Imagine biting into a cookie that embodies all the magic of the holiday season: melty puddles of chocolate, sparkling sugar, festive colors, and a subtly minty crunch — that’s exactly what you’ll find with these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies. These cookies aren’t just another holiday treat; they’re a warm, nostalgic experience in each bite, perfect for cookie swaps, gifts, or cozy nights in by the fireplace. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than these irresistible delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of these cookies is in their simplicity — each ingredient was chosen to bring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual holiday flair. Don’t skip a single one, because together, they make magic happen!
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The classic structure builder for chewy, soft cookies that hold their festive mix-ins beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to give these cookies a gentle lift without losing their signature chewy center.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to enhance both chocolate and buttery notes — don’t leave it out!
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Makes the cookies rich and moist with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Provides deep, caramel flavor and a chewy texture that’s essential for cookie bliss.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds crisp edges and sweetness that balances the brown sugar’s depth.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give these cookies a soft, pillowy center.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with classic bakery aroma and warmth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite — need we say more?
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For fantastic visual contrast and extra creamy sweetness.
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies (1/4 cup): Sprinkle in joy! Festive reds and greens or a pop of peppermint crunch make these truly magical.
- White sanding sugar (optional): Adds that snowy sparkle on top — perfect for a true Winter Wonderland finish.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Party
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies bake evenly and lift off easily, so nothing stands between you and cookie perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This guarantees that all your leavening is evenly distributed, leading to consistent, pillowy cookies every time.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential — it whips in just the right amount of air for soft, dreamy cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Doing this individually helps create a smooth, cohesive batter with the best possible texture.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid over-mixing at this stage so your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies remain tender and not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Magic
Gently fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and your choice of holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies. The dough should look irresistibly festive — this is where the wonder truly comes together!
Step 7: Scoop and Sprinkle
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For an enchanting finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of white sanding sugar on top if you like extra sparkle and crunch.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are still soft. Let your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling — if you can resist sneaking one warm!
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect finish, dust your cookies with a little extra white sanding sugar or a light drift of powdered sugar right before serving. If you used crushed peppermint, tuck a mini candy cane on each serving platter for a whimsical touch — it’s those sweet details that make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies feel extra magical.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing better than pairing your cookies with a mug of hot cocoa topped with homemade whipped cream, or a frosty glass of cold milk. For grown-up gatherings, try serving them next to a platter of cheeses and candied nuts for a sophisticated sweet-meets-savory board.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies into gorgeous holiday gifts by packaging them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or stack them in festive tins lined with parchment. Arrange them in a snowy “cookie wreath” on a round platter, or create a show-stopping cookie tower centerpiece for your dessert table. The delight is in the presentation as much as the taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days — if they last that long! The flavor and texture only improve as the ingredients meld, making every bite of your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies even more irresistible on day two or three.
Freezing
These cookies are absolutely freezer-friendly. Simply layer completely cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. You can also portion and freeze the raw dough: let it thaw slightly before baking off a fresh batch anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop a cookie (or a few) in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes. The melty chocolate and fresh-from-the-oven aroma will make your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies taste like they were baked that very moment!
FAQs
Can I chill the dough overnight instead of just 30 minutes?
Absolutely! Chilling the dough overnight helps the flavors meld and the cookies bake up extra thick and chewy. Just cover your bowl tightly and scoop the dough straight from the fridge when you’re ready to bake.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies without making a mess?
Place your peppermint candies in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin. This method keeps pieces contained and allows you to control the size of the chunks in your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies.
Can I use different flavored chips or add-ins?
Definitely! Swap in dark chocolate, butterscotch, or even festive M&Ms. For an extra pop, a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts works perfectly, just keep the total mix-ins to about 2 cups to maintain the right dough-to-goodies ratio.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Too-warm butter or over-mixing can cause excess spread. Try chilling your dough before baking, use cool baking sheets, and measure your flour accurately for beautiful Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies every time.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
They’re perfect for sharing the love! These cookies package beautifully and stay fresh for days, making them the ideal treat to tuck into holiday gift boxes, cookie swaps, or as a sweet surprise for neighbors and friends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bake up some happiness this holiday season, trust me: these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies will steal the show. May every batch bring you the joy, laughter, and sweet traditions that make these cookies a must-bake year after year!
Print
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies! These festive treats are loaded with both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, along with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Perfect for sharing or gifting during the winter season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies
- White sanding sugar (for sparkle, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle white sanding sugar on top for sparkle. Bake for 9–11 minutes until lightly golden at the edges but soft in the centers.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Add festive M&Ms, mini marshmallows, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- These cookies make great holiday gifts and freeze well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
