Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Helps create a fluffy and tender cookie.
- 1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the flavor with a hint of molasses and adds moisture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Adds a refreshing minty taste that pairs perfectly with the candy canes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 3/4 cup crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for topping): Offers creamy sweetness in every bite.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture.
- Add the Extracts and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Incorporate Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are just set. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
- Add Extra Chocolate Chips: While the cookies are still warm, press a few extra white chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a festive touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a decorative holiday platter and sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes around for added color and flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert