Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, look no further than the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the classic charm of rich semi-sweet chocolate chips with the delightful surprise of white chocolate and peppermint crunch, creating a magical bite that tastes like the season itself. They’re buttery, soft, and just sweet enough to satisfy any holiday craving, making them an absolute must on your baking list this Christmas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. There are four white eggs near the top middle, with two small white bowls of dark brown chocolate chips placed around them; one to the right and one below. A glass bowl filled with white flour sits on the left side, next to a white bowl filled with light brown sugar. Near the center right, a small white plate holds two blocks of butter. Two small white bowls containing red and green M&M candies are located near the bottom center. A white bowl filled with granulated white sugar is near the bottom right. There are also two small white dishes containing brown spices and a small white dish with vanilla extract near the top right. A small white bowl with beaten yellow eggs is centrally placed above the sugar bowl, and a metal whisk lies on the bottom right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting together the ingredients for this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each element plays a vital role — from the creamy unsalted butter that creates a tender texture to the burst of peppermint that brings a refreshing holiday twist. Using quality ingredients ensures every cookie tastes like a little winter celebration.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden edge.
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Offers moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the cookie dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add softness to the cookies.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy body that holds all the delicious mix-ins in place.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and lifts all flavors beautifully.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic pockets of melted chocolate goodness in every bite.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds a creamy contrast and festive look to the cookies.
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional): For that signature wintery crunch and spirited peppermint flavor.

How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by warming your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This small prep step makes all the difference in your final cookie shape and texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until your mixture looks light and fluffy. This process traps air in the dough, which helps give your cookies that perfect, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Mix in the vanilla extract first, followed by the eggs, adding them one at a time. Be sure to mix well after each egg to keep the dough smooth and uniform, which will help your cookies bake evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which is essential for consistent texture and flavor throughout the batch.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually introduce your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so take care to keep the dough tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

Here’s where the magic happens: fold in both the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips along with the crushed peppermint candies if you’re using them. These mix-ins bring the festive “winter wonderland” vibes right inside your cookie dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread and puff. Optional: sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top before baking for an extra festive finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 9-11 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden color while the centers still look a little soft — this ensures a chewy, soft bite once cooled.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after baking to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes handling easier and helps the texture set perfectly.

How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

The image shows round cookie dough balls on a white baking tray, each ball made of a pale yellow dough mixed with red, green, and brown candy pieces scattered throughout. A woman's hand is holding a silver scoop filled with one of the cookie dough balls above the tray. The dough looks soft with colorful shiny candy spots on the surface. The background has a white marbled texture, creating a clean and simple setting for the cookie dough photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of crushed peppermint candies on top of your cookies just before baking or drizzle with melted white chocolate after cooling. These little additions make your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe gleam with holiday cheer.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. The contrast between cold and warm beverages complements the peppermint and chocolate flavors, creating a truly delightful holiday snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a holiday-themed platter lined with festive paper doilies, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a red ribbon for gifting. These delightful presentation ideas highlight the joy and warmth baked into the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a piece of bread in the container helps maintain softness by keeping moisture balanced.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe anytime the holiday mood strikes.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to regain that just-baked softness and melty chocolate charm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make cookies tough or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from tasting overly salty. Unsalted butter offers you more control over seasoning.

What if I don’t have crushed peppermint candies?

The peppermint adds a festive touch, but you can skip it or substitute with chopped candy canes or peppermint extract (a teaspoon or so). Just remember extract is stronger, so use sparingly.

How can I make the cookies more chewy?

Using brown sugar contributes to chewiness, but for an even chewier texture, try adding one extra egg yolk or baking for the shorter time suggested to keep centers soft.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, and you’ll still enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain thicker cookie rounds.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly joyful about sharing freshly baked cookies, especially when they’re as festive and delicious as this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for holiday guests, gifting friends, or simply treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of peppermint sparkle to any celebration. Give this recipe a try — I promise it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!