These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are festive, buttery, and studded with chocolate chips and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations!
Introduction
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the timeless appeal of chocolate chip cookies with a festive, seasonal twist. These cookies are soft, buttery, and filled with rich chocolate chips, but what sets them apart is the addition of colorful holiday sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle, or crushed candy canes for a winter wonderland vibe.
Ideal for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or as a cozy snack with hot cocoa, these cookies bring a festive charm to every occasion. The recipe is simple, fun to make with kids, and customizable to fit your favorite holiday flavors. Let these cookies transform your kitchen into a cheerful winter wonderland!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup festive holiday sprinkles (red, green, white, or silver)
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- Crushed candy canes or edible glitter
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and 1/3 cup of the sprinkles, reserving the rest for decorating.
5. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra sprinkles on top of each cookie for decoration.
6. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still look soft—this ensures a chewy texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate (Optional):
- Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or edible glitter for a winter wonderland effect.
How to Prepare
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Substitute Chips: Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peppermint chips for variety.
- Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
Makes about 36 cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I use premade cookie dough?
Yes, but adding sprinkles and decorating with white chocolate gives it a festive touch.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
4. What’s the best way to drizzle white chocolate?
Place melted white chocolate in a resealable bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle over the cookies.
5. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. Their buttery texture, melty chocolate chips, and festive decorations make them a treat everyone will love.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them in cookie tins, or enjoying them by the fire with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Try this recipe and bring a little extra magic to your winter wonderland!
