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Welcome to the world of festive holiday baking! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful treat that will bring holiday cheer to your kitchen—Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies! These cookies are a holiday staple, combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing, crunchy burst of crushed candy canes. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas cookie exchange or just want to indulge in the joy of peppermint-infused goodness, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your home smell like the holidays in no time!

Introduction

The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up a batch of cookies that not only taste divine but also encapsulate the festive spirit. These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies do just that! Originating as a playful twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, this version brings a bright, minty twist to the table, perfect for anyone who loves the combination of peppermint and creamy white chocolate. The crushed candy canes provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie texture, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.

White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies are easy to make and a must-try for those who enjoy the blend of rich white chocolate and cool peppermint. It’s the cookie version of a winter wonderland, baked to perfection!

Ingredients for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Before you start, make sure to gather all the ingredients. This ensures you’re prepared to follow along and enjoy a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes
• Optional: Extra white chocolate chips and candy cane pieces for garnish

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free alternative: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan option: Replace the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).

These ingredients are sure to create the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and minty crunch, resulting in Festive White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies that will be the highlight of your dessert table.

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined. The vanilla helps enhance the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the sugar and white chocolate.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the White Chocolate and Candy Canes

Gently fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and ½ cup of crushed candy canes. These ingredients will add the festive crunch and sweetness to your cookies.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. If desired, press a few extra white chocolate chips and candy cane pieces onto the top of each cookie for an extra festive touch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy and tender.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy the fresh, festive scent of peppermint wafting through your kitchen!

Helpful Tips for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

• Use high-quality white chocolate: The creaminess of the white chocolate plays a major role in these cookies. Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or chop up a good-quality white chocolate bar for a richer flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Crush the candy canes finely: To avoid large, sharp pieces of candy cane in your cookies, crush them finely. This also helps distribute the peppermint flavor more evenly throughout the dough.

Cooking Tips for the Best White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This allows the dough to come together more smoothly and helps create a lighter, fluffier cookie.
• Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for about 15 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape. This step also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Silicone baking mat: If you have a silicone baking mat, use it! It helps cookies bake more evenly and reduces the risk of burning on the bottoms.

Serving Suggestions for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of hot chocolate, especially during the holiday season. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with extra melted white chocolate. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk, which helps balance out the sweetness.

For holiday gatherings, you can arrange these cookies on a festive plate, sprinkle a little extra crushed candy cane on top, and serve them alongside other holiday desserts like gingerbread men or chocolate fudge.

Nutritional Information

Each White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie is approximately 150 kcal, making it a satisfying yet indulgent treat during the holidays.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fats: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 14g
• Proteins: 2g
• Sodium: 70mg

Storage and Leftovers for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Storage:

To store your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life to about 10 days.

Freezing:

You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just bake them a couple of minutes longer than usual.

Reheating:

To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

1. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can! While white chocolate complements the peppermint flavor beautifully, feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a different twist.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

3. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the dough.

4. Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

If you prefer a more uniform minty flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract in place of the crushed candy canes. However, the candy canes add a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

Related Recipes for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie Lovers

Here are two more holiday-themed cookie recipes from Optimal Recipes that you might enjoy:

1. White Chocolate Christmas Fudge – Festive Holiday Treat

2. Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies – Soft & Chewy Recipe

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple yet festive recipe for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies that is sure to become a holiday favorite! The creamy white chocolate combined with the crunchy, minty candy canes creates a cookie that’s both rich and refreshing, perfect for any holiday gathering.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Feel free to share your personal twists on the recipe or suggest any flavor variations. We hope these cookies add some sweet cheer to your holiday season!

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