1. Preparing the Dough

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft and tender cookie.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.

2. Incorporating Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
• Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

3. Shaping and Baking

• Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. The centers should still be soft, as they will firm up while cooling.

4. Decorating the Cookies

• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before adding toppings.
• Prepare the Topping: Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
• Decorate: Spread the melted white chocolate on each cookie, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, and drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.