Why Make This Recipe
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that can bring warmth and joy during the chilly winter months. These cookies combine rich chocolate flavors with a festive twist of peppermint, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging yourself. The mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate along with crushed peppermint candies creates a unique festive flair that everyone will love.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 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
Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, in another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and improves the texture of the cookies.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them at your next holiday gathering or savor them at home with a warm cup of cocoa.
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served warm with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. You can also place them on a festive platter and offer them as part of a holiday dessert spread at parties. For an added touch, sprinkle a few extra crushed peppermint candies on top before serving.
How to Store Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months.
Tips to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- For extra peppermint flavor, you can add a little peppermint extract to the dough.
- Space the cookie dough balls apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading while baking.
Serving Ideas
These cookies make excellent gifts during the holiday season. Package them in decorative boxes or bags and share them with friends, family, or coworkers. They can also be a fun addition to holiday cookie exchanges.
Final Thoughts
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint, they are sure to please anyone who tries them. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or given as a holiday gift, these cookies make the winter months a little brighter.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be great alternatives.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
3. Can I skip the peppermint candies?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can leave them out or replace them with nuts or additional chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful holiday cookies combining rich chocolate flavors with peppermint, perfect for gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra peppermint flavor, consider adding peppermint extract. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
