It was a snowy December evening, and I was hit with a sudden, intense craving for cookie dough. But I didn’t want cookies—I wanted the pure, nostalgic joy of eating dough straight from the bowl, safe and festive. I stared at the bag of candy canes on my counter and inspiration struck. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a peppermint patty and sweet vanilla, and I was scooping the most delightful, fluffy, and perfectly safe cookie dough I’d ever tasted. The cool, refreshing peppermint mixed with creamy white chocolate felt like eating a winter wonderland, and I’ve been making it every holiday since.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it captures the pure, unbaked joy of cookie dough and wraps it up in a festive, peppermint package. It’s ready in minutes, requires zero baking, and is completely safe to eat thanks to one simple, crucial step. From the countless batches I’ve whipped up, I can tell you it’s the perfect solution for a quick sweet fix, a fun holiday gift, or a unique addition to a dessert board. It’s nostalgia and holiday cheer, all in one spoonable, irresistible bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (plus more for garnish)
Let’s talk about safety and flavor first. The all-purpose flour must be heat-treated to kill any potential bacteria. I do this by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely before using. Trust me, do not skip this step. The salted butter is key—it provides the necessary salt to balance the sweetness. For the peppermint extract, start with ½ teaspoon. It’s potent! I once added a full teaspoon and it tasted like toothpaste. You can always add more. The white chocolate chips are the perfect creamy contrast to the sharp peppermint.(See the next page below to continue…)