Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich, chocolatey base combined with the refreshing hint of peppermint and creamy white chocolate coating created the perfect holiday treat. The smell of these cookies baking filled the house with that comforting, festive aroma that turns any regular evening into something special. My family, who can sometimes be picky eaters, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I prepared these cookies, I thought about how food brings us together—whether it’s for a cozy family holiday, a Christmas cookie swap, or a sweet surprise for someone special, there’s something magical about baking a treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a festive party, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Festive Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and creamy white chocolate is the essence of holiday baking. It’s a flavor combination that’s both classic and exciting, guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- Versatile: While they’re perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are delicious year-round. If you love the peppermint-chocolate combination, you’ll enjoy them long after the holidays are over.
- Quick and Easy: These cookies are simple to make, with just a few steps involved. No complicated techniques—just mix, scoop, bake, and dip. Even beginners can make these with confidence!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the peppermint flavor to suit your taste. If you love a stronger peppermint kick, add more crushed candy canes, or for a more subtle mint flavor, use less. You can also swap in dark chocolate for the cookie dough if you prefer.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. These cookies are sweet, festive, and full of flavor, making them a universal favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need for these delicious cookies. (The full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
For the White Chocolate Dip:
- 8 oz white chocolate chips or white chocolate baking bar
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoothness)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these festive cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your cookies the perfect texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and beat until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy canes, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Dip: While the cookies cool, melt the white chocolate. If you’re using chocolate chips, place them in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. If you’re using a white chocolate bar, chop it into small pieces and melt it in the same way. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to help the chocolate smooth out if needed.
- Dip the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, dip half of each cookie into the melted white chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the cookies on parchment paper to set.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Allow the white chocolate to harden at room temperature, or place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is fully set, your cookies are ready to serve! Enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with family and friends.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories per cookie (depending on the size and amount of white chocolate dip used)
How to Serve White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering, but they also pair beautifully with other festive treats and beverages. Here are a few ideas to enhance your cookie experience:
- Holiday Drinks: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or spiced eggnog for the ultimate festive treat.
- Gift-Giving: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag with a festive ribbon for a sweet gift that’s sure to impress.
- Milk and Cookies: For a nostalgic pairing, enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint are the perfect contrast to a classic glass of milk.
- With a Christmas Platter: These cookies can be part of a larger dessert platter featuring other holiday treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and fudge.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual. The dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other mix-ins like crushed Oreo cookies, mini marshmallows, or even some toffee bits for extra flavor.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Double the Batch: These cookies are so delicious, you might want to double the recipe! They freeze beautifully and make great treats to have on hand throughout the season.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the peppermint extract with something else?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use crushed peppermint candies for a more subtle flavor. Just add a little extra to the dough to make up for the difference.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bake and dip the cookies when you’re ready to serve them.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Q5: What’s the best way to melt white chocolate?
A5: The microwave method works best for white chocolate. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets, and the baking time will remain the same.
Q7: Are these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your white chocolate is gluten-free.
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 44 cookies 1x
Description
These White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies combine rich chocolate, a hint of peppermint, and a creamy white chocolate finish. Topped with crushed peppermint bits, they’re the perfect festive treat for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 2/3 cups (237g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (98g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened but still firm
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (160g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
For the White Chocolate Coating:
- 16 oz white chocolate, broken or chopped
- 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint bits (e.g., King Leo candies)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla and peppermint extracts. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. - Shape the Dough:
Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls (about 25 grams each). Flatten slightly and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake one sheet at a time for about 8 minutes. The cookies should look slightly under-baked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Dip in White Chocolate:
Once the cookies are cool, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until smooth. Dip half of each cookie in the melted white chocolate and place them on parchment paper. - Add Peppermint Topping:
Sprinkle the dipped portion of the cookies with crushed peppermint bits. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate. - Store and Serve:
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy as a festive treat or share with loved ones!
Notes
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze un-dipped cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and dip in the white chocolate when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding freezing time)
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg