Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. This ensures your cookies won't stick and bake evenly.

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until both are completely melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool for at least 10 minutes or until it no longer feels warm to the touch before moving to the next step—I always make sure the mixture is cool so it doesn't scramble the eggs.

Once the melted chocolate and butter mixture has cooled, stir in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, whole eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the batter looks glossy.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Then, fold in the mini chocolate chips for extra bursts of chocolate in each bite.

Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Lightly press down on each mound to slightly flatten. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Place the white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening or coconut oil in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. I find that adding a bit of shortening makes the chocolate smoother and shinier for dipping.

Dip each cooled cookie about one-third to halfway into the melted white chocolate, then place it on a wax paper lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the dipped portion with crushed candy canes. Allow the chocolate to harden before enjoying your festive cookies.