Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about baking Christmas cookies during the holiday season, and Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies have become a staple in my household. Last Christmas, I made these for a holiday party, and they were the first dessert to disappear. The combination of classic chocolate chip cookie flavors with a festive twist of crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips makes them irresistible. My kids especially loved decorating the tops with snowflake sprinkles—it was like creating edible winter art!

Why You’ll Love Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

• Festive Appeal: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. The snowflake sprinkles and crushed candy canes give them a festive, wintry look.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, and even novice bakers will enjoy making these cookies.
• Kid-Friendly: Decorating these cookies can become a fun holiday activity with kids.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of rich chocolate, sweet white chocolate, and minty candy canes is a holiday flavor explosion.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the candy canes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• Snowflake sprinkles, for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate chips.
6. Shape the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
7. Decorate: Add snowflake sprinkles on top of each cookie for a festive touch.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Winter Wonderland Cookies

• Serve with a glass of warm milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Arrange on a decorative platter for holiday parties.
• Pack them in festive cookie tins as thoughtful gifts.
• Use them as edible ornaments by threading ribbons through them.
• Create a dessert table centerpiece by stacking the cookies on a festive cake stand.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: For extra thick cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
2. Even Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
3. Extra Festive Touch: Add a few extra chocolate chips or candy cane pieces on top before baking for more visual appeal.
4. Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze the dough for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
5. Experiment: Swap out crushed candy canes for other holiday candies like red and green M&M’s for variety.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. What if I don’t have candy canes?
   You can substitute peppermint candies or omit them for a more classic chocolate chip cookie.
3. How do I keep the cookies soft?
   Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
4. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
5. Can I use dark chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add a richer flavor and pair wonderfully with the minty candy canes.
6. What if I don’t have snowflake sprinkles?
   You can use any festive holiday sprinkles or leave them plain for a simpler look.
7. How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?
   Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. They will set as they cool.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Their irresistible combination of flavors and festive appearance will make them a hit with family and friends alike. Happy baking!