There’s something about White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies that instantly takes me back to snowy December evenings. My mom would turn up the Christmas music, tie her red apron around her waist, and hand me a wooden spoon that felt like a magic wand. We’d crush candy canes together, giggling at the peppermint dust floating in the air. Those baking sessions weren’t just about cookies—they were the warm center of our holiday traditions.
Now that I bake them with my own kids, I see those cookies as more than dessert. They’re little memory-makers. Crisp on the outside, soft inside, with creamy white chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint that melt into sugary sparkle—they taste like Christmas wrapped in love. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie swap or just want a treat with hot cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies deliver.
Let’s dive in and unwrap the magic of these festive favorites.
The Magic Behind White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Holiday Cookies With A Twist
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies aren’t your average holiday treat. They balance sweetness, cool mint, and creamy richness in every bite. The combination of crushed candy canes and melted white chocolate chips offers that signature crunch-meets-melt texture that makes you reach for just one more.
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until dough forms.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!When I first tasted them at a neighbor’s cookie exchange—alongside festive bites like Soft Christmas Peppermints and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles—I knew they deserved a top spot on my holiday rotation. Their aroma alone is enough to bring out the carolers.
The Nostalgia Baked In
Every family has that one cookie that feels like the season’s kickoff. For many, it’s sugar cookies or gingerbread, but White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies hit differently. They capture everything nostalgic and new. The crushed peppermint makes them festive, while the creamy white chocolate soothes the spice, much like a cup of peppermint hot cocoa on a cold night.
The flavor, texture, and look combine into a perfect holiday classic. They’re now my go-to every December and pair beautifully with peppermint mocha or chai, depending on how cozy you’re feeling.
Mastering the White Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Dough
Getting the Dough Just Right
It all starts with the dough. You need it thick enough to hold shape, but soft enough to melt in your mouth. The secret? Chill it. At least 2 hours. This lets the butter solidify, controls spread, and infuses the dough with peppermint flavor from the crushed canes stirred in.
Just like in Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies, the dough’s consistency is key to achieving that signature festive look and chew. I also learned from making Sweet Cherry Crumble Bars that balancing dry and wet ingredients matters big time.
Use Quality White Chocolate
Don’t skimp on the white chocolate chips. Go for high-quality chunks or disks if you can—they melt smoother and enhance the richness. You want that creamy contrast against the refreshing peppermint. Fold them in last, gently, to keep the dough from turning too pink.
The crushed candy canes should be more dust than boulders. You’re after tiny shards that melt slightly while baking, creating little flavor bursts. I like to save a sprinkle for topping right before baking to enhance both look and taste.
Creative Spins on a Holiday Favorite
Add Flair to Your Festive Cookies
Once you’ve nailed the base, it’s time to get playful. I love adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and dusting them with extra crushed peppermint. Want to level it up? Sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache for an unexpected twist.
I got inspired by Strawberry Santa for a fun holiday platter design. Another trick? Dip half of each cookie into white chocolate and press it into crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles. The result is beautiful and delicious—a true showstopper at any cookie swap.
Seasonal Swaps & Flavor Boosts
Swap out white chocolate for dark chocolate chunks if you want deeper contrast. Add orange zest to the dough for a citrus punch. One year, I even folded in crushed Oreos for a peppermint bark vibe—my family still talks about it.
Looking for more whimsical inspiration? Peek at the Strawberry Lasagna No-Bake Dessert for ideas on layering festive color and flavor into your cookie trays.
Bake, Store & Share the Holiday Joy
Smart Storage Keeps Cookies Fresh
Once cooled, store your White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 5 days. Stack them with wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you’re prepping ahead, freeze the shaped dough balls. Bake from frozen—just add 2 minutes to your usual time.
For cookie tins or gifting baskets, pair them with Berry Cheesecake Salad or Berry French Toast Casserole for a complete sweet set.
Perfect for Cookie Swaps or Holiday Gifting
These cookies travel well. Their slightly crisp exterior helps them hold up better than softer frosted cookies, and they look stunning nestled next to Blueberry Cake Donuts or a slice of No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake.
Planning a cookie exchange? Toss in a few Cinnamon Blondies or Butter Swim Biscuits for a mix of holiday cheer in every bite.
Serving Up the Final Words
White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a holiday mood. Every bite brings a little joy, a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of “Where did you get this recipe?”
Whether you’re gifting them in cookie tins, bringing them to the office party, or serving them with mugs of cocoa at home, they shine bright. I love pairing them with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars or Cannoli Cookies to create an epic dessert spread.
For a full holiday menu, throw in something savory like Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks or Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread to balance the sweetness.
With their bold flavor, festive flair, and unforgettable texture, White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies deserve a top spot in your seasonal baking lineup. They’re not just cookies—they’re a celebration.
FAQ
How do I get White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to crinkle like bakery-style ones?
Chill your dough and roll it in both granulated and powdered sugar before baking. This creates that classic holiday cookie crackle and preserves shape.
Can I make White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies ahead and freeze them?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked dough balls. Just bake from frozen and add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Why didn’t my cookies spread or crinkle right?
Your dough might’ve been too warm or under-chilled. Be sure to chill it for at least 2 hours and coat each dough ball generously in sugar.
Are these cookies very sweet or strong in mint?
They’re sweet but balanced. The white chocolate mellows out the peppermint, so it’s refreshing—not overpowering. Perfect for all ages.
