Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Table of Contents
Is there anything more heartwarming than the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home on a chilly winter day? It’s one of those simple joys that immediately transports me back to my childhood, when the kitchen was a place of warmth and magic, especially around the holidays. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that embodies that same cozy feeling: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia, laden with memories of family gatherings and festive cheer.
Baking has always been a love language in my family. It’s how we say, “I care about you,” “I’m thinking of you,” and “Let’s celebrate together.” And these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, whether you’re gathered around the fireplace or sending a batch to someone special. They have a magical way of bringing people together, sparking smiles and sparking conversations.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
There’s so much to love about these cookies, and they truly deserve a spot on your holiday table. First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to make, embodying the heart of Easy Peasy Recipes. With just a few simple steps, even a novice baker can create something beautiful and delicious. Secondly, the combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, along with festive sprinkles, adds bursts of flavor and color that are sure to delight everyone from kids to the young at heart.
Another wonderful aspect of these cookies is how they bring a little piece of winter wonderland into your home. The optional dusting of powdered sugar mimics a light snowfall, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to each cookie. Plus, these cookies are versatile! You can customize them with your favorite holiday sprinkles or even add a hint of spice to make them your own. A bit of cinnamon or nutmeg mixed into the dough can create a warm, spicy undertone that enhances the wintery feel.
Lastly, these cookies are a fantastic way to make memories. Whether you’re baking with little ones or hosting a cookie swap with friends, this recipe is about more than just the cookies—it’s about the joy of creating something together, sharing stories, and making traditions. Imagine the laughter and chatter as you and your loved ones decorate cookies, each one unique and special.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our trusty kitchen tools. These are the essentials you’ll need to make the process as smooth as a winter sleigh ride:
- Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars a breeze. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick.
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for wet ingredients and another for dry. Having extra bowls on hand can help if you decide to double the batch for sharing.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding in those luscious chocolate chips. A silicone spatula works wonders in scraping every last bit of dough from the bowl.
- Cookie Scoop: A #30 scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly. If you don’t have a scoop, a tablespoon will work to portion the dough.
- Parchment Paper: It keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. If you’re out of parchment, silicone baking mats are a fantastic reusable alternative.
- Wire Rack: Essential for cooling your cookies to perfection. A wire rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from getting soggy.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
For the Dough:
– 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
– ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp fine sea salt
For Mix-Ins & Topping:
– 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
– ¼ cup (45 g) holiday sprinkles
– Optional garnish: 2 tbsp coarse sparkling sugar
– Optional finish: sifted powdered sugar, for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer on medium for 2–3 minutes—until pale, fluffy, and slightly aerated. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each. Mix in vanilla until smooth and glossy. Room temperature eggs help the mixture emulsify, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Incorporate Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients in 3 additions, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stir only until the flour disappears.
- Fold in Chocolate: With a spatula, gently fold in both chocolate chips—reserve ~2 tbsp of each for topping. Folding rather than stirring helps keep the dough tender.
- Scoop & Decorate: Use a #30 scoop (≈2 tbsp) to portion dough. Roll into smooth balls and place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets.
→ Press reserved chips and a pinch of sprinkles gently into the top of each ball—this anchors them and creates a bakery-style finish. This step ensures that every bite is filled with chocolatey goodness. - Chill (Recommended): Refrigerate dough balls for 30 minutes (or up to 48 hours). Chilling ensures thicker cookies and prevents overspreading. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake 10–12 minutes—edges should be golden and set; centers will look soft and slightly underdone. Rotate pans halfway. The cookies will continue to cook on the hot sheet, resulting in a perfectly chewy center.
- Cool & Finish: Let cookies rest on the hot sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a snowy effect. This final touch adds a festive flair to your cookies.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 12 minutes • Total Time: 27 minutes • Calories: 150 per cookie • Servings: 24
Note: Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for the best texture and flavor. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just about indulgence; they also offer a few health and flavor benefits. The semi-sweet chocolate chips are a source of antioxidants, which can be a small yet delightful boost for your health. Meanwhile, the white chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that complements the rich semi-sweet flavor perfectly.
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, making the cookies tender and flavorful without being overwhelming. The combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, giving your cookies a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Vanilla extract adds depth, enhancing the flavors of the chocolate and sugars. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using vanilla bean paste for an even more intense vanilla flavor.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These cookies are a treat on their own, but pairing them with other delights can elevate your holiday experience. Serve them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter afternoon. They’re also wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for a holiday dessert with a touch of decadence.
For a festive gathering, consider creating a cookie platter with other holiday favorites, like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. This not only adds variety but also creates a beautiful centerpiece for your table. A glass of cold milk or a fragrant cup of chai tea also complements the cookies beautifully, balancing their sweetness with a refreshing note.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Once you’ve baked these delightful cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh as long as possible. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve made a large batch, consider freezing some of the dough balls before baking, so you can enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
To freeze, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
When life gets busy, having a stash of these cookies can be a lifesaver. They make a quick and comforting snack, whether you’re taking a break from wrapping gifts or enjoying a quiet moment by the fire. And of course, they’re perfect for sharing with guests who stop by unexpectedly.
As you embark on this cookie-baking adventure, I hope you find as much joy in the process as you do in the final product. There’s something truly special about homemade cookies, especially when they’re made with love and shared with those we cherish. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let your kitchen become a winter wonderland.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
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Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a mixer on medium for 2–3 minutes—until pale, fluffy, and slightly aerated.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each. Mix in vanilla until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients in 3 additions, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix.
- With a spatula, gently fold in both chocolate chips—reserve ~2 tbsp of each for topping.
- Use a #30 scoop (≈2 tbsp) to portion dough. Roll into smooth balls and place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets.
- Press reserved chips and a pinch of sprinkles gently into the top of each ball—this anchors them and creates a bakery-style finish.
- Refrigerate dough balls for 30 minutes (or up to 48 hours). Chilling ensures thicker cookies and prevents overspreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake 10–12 minutes—edges should be golden and set; centers will look soft and slightly underdone. Rotate pans halfway.
- Let cookies rest on the hot sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a snowy effect.
