Are you ready to make a holiday treat that will wow everyone? White chocolate peppermint bark cookies are the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and minty freshness. In this post, I’ll share simple steps, ingredient tips, and fun variations to help you bake like a pro. Your cookies will not only taste great but also look beautiful on any dessert table. Let’s dive in and create these delightful treats together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few options:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
- Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan choice.
- Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for gluten-free cookies.
Tips on Choosing Quality Ingredients
Selecting good ingredients makes a big difference. Here are my tips:
- Choose unsalted butter for better control of salt levels in your cookies.
- Look for high-quality white chocolate chips. Check for cocoa butter in the ingredients.
- Use fresh peppermint candies for the best flavor and crunch. Old candy can lose its taste.
- Always buy organic eggs if possible. They tend to have better flavor and quality.
These choices ensure your cookies taste great and look amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Guidelines
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your cookies not stick.
Baking Process
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft cookie.
Next, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in the vanilla extract for a nice flavor.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Combine until just mixed.
Now, fold in the white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and peppermint extract. This mixture will smell amazing!
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each ball.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look soft.
Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a fun touch, drizzle extra melted white chocolate on top. Sprinkle more crushed peppermint for a festive look.
Arrange your cookies on a pretty platter. You can even place them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifts. These cookies are sure to delight!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, avoid overmixing your dough. This can make your cookies tough. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Make sure your butter is soft, not melted. Melted butter will change the cookie texture.
How to Achieve the Best Texture
For soft and chewy cookies, do not bake for too long. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the center is soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set while still being soft. Using room temperature eggs will help mix everything smoothly. You can also chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This gives the cookies a thicker, chewier bite.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
To make your cookies look festive, arrange them on a colorful platter. You can drizzle extra white chocolate on top for a beautiful touch. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint over them for color and crunch. For gifts, put cookies in clear bags tied with red ribbons. This adds a personal touch and makes them look special. You can also serve these cookies with hot cocoa or milk for a cozy treat!
Variations
Adding Different Flavors
You can spice up these cookies with fun flavors. Try adding orange zest for a citrus twist. Almond extract can replace the vanilla for a nutty taste. You might even add a hint of espresso powder to deepen the flavor. Each option makes your cookies unique and enjoyable.
Alternative Toppings
The toppings can change the look and taste of your cookies. Instead of crushed peppermint, you could use crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts. Mini chocolate chips mixed in can add a rich flavor. Sprinkling sea salt on top can provide a nice contrast to the sweet white chocolate.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Options
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. If you want vegan cookies, use vegan butter and replace eggs with flax eggs. Each option keeps your cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
How to Store Cookies
To keep your white chocolate peppermint bark cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. This method helps maintain their soft texture and peppermint flavor.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing works well. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Shelf Life of Baked Cookies
These cookies last about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy the rich flavors and soft texture just like when they were fresh!
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate. Dark or milk chocolate works well. The taste will change. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate adds sweetness. The peppermint flavor will still shine through.
How do I make peppermint bark cookies without eggs?
To make these cookies without eggs, use a flaxseed or chia seed mix. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. This mix replaces one egg. You could also use applesauce, about 1/4 cup for each egg. The cookies will still turn out soft and tasty.
What can I do with leftover crushed peppermint candies?
You can use leftover crushed peppermint candies in many ways! Add them to hot chocolate for a fun twist. Sprinkle them on cupcakes or brownies for a festive look. Mix them into ice cream or yogurt. You can even use them to decorate your holiday desserts. They add a nice crunch and flavor!
This blog covered essential ingredients, step-by-step baking, and helpful tips. You learned how to pick quality ingredients and avoid common mistakes. We explored fun variations and proper storage too.
Remember, great cookies come from quality choices and careful steps. Enjoy making different flavors and sharing your creations. Happy baking, and have fun experimenting in the kitchen!
