Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays, you’ll want to try my Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, studded with festive white chocolate chips and peppermint bits that make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you bake these, your kitchen will smell like holiday happiness—and your friends will be asking for the recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips keeps these cookies rich without being overly sweet.
Festive Peppermint Crunch: Crushed peppermint candies add a refreshing, minty snap that’s just plain fun.
Soft Yet Chewy Texture: The creaming of butter and sugars creates cookies that are tender inside with just the right amount of chewiness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using classic pantry staples means you can whip these up anytime, without a special trip to the store.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a part in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the butter that adds richness to the peppermint candies that bring holiday cheer, these components blend beautifully to make cookies that feel special.

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint chocolate cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, holiday baking recipes - Flat lay of rich unsalted butter cubes, golden brown sugar crystals, smooth white granulated sugar, glossy large brown eggs, tiny glass bottle of vanilla extract, white all-purpose flour mound, dark semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy white chocolate chips, and crushed red-and-white peppermint candies, all beautifully arranged in neat clusters placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the salt level while providing a creamy, tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Helps create crisp edges and a subtle caramel note.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor for chewiness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness; beating them one at a time ensures even incorporation.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors and offers warmth.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of structure—keeps cookies from spreading too fast.
Baking soda: The leavening agent that gives a light rise and keeps the texture soft.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor depth.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate goodness that melts into gooey pockets.
White chocolate chips: Their creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with mint and dark chocolate.
Crushed peppermint candies: Provide that unmistakable fresh, festive crunch and splash of color.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. I love swapping in different mix-ins depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for. Feel free to make the cookies your own and don’t be afraid to experiment!

Gluten-free version: I’ve tried swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and it worked surprisingly well—just keep an eye on the dough consistency.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and pair nicely with peppermint.
Skip the peppermint: If mint isn’t your thing, I sometimes toss in dried cranberries instead for a tart twist.
Use dark chocolate chips: For a deeper chocolate flavor, swap out semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier. Then, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This usually takes me about 3-4 minutes with my hand mixer. The fluffier, the better—it helps make those cookies nice and tender inside.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures your dough won’t separate and will hold together beautifully. Then stir in the vanilla extract—the aroma here is just so comforting and instantly brings me into holiday baking mode.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, blending just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix—that’s a classic mistake that can make cookies dense instead of soft. A few streaks of flour here and there are totally okay.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate and Peppermint

This is the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. Make sure the peppermint bits are crushed fine enough to spread evenly but still chunky enough to add that festive crunch I love.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. You might notice the centers look a bit soft—that’s perfect! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

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Pro Tips for Making Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Butter: Softening your butter is key—too cold and the dough won’t cream properly; too melted and the cookies spread too thin.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when edges are golden but centers still look soft to keep them chewy and fresh.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, cookies bake more evenly.
Peppermint Candy Prep: Crush peppermint candies in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or meat mallet for consistent, small pieces.

How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle just a touch of extra crushed peppermint on top of the cookies right after baking—it looks so pretty and adds a little extra crunch. Sometimes, I’ll drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for a gorgeous finish that impresses guests without extra effort.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday spiced tea. I also like serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream during holiday parties—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting cookies this season, layering these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in a clear jar or decorative tin with red and white ribbons really sets the festive tone. For a party, arrange them on a platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine to give that winter vibe visually as well as in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 4-5 days—perfect for snacking all week long. If you notice they start to lose a bit of that fresh baked softness, just toss them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. I scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. You can bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds—this warms up the chocolate and softens the cookie without drying it out. It’s like enjoying freshly baked cookies all over again!

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint candies or do they have to be crushed peppermint?

Regular peppermint candies work just fine; just be sure to crush them into small bits to evenly distribute the minty flavor without overpowering any single bite or making the cookies too chunky.
Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, try swapping the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind texture and flavor might differ slightly but it’s still delicious!
Why do my cookies spread too much?

Usually, spreading happens if the butter’s too soft or melted, or if you bake at too low a temperature. Make sure to chill your dough slightly and bake at the recommended 375°F (190°C) to retain shape.
Can I substitute nuts for the peppermint candies?

Absolutely! Nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and pair well with the chocolate, though you’ll lose that festive mint touch. Feel free to experiment based on what you like.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the joy of classic chocolate chip cookies with the festive spirit of winter spices and peppermint. Baking them brings back fond memories of holiday afternoons with family, and sharing these treats always sparks smiles and cozy conversations. If you decide to give this recipe a try, I promise it’ll become a holiday favorite in your kitchen too—maybe even one you’ll look forward to year after year.