Nothing captures the cozy, festive spirit quite like a batch of perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies. This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe combines the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the enchanting hues and flavors of the holiday season. Imagine biting into a warm cookie dotted with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, speckled with cheerful sprinkles and a hint of refreshing peppermint—all wrapped up in that nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen and heart alike. These cookies are more than treats; they are little bites of winter magic you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe’s success. Each ingredient plays a distinct role—from the buttery richness to the perfect balance of sweetness and that festive crunch—ensuring every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich, creamy texture and helps achieve the perfect soft crumb.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to your cookies.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings just the right level of sweetness and crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients together, giving the cookies structure and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic essence.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving your cookies their body.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for fluffier texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic chocolate melty pockets everyone adores.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Adds sweet creaminess and visual contrast.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or nonpareils: Brings cheerful pops of color and festive fun.
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional): Offers a refreshing peppermint surprise that screams holiday spirit.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze and your cookies picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, resulting in cookies that are beautifully tender and have an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by stirring in the fragrant vanilla extract. This combo not only binds the dough but infuses the cookies with that classic warm flavor that feels like a holiday hug.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mixture ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which means perfectly risen cookies with balanced flavor every time.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing until the dough just comes together into a soft, manageable mass. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender rather than dense.
Step 6: Fold in Festive Goodies
Gently fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, the holiday sprinkles, and if you’re feeling festive, the crushed peppermint candies. These add delightful bursts of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable holiday vibe that makes this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe a true standout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a delicate golden color but the centers remain soft—this is the sweet spot for tender, chewy cookies!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set perfectly so they don’t crumble when you bite in.
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra sprinkle of magic, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. It adds a snowy, festive look that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Side Dishes
Serve these Christmas cookies alongside a glass of chilled milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even spiced holiday tea. The creamy, rich drinks complement the sweet and peppermint notes beautifully, making every bite even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with some fresh evergreen sprigs, candy canes, or mini ornaments around the edges. Or wrap a stack in holiday-themed parchment paper and tie with a bright ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift that anyone would love to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them perfectly soft and flavorful so you can savor the magic of this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe even after the holiday hustle.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough scoops on a lined baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven tenderness and gooey chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
While you can use margarine, butter provides the best flavor and texture for this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe. Oil isn’t recommended because it can make the cookies too greasy and change their structure.
What causes cookies to be too flat or spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, your butter might be too soft or melted, or you may have measured too much sugar. Chilling the dough before baking also helps prevent flat cookies by solidifying the fats.
Are peppermint candies necessary?
Nope! Peppermint candies are optional but add a refreshing festive kick. If you or your family aren’t fans, simply omit them and still enjoy delicious, colorful, and chocolate-filled cookies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like sprinkles, don’t contain gluten.
How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?
Don’t overbake your cookies—removing them when the edges are just golden but the centers still look soft is key. Also, using a mix of brown and granulated sugar helps retain moisture for that perfect chew.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe truly captures the essence of holiday baking—warm, inviting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making memories with family, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a joyful reminder of the magic baked into every festive bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday season!
Print
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are festive, chewy treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Loaded with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, and optional crushed peppermint candies, they deliver a delightful combination of flavors and textures that bring holiday magic to every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or nonpareils
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender cookies.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, and crushed peppermint candies if you’re using them, to evenly distribute the festive flavors throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Space: Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow the cookies to spread evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to achieve thicker cookies.
- Customize your cookies by using different colored sprinkles or holiday-themed sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for extended storage.
