Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Christmas is the season of joy, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of delicious Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies? These festive treats are not only filled with rich semi-sweet and white chocolate chips but are also adorned with holiday sprinkles, making them the perfect dessert for your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, a cookie swap, or simply want to treat yourself and your family, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your festivities. The soft, chewy texture paired with the festive look makes them an instant favorite among both kids and adults. With their perfect balance of flavors and their cheerful appearance, these cookies will quickly become a holiday tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are an absolute holiday must-bake. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also bursting with festive flavor and color. The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips creates a delightful contrast, while the holiday sprinkles add a joyful touch. The cookie dough is soft and chewy, and the cookies maintain their perfect texture after baking, making each bite irresistible. Plus, with the vibrant red, green, and white sprinkles, they look as festive as they taste. These cookies will brighten up any holiday dessert spread, and they’re sure to disappear in no time!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Large eggs (2)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
• White chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
• Holiday sprinkles (1/2 cup, red, green, white, or snowflake-shaped)

Variations

This cookie recipe is highly adaptable to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: For an added crunch, fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
• Use Dark Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for those with dairy allergies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Save a few sprinkles to decorate the cookies once they are shaped.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive touch.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake for chewy cookies.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve

Once cooled, serve these festive cookies to your friends and family and enjoy the holiday spirit!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to help create a smooth dough and achieve the right texture in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly undercooked.

How to Serve

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties or cookie exchanges. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a warm mug of spiced cider. Serve them in a festive cookie jar or platter for a cheerful touch at your holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay soft and chewy for several days.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine as a substitute in a pinch.

4. How can I make the cookies chewier?

To make the cookies chewier, you can add an extra egg yolk or reduce the baking time slightly.

5. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap the chocolate chips for any type you prefer, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.

6. What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?

If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you can use white chocolate chunks or even substitute with more semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.

7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly fine for this recipe.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free.

9. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the dough balls depending on how big or small you want your cookies.

10. How do I make these cookies less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar slightly or use a bittersweet or dark chocolate in place of semi-sweet.

Conclusion

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for your family and friends. They combine classic chocolate chip cookie flavors with a festive twist, making them a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion. With easy preparation, festive decorations, and a perfect chewy texture, this recipe is a must-try this holiday season!

Print