Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489510H54M47S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips; 3/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint bits

Soft, thick, and sparkling with crushed peppermint, these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence. Each bite bursts with gooey chocolate chips, a hint of vanilla, and the nostalgic crunch of candy canes. Perfect for cookie swaps, cozy evenings by the fire, or just because it’s December, these cookies are your shortcut to festive joy.

What makes them extra magical? It’s the blend of textures—chewy centers with slightly crisp edges and that surprise peppermint sparkle on top. They look like they’re dusted with fresh snow and taste like everything you love about the holidays. Trust me, these will disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this cookie magic, it’s best to have your holiday baking station fully armed. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: At least two, for wet and dry ingredients. Non-slip bottoms help when you’re multitasking.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar to the right fluffy texture is key for these cookies.
Baking Sheets: Choose heavy-duty, light-colored pans to prevent over-browning.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For even baking and super easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures every cookie is the same size, which means consistent baking.
Cooling Rack: Avoid soggy bottoms by transferring cookies to cool properly.

Having these tools in place makes your baking smoother, faster, and more festive. The right setup really brings out the joy in holiday baking.

Ingredients for the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Each ingredient plays a role in bringing these holiday cookies to life. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and softness. Room temperature is key for creaming.

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Helps the cookies spread and adds classic sweetness.
Eggs: Provide structure and hold everything together.

Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie, giving it shape and texture.
Baking Soda: Allows the cookies to rise perfectly with soft centers.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate and peppermint flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
White Chocolate Chips: Creamy contrast and extra richness.

Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Bits: The star of the show for that festive crunch and flavor.

How To Make the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender base with plenty of flavor.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—we want soft cookies!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolates

Gently stir in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly for chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Scoop and Top

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto lined baking sheets. Lightly press extra chocolate chips and crushed peppermint on top of each dough ball for that bakery-style look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Serve and Store Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

These cookies shine brightest when served slightly warm, with melted chocolate and the gentle crunch of peppermint still intact. Stack them on a festive platter or serve them with mugs of hot cocoa for a cozy treat that doubles as a centerpiece.

To store, let the cookies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then move to a freezer bag—they’ll be ready for surprise guests or snowy day cravings.

Pro tip: Warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t overly soft or melted. Also, chill the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Scoop before freezing for easy baking later.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Milk, dark, or even peppermint-flavored chips are all great choices. Just keep the total chip quantity about the same.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy skillet. Aim for small bits, not dust.

Do these cookies ship well for gifting?

They do! Wrap them individually or layer with parchment paper in a sturdy tin. Just avoid humid environments.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your other ingredients (like candy canes) are certified gluten-free as well.

If you love these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out these other crowd-pleasing creations:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies — buttery and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Brownie Mix Cookies — perfect for chocolate lovers who want that chewy brownie bite.
• Tiramisu Cupcakes — a dreamy twist for coffee-flavored dessert fans.
• Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake — for when you’re craving fruity, cake-like indulgence.
• Coconut Snowballs — another holiday-perfect no-bake cookie!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use dark chocolate chips instead? Add a hint of espresso powder? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.

Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake better, one cookie at a time.

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are thick, chewy, and topped with crushed peppermint for a festive twist. With gooey chocolate, a hint of vanilla, and a candy cane crunch, they’re a magical treat for the holidays—perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or cozy nights in.