There’s something utterly magical about the combination of white chocolate and peppermint. Picture this: soft, velvety cookies that melt in your mouth, topped with a crunchy layer of peppermint bark. It’s like a holiday party in your mouth, with every bite wrapped in the cozy warmth of nostalgia and a hint of minty freshness. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather around, eager to dive into these delightful treats.
This recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies is not just a cookie it’s an experience that brings back fond memories of festive gatherings and laughter echoing through the halls. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter evenings by the fire, promising a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion
- The creamy white chocolate pairs beautifully with the refreshing peppermint flavor
- Their festive look makes them ideal for holiday parties or gift-giving
- Plus, they can be customized with your favorite toppings for added fun
I remember the first time I made these cookies my friends practically fought over the last one Their smiles were priceless, and the joy was contagious.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture it holds everything together nicely.
- Baking Powder: Essential for lifting your cookies to fluffy perfection.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for smooth mixing.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens your cookies while creating that delightful crispy edge.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything together use large eggs for best results.
- White Chocolate Chips: The star of our show Choose high-quality chips for rich flavor.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: For that festive crunch and minty zing.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors go for pure vanilla if you can.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little step saves you from potential cookie casualties later.
Melt the White Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of your white chocolate chips at 30-second intervals until smooth and creamy. This will be our secret weapon in crafting those delectable cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like clouds on a sunny day.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter should smell heavenly by now like cookie dreams coming true
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing this isn’t a marathon
Add White Chocolate and Peppermint: Gently fold in the melted white chocolate along with remaining white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy canes. You want each cookie to be packed with peppermint joy
Bake Your Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft trust me on this part
Your kitchen will soon be filled with warm scents that scream comfort during cold nights
Once baked, let them cool slightly before transferring them to wire racks a crucial step that prevents soggy bottoms.
Enjoy these White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies fresh out of the oven or share them as gifts during holiday gatherings They are sure to spread joy wherever they go
You Must Know
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive delight, blending creamy sweetness with a refreshing minty kick
- The colors and aromas fill your home with holiday cheer, making them perfect for gifting and gatherings
- Just remember to let them cool completely for that ideal crunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the white chocolate first. While it cools slightly, whip up the cookie dough. This order ensures that everything melds beautifully without causing any melty chaos.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in dark chocolate or add crushed nuts for crunch. You can even experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist on these cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For best results, avoid refrigerating as it can make them lose their delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When melting chocolate, use a microwave in short bursts to prevent burning
- Ensure your baking sheets are lined for easy removal
- And don’t skip the cooling process it’s crucial for achieving that perfect bite
Sharing these White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies at our holiday party last year had everyone asking for seconds and the recipe It was such a joy to see friends enjoying my treat.
FAQ
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, regular chocolate works well, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
How do I crush peppermint candies?
Place candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive treat combining creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Topped with crunchy peppermint bark, these cookies evoke holiday nostalgia and are perfect for gatherings or gifting. Easy to make and sure to impress, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (divided)
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt half of the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in melted white chocolate, remaining white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (34g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap in dark chocolate or nuts. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
