Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

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When the holiday season rolls around, one of my favorite traditions is baking a batch of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies — they’re a festive explosion of flavor with melty chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candy canes, and sparkling sugar that glistens like fresh snow. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday party or wrapping them up for homemade gifts, these cookies always deliver that nostalgic Christmas magic.

The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make, and they fill the house with that unmistakable, cozy holiday aroma. Each bite has that perfect combination of buttery cookie dough, rich chocolate, and the cool crunch of peppermint. And let’s be honest, nothing feels more like Christmas than baking cookies while sipping hot cocoa by twinkling lights.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

These cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and loaded with festive mix-ins like dark and white chocolate chips, peppermint pieces, and holiday sprinkles. They look like something out of a Christmas movie, and they taste even better.

If you love the classic chocolate chip cookie but want something a little more magical for the holidays, this is it. They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert tables, or just sneaking a few with your morning coffee.

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

I like to use a combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips to balance richness and sweetness. The semi-sweet chips give depth, while the white chocolate adds a creamy finish that pairs beautifully with peppermint. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, you can easily swap in dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

• Peppermint Candies: If you don’t have candy canes, you can use round peppermint candies crushed into bits.
• Gluten-Free Flour: A good 1:1 gluten-free baking mix works just fine here.
• Vegan Butter & Egg Substitute: Swap in vegan butter and a flax egg if you want a dairy-free or vegan version.
• Chocolate Chips: You can go with all milk chocolate or even add chopped Andes mints for extra minty vibes.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Totally optional, but they add a fun and festive flair. Use any shape or color to match your theme.

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Ingredients for This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. Room temperature butter blends smoothly into the dough.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight molasses depth that complements the chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps give the cookies their structure and the perfect sweet balance.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie that creates the soft, chewy texture.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies a slight rise and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The classic choice for chocolate chip cookies—melts perfectly.
• White Chocolate Chips: Brings creamy sweetness and festive contrast.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: Adds a cool, minty crunch and holiday spirit.
• Holiday Sprinkles (optional): For that extra touch of festive fun.
• Sparkling Sugar (optional): Gives the cookies a snowy, glistening top.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer and helps create a smooth, creamy base.

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Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and depth of flavor, and ensures the dough comes together evenly.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cookies soft.

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Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candy, and sprinkles. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

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Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavors.

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Step 6: Preheat and Scoop

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls, spacing them 2 inches apart.

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Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after removal.

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Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, press in a few extra chocolate chips or peppermint bits on top for a picture-perfect finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Prep Time:
Preparing these cookies takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This includes creaming the butter and sugars, mixing the dough, folding in the festive mix-ins, and scooping the dough balls. If you decide to chill the dough, add another 30–60 minutes, though it’s optional.

Bake Time:
Baking takes about 9–11 minutes per batch. Each tray comes out with cookies that are perfectly golden around the edges and soft in the center. Cooling takes an additional 10 minutes for best texture and handling.

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Tips for Perfect Winter Wonderland Cookies

• Don’t skip softening the butter: Room temperature butter creates the best creamy texture during mixing.
• Chill the dough for thicker cookies: Even 30 minutes in the fridge makes a difference in how much the cookies spread.
• Add extra toppings before baking: Reserve a few chocolate chips and peppermint pieces to press into the tops right before they go into the oven.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size: This ensures even baking and consistent results.
• Let them rest on the baking sheet: A few minutes of cooling on the hot tray helps finish cooking the centers without overbaking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Using melted butter: This causes the dough to spread too much, resulting in flat cookies.
• Skipping the baking soda: It helps with the rise and texture—don’t leave it out.
• Overbaking: The cookies may not look fully done at 10 minutes, but they firm up as they cool.
• Storing while warm: Let cookies cool completely before storing, or they’ll become soggy.

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What to Serve With Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

Nothing says winter like dipping a peppermint-packed cookie into rich, creamy hot cocoa.

2. Spiced Eggnog

The warm spices in eggnog pair beautifully with the cool mint and melty chocolate in the cookies.

3. Peppermint Mocha

Bring out the mint flavor even more with a coffee shop-inspired peppermint mocha.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Make cookie ice cream sandwiches for a chilled holiday treat everyone will love.

5. Mulled Wine or Cider

For adults, a warm glass of mulled wine or cider adds a cozy and festive pairing.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain their chewy texture.

Freezer Storage:
These cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Or freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: ~180
• Sugar: ~16g
• Fat: ~9g
• Saturated Fat: ~5g
• Carbohydrates: ~24g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Protein: ~2g
• Sodium: ~90mg
• Cholesterol: ~20mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This keeps pieces contained and evenly crushed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles well—just make sure to mix in a large enough bowl and use multiple baking sheets.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s optional, but chilling helps the cookies stay thick and soft. If you have the time, 30 minutes in the fridge is ideal.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Nonpareils or holiday-colored jimmies work great. Avoid sugar pearls, as they can be too hard after baking.

Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint candy?

You can add a drop or two of mint extract if you’re out of peppermint candy, but don’t overdo it—it’s strong!

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Conclusion

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat—easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to neighbors, or treating yourself, these cookies deliver the cozy magic of the season in every bite. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to make a batch that’s sure to bring joy and sweet smiles!

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