These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are pure holiday magic in every bite. Imagine warm, buttery cookies loaded with gooey chocolate chips, a hint of crushed peppermint, and a dusting of snow-like sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, creating edible gifts, or simply treating yourself by the fireplace, this festive twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie is sure to bring comfort and cheer to your winter season.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ❄️ Festive & fun – Crushed peppermint adds a wintery crunch
- 🍫 Double chocolate chips – A mix of semi-sweet and white for extra richness
- 🎁 Perfect for gifting – Wrap up in cellophane with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift
- 🧊 Freezer-friendly – Make dough ahead and bake fresh anytime
- 👨👩👧👦 Great with kids – A fun and easy baking project for the whole family
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Optional: extra peppermint + white chocolate for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. - Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture and mix just until combined. - Fold in mix-ins
Stir in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. - Scoop & bake
Drop by rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop) onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are just set. - Cool & decorate
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Optional: drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with extra peppermint.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 24–30 cookies
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
Nutritional values may vary based on chocolate or peppermint brands used.
Tips & Variations
- Chill for thicker cookies: Chill the dough for 30 minutes for a puffier, bakery-style texture
- Make-ahead dough: Freeze scoops of dough on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
- Flavor twist: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor
- Festive flair: Top warm cookies with extra chocolate chips and peppermint before they cool
- Holiday swap: Sub crushed toffee or chopped Andes mints for a different winter vibe
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop onto a tray, freeze solid, then store in an airtight container. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the time.
How do I keep cookies soft after baking?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies will stay soft and chewy for days.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your peppermint candies are gluten-free.
Do I need to crush the peppermint finely?
For best texture, crush to small shards—not powder—for a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the cookie.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- – Hand or stand mixer
- – Cookie scoop
- – Baking sheets
- – Parchment paper
Ingredients
- – 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- – ¾ cup granulated sugar
- – ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- – 2 large eggs
- – 2 tsp vanilla extract
- – 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 tsp baking soda
- – ½ tsp salt
- – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- – 1 cup white chocolate chips
- – ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- – Optional: white chocolate drizzle extra peppermint
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet.
- Fold in chocolate chips and peppermint.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake 9–11 minutes.
- Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Optional: drizzle with white chocolate and garnish.
Notes
– Add peppermint extract for extra flavor
– Customize toppings for holiday flair
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably cozy about baking a batch of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies during the colder months. With their warm chocolate base, sparkly peppermint crunch, and creamy white drizzle, they’re as festive to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for cookie swaps, cozy nights in, or homemade holiday gifts—these cookies are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.