Pin it
My go-to winter treat has become these minty white chocolate cookies. They've got this amazing softness with cool peppermint kicks and smooth white chocolate chunks throughout. My whole house smells absolutely incredible when I'm baking them - it's like winter magic in the air. They're just right for holiday parties or when you want to add some seasonal joy to your day.
The Holiday Charm They Bring
These cookies really grab that festive feeling in the best way. When the sweet white chocolate meets that cool mint flavor, it creates something truly wonderful. I always take them to holiday gatherings because they really pop compared to regular sugar cookies. And they're so easy to make, which really helps during those crazy busy December weeks.
Your Shopping List
- All-purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups, run through a sifter for a lump-free, velvety dough.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon, giving you soft, chewy results.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, creates just enough rise.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, brings out all the tastes.
- Unsalted Butter: 3/4 cup (170g), let it sit out until soft for easier mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, adds just enough sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, firmly packed for that subtle caramel note.
- Egg: 1 large, not cold from the fridge for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, gives that warm undertone.
- Peppermint Extract: 1/2 teaspoon, for that cool minty punch.
- White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, adding creamy sweet spots.
- Crushed Peppermint Pieces: 1/2 cup, for that pretty look and crunchy bits.
The Baking Adventure
- Mix The Dry Stuff
- Put flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir them together until fully blended.
- Beat The Sweet Base
- In your biggest bowl, mix butter with both sugars for about 2-3 minutes until it's light and fluffy.
- Add The Wet Parts
- Drop in the egg and both extracts. Mix everything until it's smooth and well combined.
- Join Everything Together
- Slowly pour the flour mixture into your butter mix on low speed. Keep mixing until you get a thick dough that doesn't stick to your fingers.
- Add The Good Stuff
- Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and peppermint pieces so they spread out evenly.
- Ready For The Oven
- Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Put them on a paper-lined cookie sheet with 2 inches between them. Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges look set.
- Final Touches
- Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 4-5 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or save them for later.
Insider Tricks
You'll want to handle the dough with care for the best results. I've found that perfectly room temp butter makes all the difference in how they turn out. My favorite little trick is pushing a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint bits on top as soon as they come out of the oven. They look so fancy this way.
Storage Smarts
You can keep these cookies super soft for about 5 days if you store them in a sealed container. I always make double batches of dough to keep in the freezer. That way I can pop some in the oven whenever I want fresh cookies. Just cook them about a minute longer if they're coming straight from the freezer.
Tasty Twists
I sometimes use dark chocolate chips instead for a deeper flavor or pour melted chocolate across the tops when they're done. Throwing on some holiday sprinkles makes them extra festive. My sister can't get enough of them when I use a touch of almond extract instead of mint. They taste amazing that way too.
Fan Favorites For A Reason
These cookies have a certain something special about them. The mint and sweetness balance perfectly, and that soft chewy bite gets everybody reaching for seconds. They stand out so nicely on holiday cookie plates and work so well as homemade gifts. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me to share how I make them.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I tell when the sugar and butter are done creaming?
- You'll notice the mixture looks fluffy and a bit lighter in color. That means it's ready to go.
- → What happens if I overbake them?
- Pull them out when the edges just start to brown. They'll finish setting up as they cool down, keeping them soft.
- → How long will these cookies stay fresh?
- They keep their soft texture for about 4-5 days in an airtight container. Best eaten within a week, but you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → Why leave them on the baking sheet to cool?
- Letting them cool for 4-5 minutes on the tray helps them firm up so they won't crumble when you move them.
- → Can I change the peppermint flavor strength?
- Absolutely! Adjust the amount of peppermint extract and candy pieces to suit your preferences.