Why Make This Recipe
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a festive spirit to your kitchen with their delightful blend of chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. The moment you take a whiff of these cookies baking in the oven, you will feel the warmth of the holidays. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Their unique flavor and beautiful appearance make them a wonderful treat to celebrate the season.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
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
Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.Shape the Cookies:
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.Cool Down:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They can also be displayed on a festive platter, perfect for holiday gatherings. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint on top before serving to give them an extra special touch.
How to Store Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- To prevent spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with adding more or less peppermint to suit your taste.
- Use different types of chocolate chips for varied flavors.
Variation
For a nutty flavor, feel free to add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. You can also substitute white chocolate chips with butterscotch chips for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture and taste might vary.
2. What can I use if I don’t have peppermint candies?
You can omit the peppermint or use another flavor of crushed candy, like toffee or caramel.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw before baking.
These cookies will surely become a staple in your winter baking plans! Enjoy the holiday season with the sweet taste of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- 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
Mix-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Feel free to use different types of chocolate chips for varied flavors.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips Can substitute with butterscotch chips.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies Experiment with adding more or less peppermint to suit your taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies.
Shaping
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Cooling
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.