Name: Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant white chocolate pudding mix (or vanilla flavored pudding mix); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 and 1/2 cups peppermint crunch, divided (I used Andes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 86 reviews

If you are searching for a treat that perfectly balances festive cheer and irresistible flavor, look no further than this Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe. These cookies come out chewy, with that dreamy softness you hope for and a delightful burst of peppermint crunch paired with creamy white chocolate chips. Whether you bake them for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites for creating joyful moments and delicious smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat layout of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are nine bowls arranged in a rough circle with a single brown egg placed in the middle of the top center area. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl filled with white flour, next to it a small clear glass bowl with coarse salt, and continuing right another small white bowl full of white chocolate chips. Moving down, on the left side there's another white bowl with granulated white sugar, near the bottom center a small white bowl packed with crushed red and white peppermint candy, and beside it on the right, a white bowl contains large cubes of yellow butter. In the middle row, underneath the egg, there is a small white bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small clear bowl with vanilla liquid, and another small clear bowl containing white baking powder. The arrangement is neat, with each ingredient clearly visible, placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering that perfect texture and festive flavor — from the creamy richness of softened butter to the refreshing peppermint crunch that brings a holiday twist.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The base for richness and tenderness in your cookies, softened for easy mixing.
1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and moisture for chewiness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings balanced sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to a soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structural component providing the cookie’s chew and shape.
1 (3.4 ounce) box instant white chocolate pudding mix (or vanilla flavored pudding mix): The secret ingredient to irresistibly soft and moist cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender crumb.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy pockets of melty sweetness throughout each cookie.
1 and 1/2 cups peppermint crunch, divided (such as Andes): The festive star ingredient that adds a refreshing, minty crunch.

How to Make Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan cleanly — no sticky situations here!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter along with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies bake up nice and tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. These two ingredients help hold everything together and add that classic cookie flavor we all know and love.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant white chocolate pudding mix, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures even distribution so your cookies bake evenly without any pockets of leavening or salt.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture one cup at a time, mixing until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so a light hand will keep them soft and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Crunch

Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and 1 cup of the peppermint crunch pieces. This adds delightful bursts of sweetness and festive crunch throughout each bite.

Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Press additional peppermint crunch on top of each cookie, then gently flatten the dough slightly with your palm for even baking.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a gentle light brown. Be sure to rotate the cookie sheets halfway through baking to promote even cooking. Once done, let the cookies cool completely on the sheets before transferring them to a container.

How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe

The image shows four stages of making cookie dough in a clear glass mixing bowl. In the first stage, a light yellow dough is on the left side of the bowl, and white powdery flour is on the right side. The second stage shows the same dough with the flour mixed in, along with small white chocolate chips and red and white sprinkles on top. The third stage displays the dough more mixed, lumpy, and combined with colorful sprinkles visible throughout. The final stage shows small round dough balls placed in three rows on a white baking tray lined with parchment paper, each topped with red and white sprinkles. The background and surface are white marble, with parts of a red and white checked towel and egg shells visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint or drizzle some melted white chocolate over cooled cookies. These small garnishes not only amp up the festive looks but also enhance each bite’s peppermint charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for the ultimate cozy indulgence. Their sweet and minty flavors complement warm, comforting drinks perfectly, especially in colder months when you crave that seasonal hug in a mug.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with layers of whipped cream or peppermint frosting for a festive cookie sandwich. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative holiday platter alongside other seasonal treats to impress any crowd during your celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy the Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly heat them in a low oven. This softens the white chocolate chips and revitalizes the peppermint crunch, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate pudding mix with vanilla pudding mix?

Absolutely! Using vanilla pudding mix will still give you that wonderful soft texture, and it blends beautifully with the peppermint and white chocolate flavors in this recipe.

Why do these cookies stay so soft and chewy?

The instant pudding mix is the secret. It retains moisture and creates a tender crumb, so the cookies stay soft even after they cool completely, unlike traditional cookie recipes.

What peppermint candy works best for the peppermint crunch?

Andes mints are a popular choice because they have a smooth texture and strong peppermint flavor, but crushed candy canes or other peppermint bark also work wonderfully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with a similar protein content, you can enjoy these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer? Can I still make this recipe?

Definitely! You can use a sturdy wooden spoon or a hand whisk to combine the ingredients. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies Recipe is truly a festive game changer. Its perfect chewiness, the sweet creaminess of white chocolate, and the refreshing peppermint crunch make it an absolute delight to bake and share. If you’re looking to bring a little extra holiday magic into your kitchen, these cookies are your new best friend. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear — trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for every special occasion!