The Sweet Smell of the Season
Ever walked into a kitchen that wraps you in a warm hug of freshly baked cookies? Imagine it filled with the rich aroma of vanilla and chocolate, mingling joyfully with a hint of peppermint. Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a heavenly experience you’ll want to bring to every holiday gathering. This delightful recipe is quick, festive, and designed to make your taste buds dance with every bite!
Why Make This Recipe
There are a million cookie recipes out there, but this one stands out like a snowflake in a blizzard.
- Easy Cleanup: Who has time to scrub pots after holiday baking? This one is a breeze!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about the chocolate-candy combination – a win-win!
So grab your apron; this is the kind of recipe that melts hearts and fills bellies!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Get that oven buzzing at 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a bowl, mix that softened butter with both types of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Together: Gradually beat in the dry mixture into the wet. Don’t rush — let it meld!
- Fold in the Chips: Gently stir in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, along with those festive crushed peppermint candies.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet and slide it into the oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies (Overview)
Imagine the mixing bowls dance with your favorite ingredients. First, creamy butter meets sugar, then the sweet chaos of chocolate chips and peppermint swirls in after. Pro tip: Let the dough chill for about 30 minutes for extra chewy cookies! Once they’re baked to golden perfection, your house will smell like holiday magic.
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are a feast for the eyes and the palate! Picture them on a festive plate, drizzled with melted chocolate or sprinkled with even more crushed peppermint for that extra pop. Serve them warm alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. Who wouldn’t want a bite of that?
How to Store Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Store these beauties safely in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature, or you can pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Want to prep ahead? Freeze the dough in batches and bake them fresh whenever you crave a warm cookie (just add a couple of minutes to the baking time).
Tips to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps your cookies keep their shape.
- If you love a little crunch, throw in some chopped nuts for texture.
- Can’t find peppermint candies? Use crushed candy canes instead!
- To amp up flavor, try brown butter instead of regular butter. It’s a game changer!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Or, make them vegan by using coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs instead of regular eggs. There are no wrong choices here!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Make the dough, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later.
How can I make these cookies healthier? Try using whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or substitute some sugars with maple syrup.
What if I want softer cookies? Slightly underbake them for that perfect gooey center. Trust me, it’s divine!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed Use light or dark brown sugar as per your preference.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Mix-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies Can substitute with crushed candy canes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually beat the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, combining well.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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