1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
6 ounces white chocolate melting wafers or chopped white chocolate bars
1/3 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies do not stick and to make cleanup much easier later on.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Continue mixing for about two to three minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Add the egg, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula so no streaks of butter remain.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stir just until the flour disappears, being careful not to overmix the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
Scoop about one and a half tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should look set on the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Once the cookies are completely cool, melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Dip half of each cookie into the chocolate or drizzle it over the top using a spoon. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the wet chocolate so they stick. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.
