Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies bring classic chocolate chip cookie dough together with winter flavors and festive mix-ins. White chocolate, candy canes, and soft centers create a holiday-ready cookie.
These cookies fit winter celebrations and casual baking nights alike. Their look feels playful with snowy colors and textures. The recipe stays simple and beginner friendly.
Cold evenings, cozy lights, and the smell of cookies in the oven always pull me into baking mode. Winter brings that craving for something sweet, comforting, and fun to share. That’s where Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies come in.
I started making these during the holidays when I wanted a cookie that felt special without extra steps or tools.
The mix of classic chocolate chip cookie dough with white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a hint of vanilla extract gives these cookies a festive feel that fits winter baking perfectly. They look cheerful, taste familiar, and bring that holiday cookie tray together in the best way.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’ll love these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies because since they stay soft in the center with lightly crisp edges that hold up well on winter cookie platters. The mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate keeps every bite balanced without sugar crashes.
Crushed candy canes add a gentle crunch and fresh winter flavor without overpowering the dough. This recipe fits busy baking days since the steps stay simple from start to finish. These cookies work well for gifting, holiday parties, or a quiet night at home with hot cocoa.
How To Prepare Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Recipe Overview
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft holiday cookies made with chocolate chips, white chocolate, and peppermint for a winter-themed treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Chill Time : 20 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert/Cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Calories Per Serving: ~190 calories
- Servings: 12
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Ingredient Notes
1. Unsalted butter: Soft butter helps the dough mix evenly and keeps the cookies tender.
2. Granulated sugar: Adds light crispness around the edges.
3. Brown sugar: Brings moisture and chew to the cookie center.
4. Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix smoothly into the dough.
5. Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor of chocolate and peppermint.
6. All-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the cookies heavy.
7. Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread just right.
8. Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens chocolate flavor.
9. Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Keep sweetness steady without overpowering the dough.
10. White chocolate chips: Add contrast and visual winter charm.
11. Crushed peppermint candies: Bring crunch and light mint flavor linked to winter wonderland cookies.
How To Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can affect texture.
6. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges look set and centers stay soft.
9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
My Tip: Pull cookies out when centers look slightly underbaked. They firm up while cooling and stay soft longer.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
Pro Tips and Variations
✳️ Swap peppermint candies with chopped candy canes for stronger crunch.
✳️ Add chopped pecans or nuts for texture and warmth.
✳️ Dust baked cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
✳️ Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra winter spice.
✳️ Drizzle melted white chocolate on top once cooled.
✳️ Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution.
Serving Suggestions
☑️ Serve with hot cocoa or warm milk on cold evenings.
☑️ Stack on a winter cookie tray with winter sugar cookies.
☑️ Wrap in clear bags with ribbon for holiday gifting.
☑️ Pair with vanilla ice cream for a winter dessert plate.
Storing Tips
✔️ Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
✔️ Add a slice of bread to keep cookies soft longer.
✔️ Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
✅ Chill dough for 20 minutes if cookies spread too much.
✅ Crush peppermint candies finely to avoid sharp bites.
✅ Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and uneven browning.
What’s the best way to decorate Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies?
White chocolate drizzle works well for a snowy finish without extra effort. Powdered sugar adds a soft winter look with minimal prep. Crushed candy canes sprinkled on warm cookies stick nicely.
Pressing extra chocolate chips on top adds visual balance. Keep decoration light to avoid overpowering flavor.
How do I keep Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies soft?
Do not overbake the cookies since softness depends on timing. Store cookies in airtight containers once cooled.
Adding a slice of bread helps keep moisture steady. Use brown sugar for chew and tenderness. Avoid leaving cookies uncovered overnight.
What makes Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The mix-ins set these cookies apart from standard versions. White chocolate and peppermint give a winter-themed flavor and look.
The recipe focuses on seasonal presentation without complex steps. These cookies suit the winter holidays and gift boxes. The base dough stays familiar and comforting.
More Delicious Cookies
▶Maraschino cherry sugar cookies
▶Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
▶Best Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
FAQs
Can I Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I Freeze The Dough?
Yes, scoop dough balls and freeze for up to 2 months.
Do Peppermint Candies Melt During Baking?
They soften slightly and add crunch once cooled.
Can I Skip White Chocolate Chips?
Yes, replace with extra semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
Warm butter or unchilled dough can cause extra spreading.
Final Toughts
If winter baking brings you joy, these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies deserve a spot in your kitchen. I love how easy they are while still feeling festive and fun.
Bake a batch, share them with family, or pack them up for holiday gifts. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out or what mix-ins you used. Happy baking!
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can affect texture.
- Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges look set and centers stay soft.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.
Notes
Chill dough for 20 minutes if cookies spread too much.
Crush peppermint candies finely to avoid sharp bites.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and uneven browning.
