Easy Air Fryer White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies: A Chewy & Festive Dessert
Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredible Air Fryer White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies. These golden-brown, wonderfully chewy cookies are bursting with an irresistible flavor that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful year-round treat or a special holiday indulgence, these cookies are simply divine, especially when paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa.
This fantastic cookie recipe is not just incredibly delicious; it’s also super easy and quick to prepare. In roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, you can be savoring a perfectly warm, fresh-baked cookie. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring a beautifully golden exterior and a soft, chewy interior every single time. It’s truly a game-changer for homemade cookies!
Baking Perfection: White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies in the Air Fryer
You will absolutely adore this recipe not only for its simplicity but also for the overwhelming positive reaction it receives. Everyone who tries these will undoubtedly come back for seconds, and probably even thirds! This recipe for air fryer white chocolate chip peppermint cookies is particularly wonderful for holiday season gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a show-stopping addition to any dessert buffet. The festive combination of sweet white chocolate and cool, crisp peppermint makes these cookies an instant favorite.
With so many holiday gatherings and festive occasions throughout the year, having a reliable and delicious treat like this on hand is a must. These delightful cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from family members to close friends. Get ready to have this recipe memorized, because after just one bite, everyone will be asking you for the secret to these amazing treats!
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Cookies?
Many people associate air fryers primarily with savory dishes, but they are incredibly versatile for baking as well! Using an air fryer for cookies, especially these delightful White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies, offers several distinct advantages:
- Speed: Air fryers preheat much faster than conventional ovens, and cook times are significantly reduced. You can have warm, fresh cookies in minutes.
- Even Baking: The circulating hot air ensures that cookies bake evenly, resulting in perfectly golden edges and tender centers without hot spots.
- Crispy Edges, Chewy Centers: The intense, circulating heat of the air fryer is ideal for achieving that desirable contrast: slightly crispy edges with a delightfully soft and chewy middle.
- Energy Efficiency: For smaller batches, using an air fryer consumes less energy than heating up a large conventional oven.
- No Oven Required: Perfect for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or when your main oven is occupied with other dishes, especially during holiday cooking!
Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Cookie Bliss:
Crafting these delectable Air Fryer White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies requires a straightforward list of pantry staples and a couple of star ingredients that bring the festive cheer. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a brief explanation of their role in achieving cookie perfection:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation for rich flavor and tender texture. Using unsalted allows you to control the total salt content.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crispness.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Adds moisture, a lovely caramel note, and ensures that wonderful chewy texture. Make sure it’s packed for accurate measurement!
- Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough. Large eggs are typically standard for baking recipes.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that is essential in any good cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, providing the structure for your cookies.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the other ingredients. Don’t skip it!
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and become tender.
- White Chocolate Chips: These melt into creamy pockets of sweetness, perfectly complementing the refreshing peppermint.
- Crushed/Broken Candy Canes or Peppermint Candy Pieces: (like Brach’s Star Brites) These are the stars of the show, delivering that iconic cool and festive peppermint crunch. For best results, crush them just before adding to the dough to prevent them from dissolving too much.
Optional Additional Flavors and Variations:
While white chocolate and peppermint are a classic combination, feel free to get creative! You can introduce other delicious elements like milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier bite, peanut butter chips for a nutty twist, or even dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated flavor profile. You could also experiment with adding a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different aromatic note, or a sprinkle of colorful holiday sprinkles for extra visual appeal. The beauty of baking is in the personalization!
Looking for more exciting air fryer cookie recipes? Try these Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies for a spicy kick, Air Fryer Monster Cookies for a fun, hearty treat, Air Fryer Snowball Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, and classic Air Fryer Gingersnaps!
How to Make White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies in Your Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple instructions to create perfect, chewy, and festive white chocolate chip peppermint cookies using your air fryer. The process is quick and yields delicious results!
-
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated sugar and the packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth, light, and creamy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
-
Add Wet and First Portion of Dry Ingredients:
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add the salt, baking soda, and the first cup of all-purpose flour to the mixture. Continue mixing with your hand mixer or stand mixer until all the dry ingredients are fully integrated with the wet ingredients, creating a cohesive, well-blended base for your cookie dough.
-
Incorporate Remaining Flour:
Now, add the remaining second cup of all-purpose flour to the bowl. Continue to mix on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Mix until the cookie dough is thick, well-formed, and has a creamy, consistent texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
-
Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Peppermints:
Once your cookie dough is thoroughly mixed, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candy pieces by hand. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overmixing. This step ensures that every bite of your cookie will have a delightful balance of sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
-
Scoop and Arrange in Air Fryer:
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 inches) or a spoon, form the dough into uniform balls. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Carefully place the cookie dough balls into the prepared air fryer basket, making sure to leave approximately one inch of space between each cookie. This spacing is essential to allow the cookies to spread evenly during baking without merging into one another. You will likely need to cook these in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
-
Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
Set your air fryer to 330 degrees F (165 degrees C). Air fry the cookies for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryer models can vary. The cookies are ready when their edges are beautifully golden and slightly crispy, and the centers no longer appear doughy. They might still seem slightly soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool.
