate (8 oz, chopped or chips): For dipping, this creamy coating balances the peppermint beautifully.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and festive flair on top.
How to Make White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps your cookies bake evenly with the perfect texture every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air that helps the cookies rise and creates that soft crumb we all crave.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The egg adds moisture and structure, while those aromatic extracts elevate your cookie flavor to delightful holiday goodness, ensuring each bite tastes like a winter wonderland.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as you want to keep that tender crumb without developing the gluten too much.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or just until the edges are set and the centers look soft. This timing ensures a perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while warm and ensures they’re ready for the next delicious step.
Step 7: Dip in White Chocolate and Add Peppermint
Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until smooth. Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the white chocolate, then place them on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let the chocolate set fully before enjoying or storing your festive treats.
How to Serve White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling crushed peppermint candies right after dipping keeps the cookies festive, crunchy, and colorful. For a bit of extra flair, try adding edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic a frosty winter look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a peppermint mocha latte to bring out that minty goodness. You can also serve them alongside a rich vanilla ice cream for a dessert plate that’s sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a holiday-themed tin or stack them with parchment paper between each layer for gift-giving. You can even tie bundles of three or four cookies with a festive ribbon to create cute, edible presents that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft yet crisp enough that every bite still feels freshly baked.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled, uncoated cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then dip in white chocolate and peppermint candies for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the white chocolate and make the cookies too soft or runny.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint extract?
Yes, but pure peppermint extract tends to have a more vibrant and true-to-flavor mint taste, making it ideal for this recipe. Adjust quantity if your extract is stronger or weaker.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips? Can I use something else?
You can substitute with good-quality white chocolate bars chopped into small pieces. Avoid candy melts unless you want a thinner coating, as they behave differently when melted.
How do I crush peppermint candies easily?
Place the candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy pan. Be careful not to crush into too fine a powder; a bit of chunkiness gives great texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture. Baking times should stay the same.
Is it possible to add more peppermint flavor to the dough?
Yes! For an extra peppermint punch, gently fold a tablespoon of crushed peppermint into the dough before baking. Just be mindful not to add too much or it might overpower the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says festive like the combination of peppermint and white chocolate in a tender sugar cookie, and this White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Sugar Cookies Recipe captures that magic beautifully. It’s easy enough to whip up any time you want to add a little holiday sparkle to your day. So grab your mixing bowls and peppermint candies, and get ready to make some happy memories—one delicious bite at a time!
