Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for the perfect festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, look no further than this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a joyful celebration on your palate, boasting a chewy texture packed with the melty goodness of both white and dark chocolate chips, while the cheerful red and green holiday sprinkles add a playful burst of color and crunch. They are wonderful for cookie swaps, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm cup of cocoa on a cozy winter evening. Let me take you step by step through this deliciously heartwarming recipe that will soon become a beloved holiday classic in your kitchen.

A stack of five round cookies sits on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface, with the top cookie bitten to show its soft inside. Each cookie is light golden brown with a slightly cracked texture. They are filled with white chocolate chunks, dark chocolate chips, and small red and green candy pieces that are evenly spread throughout. The layers show the colorful candies embedded within, with melted dark chocolate mostly near the bottom edges. The top cookie’s bite reveals a soft inside with visible white chocolate and dark chocolate bits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these cookies starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create remarkable flavor and texture. Each item on the list adds something special, from the creamy butter that creates the perfect chewy crumb to the blend of sugars that lend sweetness and depth. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened to room temperature to ensure smooth blending and a tender cookie texture.
Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Gives the cookies their characteristic sweetness and helps with that slight crunch on the edges.
Brown sugar, 1 cup: Packed for moisture and rich caramel notes that balance the chocolates beautifully.
Large eggs, 2: Bind the dough together while adding moisture and structure.
Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The foundation providing structure, ensuring just the right chewiness.
Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a lightness that prevents the cookies from becoming too dense.
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
White chocolate chips, 1 cup: Offers creamy sweetness and lovely contrast to the dark chips.
Dark chocolate chips, 1 cup: Adds rich intensity and a slight bitterness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Holiday sprinkles (red and green), 1/2 cup: The festive touch that makes these cookies pop with holiday cheer and color.

How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents the cookies from sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden bottom crust. Setting up properly at the beginning makes all the difference in baking success.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating cookies with a tender crumb and a slight lift. It usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes of vigorous beating, but don’t rush it—air incorporation is essential!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth and emulsified. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until evenly combined. This combination brings moisture and that irresistible warm aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, so your cookies bake uniformly without any unexpected salty or bitter pockets.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients With Wet

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing at this point can lead to tough cookies, so mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. This is where that perfect chewy texture is born.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolates and Sprinkles

Now for the fun part—fold in the white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and the festive red and green holiday sprinkles. These sprinkles not only enhance the visual appeal but add a delightful crunch. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for that perfect bite every time.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn a warm golden brown. The center might look slightly undercooked, but trust me, they’ll set beautifully as they cool.

Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets the cookies firm up without losing that chewy softness inside. Now, your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Though these cookies are stunning on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar can create a snow-dusted effect that’s perfect for the holiday season. For an added touch of elegance, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top for extra decadence and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside classic holiday drinks like a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or a warm cup of spiced chai tea. For those who enjoy a grown-up twist, a glass of creamy eggnog or mulled wine pairs beautifully with the sweet, melty chips and festive sprinkles.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can elevate your festive spread! Stack the cookies on a decorative plate tied with a seasonal ribbon or arrange them in little holiday-themed tins to gift friends and family. You could also pair cookies in little mason jars layered with hot cocoa mix for a charming DIY holiday gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead of holiday gatherings or enjoying throughout the season.

Freezing

If you want to make these festive treats in advance, the cookie dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie into the microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. This will soften the edges and melt the chocolate chips just enough to bring back that irresistible gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour in this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here and allows everyone to enjoy these delicious cookies without the gluten. Just keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free doughs sometimes bake differently, but the flavor will remain fantastic.

What can I do to make these cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies spread less and results in a thicker, chewier cookie. This extra step is worth it if you love a hearty bite!

Can I use vegan substitutes to make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips will keep these cookies just as delicious while accommodating dietary preferences. The overall texture and taste stay wonderfully intact.

Why should I add both baking soda and baking powder?

The combination helps these cookies rise perfectly with a nice balance of chewiness and lightness. Baking soda encourages spread and browning, while baking powder provides lift and softness, making the texture just right.

What is the best way to prevent the holiday sprinkles from fading color during baking?

Using high-quality, heat-stable sprinkles designed for baking will keep their vibrant red and green colors intact. Add the sprinkles when folding the dough in and try not to overmix to minimize color bleeding.

Final Thoughts

Making the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe is more than baking; it’s a chance to create joyful memories filled with warmth, cheer, and sweet moments shared with loved ones. These cookies are wonderfully festive, delectably chewy, and bursting with holiday spirit in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of a true winter wonderland on your taste buds!