Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

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Craving something magical to bake this holiday season? Imagine a cookie that tastes like cozy nights by the fireplace, a snowy stroll through Christmas markets, and the sweet joy of the season all in one bite. These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are exactly that kind of dream.

These thick, bakery-style cookies are loaded with both white and dark chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candy, and a dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just want a festive treat for yourself, these cookies bring holiday cheer in every chewy, chocolatey, peppermint-kissed bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on your Winter Wonderland cookies, a few essential tools will make your baking smooth and stress-free:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve that perfectly creamed butter and sugar texture, which creates the fluffy, chewy cookie base.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two, one for dry ingredients and another for the wet. This keeps the blending process even and organized.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint without overmixing.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for even baking, especially important for chewy centers.
• Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper: Non-stick surfaces are a must to avoid cookie breakage and promote even browning.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool down and set without overbaking from residual pan heat.

Each of these tools contributes to the texture, flavor, and appearance of these festive cookies. Having them ready makes baking a joy, not a chore.

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Ingredients for the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates that soft, chewy cookie texture. Using it at room temperature ensures better creaming with sugar.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle molasses depth that enhances the cookie’s chewiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and gives that classic cookie crisp edge.
• Eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness to the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the flavors, especially in holiday baking.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder. Enough flour ensures the cookies don’t spread too thin.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies lift and helps with that puffy, soft center.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: For depth and richness in contrast to the peppermint.
• White Chocolate Chips: Add creaminess and extra sweetness, making every bite holiday-perfect.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: These give the cookies that festive crunch and a burst of minty freshness.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional, but dusting it on top adds a snowy, winter wonderland effect.

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How To Make the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the base of your cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution when added to the wet mix.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing on low until a dough forms. Stop mixing once no dry streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in the Goodies

Using a silicone spatula, fold in both dark and white chocolate chips and most of the crushed peppermint candies. Save some for topping.

Step 6: Scoop and Chill

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place chilled dough balls spaced apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone.

Step 8: Garnish and Cool

As soon as cookies come out, sprinkle the tops with reserved peppermint and powdered sugar. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

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How to Serve and Store Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm, when the chocolate is still a little gooey and the peppermint gently melts on your tongue. For a cozy touch, pair them with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a holiday latte.

To store, let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. Want to keep that fresh-baked texture longer? Add a slice of bread to the container to retain moisture.

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to 3 months. Just pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for an almost oven-fresh experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential. It firms up the butter and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?

You can, but go easy! A tiny bit goes a long way and can quickly overpower the chocolate. Stick to 1/4 teaspoon if you go that route.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

A mix of dark and white chocolate gives the best flavor balance. The dark adds richness, and the white complements the peppermint.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and freeze it in scoops. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?

They’re chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges — the dream cookie texture for most holiday fans!

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for texture.

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Want More Christmas Dessert Ideas?

If festive baking is your thing, you’re in for a treat. Beyond these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies, you might want to try the indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars — rich, no-bake squares that feel like holiday fudge meets candy bar.

You’ll also love the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fun, elegant twist that brings fruity freshness to your dessert tray. And if you’re leaning toward something cozy and spiced, check out the Cinnamon Donut Bread for an irresistible slice of warmth.

For cookie-lovers wanting a different vibe, the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies are a reliable classic that never fails to impress. Or venture into soft pastry territory with our Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes — they’re creamy, spiced, and ready to be your next holiday obsession.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your holiday baking boards for later. Just tap the Pin button below.

If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you go heavy on the peppermint? Did you sneak in dark chocolate chunks? Drop a comment and let’s swap cookie stories.

For even more festive ideas, check out my Pinterest board where I post holiday treats daily: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

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