Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you are dreaming of a cozy, festive treat that captures the magic of winter and brings irresistible warmth to your home, then this Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with a delightful mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips paired with crushed peppermint candies, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a delightful solo indulgence, this recipe is straightforward enough to become a new favorite in your baking rotation, delivering maximum flavor in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and texture in your Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a starring role, from the creamy butter that adds tenderness to the peppermint candies that offer that snowy, festive crunch.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich and creamy base for a soft cookie texture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with spreading.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes for chewiness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warmth and depth.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together, providing body.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise, creating a tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate goodness that melts perfectly.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and beautiful contrast.
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Give a festive twist with refreshing crunch and color.

How to Make Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Begin by softening that butter to a perfect creamy consistency. In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates your batter, resulting in cookies that are soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in your eggs and pour the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined. The eggs add moisture and structure, while the vanilla brings out the warm undertones in your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise evenly without any salty bursts.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough, so be gentle and stop as soon as it comes together.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolates and Peppermint

This is where the magic happens! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. These goodies give your cookies that festive winter wonderland flair with gooey pockets of chocolate and festive candy crunch.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft—this keeps your cookies chewy and luscious.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. Cooling helps them set while maintaining their chewy texture, so resist the urge to dive in too soon, though it’s so tempting!

How to Serve Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the cookies adds a snowy effect and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peppermint. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a more elegant presentation that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or even a cold glass of milk for a classic combo. The warmth of your beverage balances the cool peppermint in the cookies, creating a perfect wintery pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Package them in clear glass jars tied with twine and a sprig of pine for gorgeous holiday gifts. Or arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a stunning winter wonderland display that invites everyone to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed helps retain their chewy texture and preserves the peppermint’s crunch and flavor perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and bake as instructed for fresh-from-the-oven goodness anytime.

Reheating

Rewarm leftover cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey chocolate chip feeling. Alternatively, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their slightly crisp edges.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels precisely.

What if I don’t have peppermint candies?

You can substitute with crushed candy canes or even skip the peppermint for classic chocolate chip cookies. The peppermint adds a festive touch but doesn’t affect the cookie’s texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips to adapt this recipe. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of crispy?

To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overbaking and let them cool on the sheet. Using brown sugar, as this recipe does, also adds moisture for chewiness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling works perfectly if you want to bake for a bigger crowd. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and leave enough space on baking sheets for spreading.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and share, capturing all the best parts of the holiday season in every bite. I hope you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again because once you taste these festive flavors mingled with soft, chewy texture, they’ll quickly become your go-to winter treat. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

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