Soft and chewy, the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat for any winter occasion. With a festive twist from crushed peppermint candies and a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, these cookies bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. They’re perfect for parties, gift boxes, or simply enjoying at home while cozying up with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint offers a unique twist that celebrates the winter season.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for holiday parties or as gifts; everyone will love receiving these treats!
- Versatile Treats: Enjoy them as dessert or with coffee during chilly afternoons.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Baking these cookies can be a fun activity to do with children during the holidays.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution, ensuring your cookies bake uniformly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Ingredients
Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies with a festive twist, perfect for winter holidays.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Chips
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and allows for easy removal of the cookies once baked.
Step 3: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool Down
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing during the winter holidays. They can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their delightful flavor and festive spirit.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
As a Dessert Bar Treat
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter for a dessert bar that guests can enjoy at parties or gatherings.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags. They make wonderful homemade gifts during the holiday season.
With Hot Cocoa
- Serve alongside warm hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter treat.
On a Cookie Platter
- Combine with other holiday-themed cookies to create an inviting cookie platter that showcases a variety of flavors.
How to Perfect Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter blend easily with sugars, creating a smooth cookie dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Watch baking time closely: Remove them from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Add extra chocolate chips: For an even more indulgent treat, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top before baking.
Best Side Dishes for Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
A rich and creamy drink that complements the peppermint flavor in your cookies, making it a festive treat.Vanilla Ice Cream
The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream is perfect for balancing the sweetness of chocolate chip cookies, especially when served warm.Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies, adding color and nutrition to your dessert table.Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses can create a savory balance against sweet cookies, offering guests a unique tasting experience.Caramel Sauce
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it as a dip for added flavor and indulgence.Spiced Apple Cider
Warm spiced apple cider brings warmth and festive flavors that pair beautifully with chocolate treats, enhancing your winter celebration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes can make your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light and airy texture.
- Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for perfectly shaped cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for soft and chewy results.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement.
- Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or chocolate chips can affect the taste and texture. Always check expiration dates before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
What can I add to customize my cookies?
Consider adding nuts, dried fruit, or other candies to enhance your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies with more flavors and textures.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful addition to any festive gathering. With their soft and chewy texture, they appeal to all ages. Plus, you can easily customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try during the winter holidays!
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten your winter festivities. These soft and chewy cookies combine the rich flavors of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with a delightful crunch from crushed peppermint candies, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday gathering. Not only are they easy to bake, but they also provide a cozy activity that families can enjoy together during the chilly season. Whether you serve them at parties, gift them to friends, or indulge in them with a cup of hot cocoa, these festive cookies will surely bring warmth and cheer to your home.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt before gradually mixing into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in semi-sweet and white chocolate chips along with crushed peppermint candies.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider including chopped nuts or substituting different types of chocolate chips. Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.