Introduction
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with these White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies. Combining the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the refreshing coolness of peppermint, these cookies are a festive favorite. Topped with a smooth, velvety white chocolate drizzle and a sprinkling of crushed peppermint, they deliver a deliciously decadent experience that is bound to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings.
These cookies are not only visually stunning but are also incredibly easy to make. The combination of crispy edges and a chewy center makes each bite irresistible. The white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly balances the minty, slightly bitter taste of the peppermint and the rich chocolate dough. Whether you’re preparing a plate of cookies for a holiday party, baking for a loved one, or just looking to enjoy a comforting treat during the cold months, these cookies are a must-try.
What’s even better is that you can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. The recipe calls for simple ingredients that are readily available, and it only takes a short amount of time to prepare and bake. If you love the combination of mint and chocolate, this cookie will quickly become a go-to recipe for your festive baking traditions. Read on to discover how to make this delicious holiday treat.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with making White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies. Firstly, the flavor combination is nothing short of heavenly. The richness of the dark chocolate dough perfectly complements the cool, minty zing of the peppermint extract. Then, the white chocolate coating adds an indulgent touch of creaminess that takes the cookies to the next level. It’s the kind of flavor profile that reminds you of Christmas but is versatile enough to enjoy all winter long.
The texture of these cookies is another reason why they’re so loved. They’re crisp on the edges but soft and chewy in the center, creating a satisfying contrast with each bite. You get the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, which makes them a joy to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or just enjoying a cozy moment at home with a hot cup of cocoa, these cookies are the ideal companion.
Making this recipe is also a breeze! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find. You don’t need any special equipment or baking skills to get a perfect result. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find this recipe to be approachable and fun. Plus, the white chocolate dipping and peppermint topping give the cookies a beautiful, polished finish that makes them look impressive without requiring too much effort.
Lastly, these cookies can be easily shared, making them the perfect gift for friends and family. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive holiday cookie to share with others, these are it!
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for dipping)
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature festive flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. This will create a rich and thick dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookie dough about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each cookie halfway into the melted white chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off. Then, sprinkle the dipped portion with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
- Allow the white chocolate to set before serving. You can speed up the process by refrigerating the cookies for 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information
These White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat, but like any indulgent dessert, they are best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for one cookie (based on a batch of 24 cookies):
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are relatively high in sugar and fat, so they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat. If you’re looking to lower the calorie count, consider using a lighter version of white chocolate or reducing the amount of chocolate chips. Additionally, you can substitute some ingredients to make the recipe a bit healthier without compromising on flavor.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free white chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips to accommodate dairy-free diets.
- Mint Chocolate: If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract along with the peppermint extract. This will give your cookies an extra refreshing twist.
- Add-Ins: Mix in a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge overnight.
2. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use white chocolate chips for the dough?
While the recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can certainly use white chocolate chips in the dough for a sweeter flavor. However, the combination of dark and white chocolate chips in the dipping step gives a better balance of flavors.
4. Can I skip the white chocolate dipping?
While the white chocolate dipping adds an extra level of decadence, you can absolutely skip this step if you prefer a simpler version of the cookie. The cookies will still be delicious without it!
Pro Tips By Emma
- For perfectly round cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape and prevents spreading.
- To get smooth and even white chocolate, melt it slowly in the microwave or over a double boiler to avoid burning it.
- If you want to make the peppermint topping more festive, try using crushed candy canes or holiday-themed peppermint bark.
- Don’t overbake the cookies! They’ll continue to set as they cool, and you want them to stay chewy in the middle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for the perfect winter treat. They also make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert platter, paired with other classic cookies like gingerbread or snickerdoodles. You can even wrap them in festive packaging to give as a holiday gift for friends, family, or coworkers. These cookies are perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and holiday cheer!
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});