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My go-to holiday treat has become these minty white chocolate gems. I adore how they mix soft sugar cookie texture with cool peppermint bursts and smooth white chocolate chunks. Whenever I bake them, my house fills with this wonderful mint smell that just screams holiday season. They're truly wonderful for holiday parties or anytime you want to bring some festive vibes.
What Makes These Winter Wonders
These cookies really capture holiday magic in every bite. The way the white chocolate sweetness plays with the cool peppermint is just amazing. They always catch everyone's eye at cookie swaps because they're not your everyday sugar cookies. And they come together so fast, which is a lifesaver during the crazy holiday rush.
Your Ingredient List
- All-purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups, run through a sifter to get rid of any clumps for smooth cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon, this gives you soft, chewy results.
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, creates a bit of rise in your cookies.
- 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 the right sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, pressed down for that hint of caramel taste.
- 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 fresh mint kick.
- White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, they melt into creamy sweet spots.
- Crushed Peppermint Pieces: 1/2 cup, for that holiday crunch and pop of color.
Baking Time Fun
- Mix Dry Stuff First
- Throw your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Give it a good stir to mix everything up.
- Work On The Butter Mix
- In another bigger bowl, beat your soft butter with both sugars until it looks fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with your mixer.
- Add The Wet Things
- Drop in your egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything looks smooth.
- Bring It All Together
- Slowly add your dry mix into the wet mix on low speed. Keep going until you get thick dough that won't stick to your fingers.
- Add The Yummy Bits
- Gently stir in white chocolate chips and peppermint pieces until they're spread throughout the dough.
- Get Them Ready For The Oven
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll your dough into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each and put them on a baking sheet with parchment, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges look set.
- Let Them Rest
- After baking, let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 4-5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Eat them warm or save for later.
Pro Cookie Tricks
For truly amazing cookies, don't overwork your dough. I always check that my butter isn't too cold or too melty, just right at room temp, and it really changes how the cookies turn out. My favorite little trick is to press a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint bits on top right when they come out of the oven, which makes them look super pretty.
Storage Smarts
You can keep these cookies nice and soft for about 5 days if you store them in something airtight. I like to make double batches of dough to stick in the freezer so I can have fresh-baked cookies whenever I want. Just cook them a minute longer if you're baking from frozen dough.
Twist It Around
I sometimes use dark chocolate chips for something different or drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool. Adding some holiday sprinkles makes them super festive. My sister can't get enough when I swap the peppermint for a touch of almond extract, they're super tasty that way too.
Fan Favorites Forever
There's just something special about these cookies. That perfect mint-sweet combo and their chewy softness makes everyone grab seconds. They stand out on holiday cookie plates and work great as homemade gifts. I can't count how many times folks have asked me to share how I make them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What should creamed butter and sugar look like?
- It should look fluffy and lighter in shade compared to when you started mixing—this shows it's been blended well.
- → Why stop baking when cookies look puffy?
- Pull them out once edges begin to turn light gold. They'll puff up in the oven but settle perfectly as they cool.
- → How long will these stay fresh?
- If sealed in an airtight container, they'll stay soft up to 5 days at room temp. For longer storage, freeze them for 3 months.
- → Why cool on the tray before moving?
- Let them rest on the tray for about 4 minutes so they firm up a bit. Moving them too early might make them break.
- → Can I tweak the minty flavor?
- For sure! Add more or less mint extract and peppermint candy pieces, depending on your preference.