-
Cool Before Serving:
Once cooked, allow the cookies to rest in the air fryer basket for an additional 1-2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and prevents them from breaking when you move them. Then, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for a truly comforting treat!
I typically make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer, which provides ample space for small batches. Please keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model, its size, and wattage. You may need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve perfect results in your appliance. Always monitor the cookies closely, especially during your first batch, to determine the ideal cooking time for your air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Air Fryer Peppermint Cookies
Absolutely! Preparing extra cookie dough to freeze is a brilliant idea for future quick treats. To freeze raw cookie dough, simply shape it into balls, then place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can air fry them directly from frozen (adding a minute or two to the cooking time) or let the dough thaw in the refrigerator for an hour or so before baking. Remember to add the crushed peppermint candies just before air frying, as they can melt into the dough if added too early while the dough is cold.
These white chocolate peppermint cookies are incredibly versatile! For a cozy pairing, serve them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, a freshly brewed coffee, or a comforting peppermint tea. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert platter. Consider serving them alongside other festive treats like air fryer pumpkin spice pecans, a savory Chex mix, or even delicate air fryer chocolate croissants for a delightful assortment.
To maintain their delicious texture and flavor, allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature before storing them. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or a resealable storage bag. They will stay fresh on your counter at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, or if you have a large batch, you can freeze baked cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the air fryer for a few minutes for that freshly baked taste.
Yes, you absolutely can! If you don’t have peppermint candies or prefer a smoother texture without the crunch, peppermint extract is a great alternative. However, be mindful that extracts are much more concentrated in flavor. A little goes a long way – start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract in your dough, adjusting to your taste preference. Add it along with the vanilla extract. If using extract, you might also want to add a drop or two of red food coloring to the dough for a festive pink hue, or sprinkle some extra white chocolate chips on top for visual appeal.
Discover More Easy Air Fryer Cookie Recipes:
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for baking up all sorts of delicious cookies in a fraction of the time. If you loved these White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies, be sure to explore more of our easy-to-follow air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies: Classic cinnamon-sugar goodness with perfect chewy centers.
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: The ultimate comfort food, made perfectly in your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Chewy, wholesome, and spiced just right.
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies: Rich, nutty, and irresistibly soft.
- Air Fryer Brownie Mix Cookies: Super easy and fudgy cookies from a convenient mix.
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10
Air Fryer White Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies
Becky
10 minutes
7 minutes
3 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
1 Air Fryer
-
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
-
Mixing Bowls
-
Cookie Scoop
-
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
-
Wire Rack for Cooling
Ingredients
-
3/4
cup
unsalted butter, softened -
1
cup
granulated sugar -
1/3
cup
brown sugar, packed -
2
large
eggs -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
2
cups
all purpose flour -
1/2
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
teaspoon
baking soda -
1
cup
white chocolate chips -
1/2
cup
candy canes, or peppermint candy pieces, crushed (about 6 medium size candy canes)
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or standing mixer and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and one cup of all-purpose flour. Mix until the dry ingredients and wet ingredients are mixed together completely.
-
Add in the remaining second cup of all-purpose flour and mix on medium speed, until the cookie dough is thick and creamy.
-
Once the dough is mixed, gently hand stir in the white chocolate chips and chopped peppermints until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the dough into balls (approx. 1.5 inches). Then, place the dough balls into the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Leave about an inch in between each cookie so they can evenly spread during baking.
-
Air Fry at 330 degrees F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes until the edges of the cookies are crispy and golden brown, and the bottoms are no longer doughy.
-
Let the cookies sit in the air fryer basket for an additional 1-2 minutes after cooking. This allows them to set slightly before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to continue to cool completely.
Notes
Kitchen Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cookies:
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Always line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Overcrowd: To ensure even cooking and browning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches, leaving enough space between each cookie.
- Air Fryer Models Vary: Cooking times are approximate and may need to be adjusted slightly based on your specific air fryer’s wattage and size. Always check for doneness.
- Chill Dough (Optional but Recommended): For thicker cookies that spread less, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour before scooping and air frying.
- Crush Peppermints Just Before Mixing: To prevent the peppermint from dissolving into the dough, crush your candy canes or peppermint candies just before folding them into the dough.
This recipe yields approximately 30-36 cookies when using a standard 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop. Enjoy your festive and delicious air fryer cookies!
Nutrition
Calories:
354
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
37
g
,
Protein:
5
g
,
Fat:
21
g
,
Saturated Fat:
13
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g
,
Trans Fat:
1
g
,
Cholesterol:
78
mg
,
Sodium:
206
mg
,
Potassium:
106
mg
,
Fiber:
1
g
,
Sugar:
18
g
,
Vitamin A:
485
IU
,
Vitamin C:
0.1
mg
,
Calcium:
55
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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