Description

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies combine classic chocolate chips with festive white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies for a delightful holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with seasonal flavors, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating tender cookies.
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 to enhance the flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies soft.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Form Dough Balls: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies should remain soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set and maintain their texture.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart prevents them from merging during baking.
Cooling on the baking sheet first prevents breakage and helps retain cookie shape.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, white chocolate chips, festive cookies, winter dessert