Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive twist on the classic treat, blending rich chocolate chips with white chocolate and peppermint for a delightful holiday flavor. These cookies are chewy with crisp edges, making them perfect for sharing during the winter season or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies gently.
- Step 6: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and keep the cookies thick and chewy.
- For extra flavor, try browning the butter before mixing to add a nutty richness to the dough.
- Swap half of the chocolate chips for peppermint bark or white chocolate chunks for a festive twist.
- Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or nutmeg for warm, cozy spice notes.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies for decoration.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy cleanup and even baking.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a microwave or oven for a warm, fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cookies hold together.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture. It also helps the flavors meld together better for a richer taste.
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Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, enriched with a buttery, chewy texture and bursts of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips combined with crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday crunch. Perfectly golden-edged and tender-centered, these cookies evoke cozy winter celebrations and are easily customizable for various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine and avoid lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly through the dough.
- Portion Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye near the minimal time to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to maintain texture.
- Optional Decoration: For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings, such as adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth.
- Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and to maintain chewy texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft to prevent dryness.
- Substitute gluten-free flour or vegan butter to adapt to dietary restrictions.
- For enhanced flavor, consider browning the butter before creaming.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, chocolate chip cookies, festive desserts, holiday baking
