Irresistible White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Get ready to infuse your holiday season with unparalleled joy and irresistible flavors! These **White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies** are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine a cookie that’s incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, bursting with deep dark chocolate flavor, and then elevated with a refreshing zing of peppermint, all perfectly encased in a smooth, sweet white chocolate dip. Trust us, these aren’t just for Santa; they’ll disappear quicker than you can say “Ho Ho Ho!”
Disclosure: I received free product and compensation from Bob’s Red Mill as part of this post. As always, all opinions and the recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
The Irresistible Magic of Holiday Cookie Baking
When the festive season rolls around, there’s truly nothing quite as comforting and delightful as the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Holiday baking isn’t just about the delicious outcome; it’s about the traditions, the warmth, and the sheer joy it brings. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a cookie decorating party, or simply enjoying a serene afternoon in your kitchen with your favorite holiday tunes and maybe even a dance party with your furry friends (we’ve all been there!), baking cookies is a cherished ritual that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
This year, our mission was to create a cookie that epitomized holiday indulgence: supremely chewy, deeply chocolatey, and unmistakably festive. We set out to craft a cookie that would melt in your mouth with every single bite, leaving you craving more. These particular cookies hit all the right notes, making them a standout addition to any holiday platter or a perfect gift for friends and family.
Crafting the Perfect Chewy, Chocolatey Base
The foundation of an extraordinary cookie lies in its texture and flavor profile. For these dark chocolate peppermint cookies, achieving that perfect chewy texture was paramount. We wanted a cookie that wasn’t just soft, but had a satisfying chew that makes each bite incredibly decadent. To achieve this, we relied on high-quality ingredients, starting with **Bob’s Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour**.
This exceptional flour, milled from the finest wheat, plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their signature fluffy rise and tender crumb, leading to that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. Bob’s Red Mill is always our trusted choice for baking, ensuring consistent quality and delicious results every time.
The Festive Peppermint Zing
As we were developing this recipe, a walk down the grocery store aisle led to a serendipitous discovery: a massive display of candy canes! It was then that we knew these rich, chewy dark chocolate cookies absolutely needed a vibrant kick of peppermint to truly embrace the Christmas spirit. Peppermint and chocolate are a match made in heaven, especially during the holidays. This classic flavor combination, when perfectly balanced in a soft cookie, is far superior to mere peppermint bark or chocolate-dipped candy canes.
The subtle, cooling sensation of peppermint extract infused into the dark chocolate dough, combined with the delightful crunch of crushed candy canes on the white chocolate dip, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is undeniably festive and incredibly satisfying.
Why Quality Flour Makes a Difference
The chewy texture of these cookies was our primary goal. We wanted them to be so tender they practically dissolve in your mouth. This is where **Bob’s Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour** truly shines. Milled from high-quality wheat, this flour is not just organic; it naturally contributes to the cookies’ fluffy, yet dense and chewy, texture. This exceptional texture elevates these cookies from simple treats to a truly indulgent experience.
Using premium ingredients like Bob’s Red Mill flour ensures that every batch turns out perfectly, consistently delivering that delightful chewiness that makes these cookies so special. When it comes to holiday baking, you want results that impress, and starting with the best flour is a non-negotiable step.
Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Peppermint Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent cookie texture. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and less even baking.
- **Don’t Skimp on Chilling:** Chilling the dough for at least 3 hours (or even overnight!) is crucial. This step allows the flavors to meld, prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, and contributes significantly to that coveted chewy texture.
- **Precisely Measure Flour:** For the best results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack too much flour, leading to dry, crumbly cookies.
- **Don’t Overbake:** These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. Bake them just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- **Melt White Chocolate Carefully:** When melting white chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave it in short 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval. White chocolate can seize easily if overheated, so low and slow is key for a smooth, dippable consistency.
- **Crush Candy Canes with Ease:** Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to crush them into coarse pieces. This adds both visual appeal and a delightful crunch.
