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
Scale
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
