Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on a classic favorite. With a perfect combination of white and dark chocolate chips, plus a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for celebrating the season. The vibrant red and green sprinkles add a touch of holiday magic, making these cookies an irresistible treat for family gatherings, parties, or just enjoying by the fire.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Fold in the white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

1. Different chocolate: You can swap out the dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate or use all white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier version.
2. Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
3. Change the sprinkles: While the red and green sprinkles give a festive touch, you can use any colored sprinkles to match the occasion.
4. Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Mint twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty holiday flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After cooling completely, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe, but if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the added salt.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
4. Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
   Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies, but keep in mind that larger cookies will need a little extra baking time, while smaller cookies may bake more quickly.
5. Can I substitute the eggs with a non-dairy option?
   Yes, you can use egg replacers, such as flax eggs or applesauce, to make the cookies egg-free.
6. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheets with butter or cooking spray, or use a silicone baking mat.
7. Can I use regular sprinkles instead of holiday ones?
   Yes, feel free to use any type of sprinkles you have on hand. Holiday sprinkles add a fun, festive touch, but regular sprinkles will work just as well.
8. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
9. Can I add other mix-ins?
   You can add other ingredients like dried fruit (cranberries, cherries), pretzels, or toffee bits for extra flavor and texture.
10. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    You can use margarine, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and better texture in cookies.

Conclusion

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a perfect way to spread holiday cheer. The combination of white and dark chocolate chips, along with the festive sprinkles, makes them as fun to look at as they are to eat. These cookies are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering and can be enjoyed throughout the season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies will bring joy to your holiday celebrations.

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