Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a festive twist to a classic favorite. With a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips plus crushed peppermint candies, they’re perfect for cozy holiday moments or as a gift that will brighten anyone’s day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies to evenly distribute the festive flavors.
6. Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Step 7: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For even more peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the chocolate.
• Swap the crushed peppermint candies for chopped candy canes or crushed toffee bits for a different crunch and flavor.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
• Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer chocolate taste.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slightly in the microwave for a warm, melty treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I crush the peppermint candies without making a mess?

Place the peppermint candies inside a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan to control the pieces and minimize mess.

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 129 reviews

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies combine classic chocolate chip goodness with festive white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, creating a perfect seasonal treat that is both delicious and visually appealing. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter days.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies evenly throughout the dough.
6. Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown.
7. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes post baking to firm up, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute crushed peppermint candies with candy canes or peppermint bark for a different texture and flavor.
• For softer cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.

Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, winter cookies, white chocolate, festive dessert