The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies? These cookies are the perfect combination of indulgent sweetness, festive flavors, and fun holiday colors. Whether youโre baking for a Christmas gathering, a cozy family night, or just to share with friends, this recipe will surely spread holiday cheer. Soft, chewy, and filled with white and semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies are a delicious way to embrace the spirit of the season.
Letโs dive into how to make these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies that will become an instant favorite for everyone!
Why Youโll Love These Christmas Cookies
Thereโs something magical about the aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies bring all the comfort and nostalgia of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with a festive twist. The combination of white chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips creates a perfect balance of sweetness, while the touch of holiday sprinkles adds the right amount of color and fun.
These cookies are:
- Soft & Chewy: The perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
- Loaded with Chocolate: A generous mix of white and semisweet chocolate chips in every bite.
- Festively Garnished: Colorful holiday sprinkles make these cookies pop with holiday spirit.
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you likely have in your pantry, these cookies are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Key Ingredients for Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Before you start baking, letโs make sure you have everything you need to create the best batch of Christmas cookies ever. These ingredients are the foundation for your delicious, festive treats:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened โ Butter is essential for achieving a soft and chewy cookie. Softening it beforehand helps ensure a smooth dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar โ The sweetness factor! This adds a delicate sweetness to the dough.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed โ Brown sugar gives the cookies that rich, caramel-like flavor and a bit of moisture.
- 2 large eggs โ Eggs help bind everything together and give the cookies structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract โ Vanilla is the backbone of many cookie recipes, and it enhances the flavor of the chocolate chips.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour โ The main dry ingredient in this recipe. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid making the dough too dry.
- 1 tsp baking soda โ This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, making them soft and chewy.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder โ This further aids in the texture, ensuring that the cookies donโt spread too thin while baking.
- 1/2 tsp salt โ A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips โ White chocolate adds a creamy and rich sweetness to the cookies.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips โ The semisweet chocolate provides a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Holiday sprinkles, for garnish โ These sprinkles bring the festive spirit to life, adding color and fun to every cookie.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ready to start baking? Letโs break down the steps to create these mouthwatering cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Preheating the oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and donโt spread too much.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a soft texture in the finished cookies.
Next, add in two large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. Then, add vanilla extract to the dough, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Fold in both the white chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips. You can use a spatula to gently fold them in until theyโre evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them โ the edges should turn golden, and the centers should be just set. For a slightly chewier texture, you can take them out a minute early.
Step 7: Garnish the Cookies
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them with holiday sprinkles. The heat of the cookies will help the sprinkles stick, adding a festive touch to every bite.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies hold their shape and donโt become too soft.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies
- Donโt Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the best rise and texture.
- Customize the Chips: If you prefer, swap the white chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even mint chips for a holiday twist.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Add a generous amount of sprinkles for extra festive flair, or opt for a sprinkle mix that includes red, green, and white colors.
Why These Cookies Are a Must for Your Holiday Season
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; theyโre a part of the holiday magic. Whether youโre hosting a holiday party, baking with the kids, or gifting them in a festive tin, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The combination of the two types of chocolate chips and the sprinkle of holiday sprinkles makes them visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
FAQs: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Butter is preferred for the best taste and texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping the cookies.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
4. What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add other festive toppings, like crushed candy canes or colored sugar, to make the cookies even more holiday-inspired.
Related Recipes You Might Love
If you enjoyed these cookies, donโt forget to check out these other festive treats to add even more joy to your holiday baking:
- Bacon Lasagna Burger โ The Ultimate Burger with a Twist
- Cheesy Taco Breadsticks โ A Flavorful Snack for Taco Lovers
- Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies โ Irresistibly Gooey
Happy baking and enjoy every festive bite of your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies!
By following these steps, youโll bake a batch of cookies that will make your holiday celebrations extra sweet. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of fresh-baked holiday cookies!
PrintWinter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the ultimate festive treat! Soft and chewy, with a blend of white and semisweet chocolate chips, theyโre perfect for any holiday celebration. The added touch of holiday sprinkles makes them even more delightful!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips and semisweet chocolate chips.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Garnish: Immediately after baking, sprinkle the warm cookies with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-bake the cookies. They should be golden on the edges but soft in the center.
- If you prefer more white chocolate, you can add more white chocolate chips and reduce the semisweet chocolate chips.
- For an extra festive look, use red and green holiday sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Christmas Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday chocolate chip cookies, winter holiday cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, festive cookies, Christmas treats, easy Christmas cookies