Celebrate the Holidays with Cake ‘n Knife & Bob’s Red Mill!
Bob’s Red Mill is undeniably my top choice for all my baking needs, especially during this busy holiday season. That’s why I’m thrilled to have partnered with them to bring you this incredible recipe as part of Day Seven of my 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Today, we celebrated by giving away an INCREDIBLE baking package from Bob’s Red Mill, filled with everything a baker needs to kick off 2018 with the highest quality ingredients for all their New Year’s baking resolutions! The prize pack included:
- Organic All-Purpose Flour
- Organic Whole Wheat Flour
- Almond Flour
- Cane Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Organic Regular Rolled Oats
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
- Bob Bobblehead
While the giveaway for this amazing Bob’s Red Mill package is now closed, you can still catch up on all the festive fun from our past giveaways and recipes! Be sure to explore all the previous posts in our 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways, and don’t forget to visit my Instagram for more exciting content and potential future giveaways!
Catch up on the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways:
- Day One – Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
- Day Two – Gingerbread Challah Bread
- Day Three – Mini Beef Wellingtons
- Day Four – Bourbon Gingerbread Punch
- Day Five – Twice-Baked Chicken Shawarma Stuffed Potatoes
- Day Six – Head Country BBQ Prize Pack
- Day Seven – White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Baker’s Gift Guide: Must-Haves for Your Kitchen
Looking for the perfect gift for the baker in your life? Or perhaps you’re ready to upgrade your own kitchen arsenal? Here’s our curated list of essential baking tools that will make preparing these (and many other!) delightful treats an absolute breeze:
- KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer: An absolute workhorse for any baker, making creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough effortless.
- Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat: Say goodbye to sticking! These mats ensure perfectly baked cookies that slide right off the sheet every time.
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet: Durable and reliable baking sheets for even heat distribution.
- Pyrex Prepware 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set: Essential for mixing, prepping, and storing ingredients.
Don’t forget to Pin this White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe for later so you can easily find it during your next holiday baking spree!
White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
15 minutes
10 minutes
3 hours
5 minutes
3 hours
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 egg room temp
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 4-5 candy canes crushed
Instructions
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1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt until combined. Set aside.
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2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugars and beat on medium high until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla and peppermint extract until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until combined. Add milk, beating until combined well.
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4. Cover with plastic wrap and chill the dough for 3 hours. You can also chill the dough overnight if you want!
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5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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6. Form approximately 2 Tbsp of dough at a time into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, ensuring adequate spacing.
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7. Bake for 10 minutes until baked on the edges but still soft in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheets before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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8. Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between each, until smooth and melted.
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9. Dip the cooled cookies halfway into the melted white chocolate. Place them on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle the wet white chocolate with crushed candy canes. Let rest in a cool place until set, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Storage and Gifting Ideas
These White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for making ahead and sharing! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer them chilled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and decorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
When gifting, consider stacking them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon. Their striking appearance and delightful flavor make them a standout addition to any holiday cookie assortment.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Peppermint Cookies
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can! Using milk chocolate will result in a sweeter cookie. If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, a good quality milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate will work well.
- What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
- While peppermint extract provides a strong, clear peppermint flavor, you could try using a very small amount of pure peppermint oil (use sparingly as it’s much stronger) or even a mint extract. However, the classic holiday flavor really comes through with peppermint extract.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, form it into balls, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?
- The key is low and slow heat. Whether you’re using a microwave or a double boiler, avoid high heat. When using a microwave, stir frequently between short intervals (e.g., 30 seconds). If it starts to seize, sometimes adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening can help smooth it out.
- Can I use different toppings?
- Definitely! While crushed candy canes are classic, feel free to experiment with other festive toppings like holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra flair.
These White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of holiday cheer in every bite. Their rich flavor, perfect texture, and festive appeal make them a must-bake for your holiday season. Gather your ingredients, put on some carols, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that everyone will adore!