If you are dreaming of a cozy treat that captures the magic of snowy days and festive cheer, look no further than this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect blend of soft, chewy texture, with pockets of melty chocolate chips and a subtle hint of vanilla that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Adorned with sprinkles or crushed candies, they shine like little snowflakes, bringing a joyful spirit to your kitchen and your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for holiday gatherings or simply craving a delightful homemade cookie, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every magical cookie starts with simple, essential ingredients that come together to create unforgettable flavor and texture. Each item lends its own character, making your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe crispy around the edges, soft in the middle, and bursting with sweetness.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for softness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ¾ cup melted butter: Adds richness and makes the cookies wonderfully chewy.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to every bite.
- ½ cup white sugar: Adds a touch of crispness around the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- 1 egg yolk: Extra moisture and tenderness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The secret that elevates flavor to a heavenly level.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Classic pockets of melted chocolate you’ll love biting into.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips: For a sweet, creamy contrast that makes every bite special.
- 2 tablespoons winter sprinkles or candy (optional): A festive touch to make these cookies sparkle like a true winter wonderland.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This step ensures perfect texture and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir these together and set aside. This careful mixing helps create cookies that are soft and fluffy inside while holding their shape beautifully.
Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a separate larger bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup white sugar until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This stage is when the sugars dissolve into the butter, setting the stage for rich, sweet flavor and a great cookie crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture, mixing until the dough is silky and combined. These ingredients add moisture, improve texture, and infuse the dough with that classic cookie aroma we all love.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.
Step 6: Add Chocolate and Sprinkles
Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and ½ cup white chocolate chips, along with 2 tablespoons of winter sprinkles or crushed candy if you want that snowy sparkle. Mixing these in last ensures every bite bursts with delightful bits of chocolate and festive cheer.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop small balls of dough onto your prepared baking tray, spacing them well apart. Giving the cookies room to spread means they’ll bake perfectly without sticking together, achieving that quintessential cookie shape and thickness.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. The smell that fills your kitchen at this stage is pure happiness, an irresistible invitation to start nibbling right away.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes after baking to firm up, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh and warm alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra festive candies or a dash of powdered sugar on your cookies before serving adds a snowy shimmer that looks as lovely as it tastes. Nuts, crushed peppermint, or cinnamon sugar can also complement these cookies beautifully, adding texture and holiday flair.
Side Dishes
Your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe pairs perfectly with classic winter beverages like hot cocoa, coffee with a hint of cinnamon, or even a creamy chai latte. For a grown-up twist, try serving with a glass of cold milk spiked with a splash of vanilla or peppermint extract.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange cookies in the shape of a snowy tree on a festive platter, or stack them with layers of whipped cream and berries to create a cookie trifle. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking and helps maintain their perfect texture, so they stay soft and chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze cookie dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies for extended freshness. Wrap dough balls tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Baked cookies freeze well too when sealed properly, allowing you to enjoy your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie without drying it out, recreating that fresh-baked sensation we all crave.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Yes, but remember to reduce or skip adding extra salt since salted butter already contains salt. This adjustment helps keep the flavor balance perfect for your Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
What’s the best way to make these cookies extra chewy?
Use melted butter and add an extra egg yolk, just like in this recipe. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to prevent developing too much gluten, which can make cookies tough rather than chewy.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with regular chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use all regular chocolate chips or mix in any of your favorite chocolate types to customize the flavor to your liking. The combination of dark and white chocolate is delightful but feel free to make it your own.
Are the sprinkles necessary?
Sprinkles are entirely optional but add great festive fun and visual appeal. You can skip them or replace with crushed candy canes, nuts, or leave the cookies plain—the core Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe shines on its own.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about a week. Beyond that, freezing is a great option to preserve their flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Your next batch of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe promises more than just a sweet bite—it delivers warmth, joy, and that unmistakable feeling of home baked goodness. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; whether it’s a cozy night in or celebrating with loved ones, these cookies make any moment feel a little more special and wonderfully festive.
Print
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, chewy cookie. Loaded with both regular and white chocolate chips and topped with festive winter sprinkles, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture with a soft, moist interior and golden edges.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons winter sprinkles or candy (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well and set aside to help cookies stay soft and fluffy.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until smooth to ensure the cookies stay soft and moist.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Chocolate and Sprinkles: Fold in the chocolate chips and white chocolate chips. Optionally, add winter sprinkles or crushed candy for a festive touch. Mix lightly to distribute evenly.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop small balls of dough and arrange them on the prepared baking tray, leaving sufficient space between each for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by reducing baking time by a minute or two.
- If you like, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips like dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
