White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe

These White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing, minty crunch of peppermint. With their soft and chewy texture, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying as a special treat during the colder months.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Mint Extract: If you want a more intense mint flavor, substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint extract.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For a twist on the original, you can replace the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips.
• Sugar-Free: Use sugar substitutes and sugar-free white chocolate chips to make these cookies a lower-sugar option.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the dough for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed bag or container. Bake from frozen for an extra minute or two.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
2. Can I use pre-crushed peppermint candies? Yes, pre-crushed peppermint candies work well in this recipe. You can also use peppermint bark or candy canes for a fun texture.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The cookies should be slightly golden at the edges. They will continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet once you remove them from the oven.
5. Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed peppermint candies? Yes, you can substitute crushed peppermint with peppermint extract for flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of extract and adjust to taste.
6. What can I do if the dough is too soft to handle? If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping and baking to help it firm up.
7. Can I use white chocolate chunks instead of chips? Yes, you can use white chocolate chunks instead of chips for a different texture and flavor.
8. How can I make these cookies thicker? For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough before baking, and make sure to only bake them until the edges are lightly golden, not fully set.
9. Can I add more mint flavor? Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed peppermint candies or add a little more peppermint extract to the dough.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a minty dessert. With their festive appearance and delicious flavor, they are sure to become a holiday favorite!

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