Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver that perfect balance of rich chocolate and cool peppermint that makes holiday baking special. I started making these three years ago when my usual sugar cookies felt too plain for our annual cookie exchange, and now they’re the first batch to disappear at every gathering.

Last December, I was rushing to get ready for our neighborhood cookie swap when I realized I’d forgotten to plan anything festive. With only basic ingredients on hand, I threw together what became these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies by adding crushed candy canes I found in the pantry. The combination of melty chocolate chips and crunchy peppermint pieces created this amazing texture contrast that had everyone asking for the recipe. What really makes these cookies special is how the peppermint doesn’t overpower – it just adds this fresh note that cuts through the richness. Plus, the white chocolate drizzle makes them look like they’re dusted with snow, which is why my kids named them “winter wonderland” cookies.

What You’ll Need for These Festive Cookies

I always soften my butter on the counter for about an hour before baking – it should give slightly when pressed but not be melty. Pro tip: I buy candy canes after Christmas when they’re half price and crush them in batches to freeze for year-round baking.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

For the white chocolate drizzle:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening

Step-by-Step Cookie Making Process

I recommend using a stand mixer if you have one – the butter and sugar mixture should look noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture after creaming, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This lower temperature helps the cookies bake evenly without the edges browning too quickly.

Step 2: In your large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes. The mixture should become pale yellow and fluffy – this step is crucial for texture.

Step 3: Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. With mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until flour disappears – overmixing leads to tough cookies.

Step 5: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint pieces. The dough will be fairly thick at this point.

Step 6: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain thick, chewy centers.

Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. You should get about 36 cookies total.

Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and lightly golden but centers still look slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal.

Step 9: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. For the drizzle, microwave white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Perfect Holiday Drink Pairings

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages that complement their peppermint-chocolate flavor profile.

Hot Chocolate: The rich cocoa enhances the chocolate chips while the peppermint creates a refreshing contrast that makes each sip more enjoyable, especially when topped with whipped cream.

Coffee or Espresso: The slight bitterness in coffee balances the sweetness perfectly, and the warmth brings out the vanilla notes in these holiday cookies.

Peppermint Tea: This pairing creates a harmonious mint experience that’s both soothing and festive, ideal for cozy winter evenings by the fireplace.

Milk (Hot or Cold): Classic pairing that never fails – the creamy texture complements the cookies’ chewy center and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Smart Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store your finished Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

For longer storage, layer cooled cookies between parchment paper in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The white chocolate drizzle freezes well and won’t crack when thawed. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags once solid.

I recommend placing a slice of bread in your storage container – it releases just enough moisture to keep the cookies perfectly soft. Replace the bread slice every few days, and your cookies will taste freshly baked for days.

Build the Perfect Holiday Cookie Collection

These winter wonderland chocolate chip cookies are wonderful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary holiday treats. Create an elegant cookie platter by adding our buttery cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies for a sophisticated flavor contrast, and include our delicate peppermint meltaways to add a refreshing mint element that balances the rich chocolate chips perfectly.

For a complete holiday dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside individual portions like our adorable mini Christmas cheesecakes—the creamy texture provides a lovely contrast to the cookie’s satisfying crunch. And when you want to create a true showstopper dessert table, our festive Santa hat chocolate cupcakes will steal the show while these cookies serve as the perfect handheld treat for guests to enjoy throughout your celebration.

Troubleshooting Your Cookie Questions

Your New Holiday Baking Tradition

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together everything that makes holiday baking special – they look festive, taste amazing, and fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. The combination of textures and flavors creates cookies that feel both familiar and special.

Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just because your family deserves something sweet, these cookies deliver every time. Try this recipe tonight and discover why Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies have become such a beloved holiday tradition in my kitchen!

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