Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks; 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional); 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or snowflake sprinkles (optional); Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a cozy, festive twist on the classic cookie I know and love. These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and filled with gooey chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, and winter-inspired mix-ins like peppermint, snowflake sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar “snow.” They’re perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or curling up by the fire with a warm drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies bring the magic of winter to life in every bite. They’re just as easy to make as traditional chocolate chip cookies, but the seasonal extras make them feel extra special. Whether I’m baking them for a holiday party or packing them into gift boxes, these cookies never fail to impress. Plus, I can customize them with wintry flavors or decorations to make each batch unique.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
White chocolate chips or chunks
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)
Holiday sprinkles or snowflake sprinkles (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, I cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, and crushed peppermint or sprinkles if I’m using them.
I scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies a couple of inches apart.
I bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
Once out of the oven, I let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
I dust them with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled for a snowy winter effect, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Total time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
For extra chocolatey cookies, I mix in dark chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
When I want a crunch, I fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
I’ve made them peppermint-forward by adding peppermint extract along with vanilla.
A mix of red and white sprinkles gives them a classic holiday look.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze baked cookies or the raw dough balls for up to 2 months. I reheat cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds if I want that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often chill the dough overnight—it helps the flavors deepen and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.

Do I have to add peppermint?

Not at all. The peppermint is optional and can be skipped or replaced with more chocolate or sprinkles.

What makes these cookies “winter wonderland”?

It’s all about the festive mix-ins—white chocolate, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and powdered sugar give them a snowy, holiday feel.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate?

Yes, I’ve made them with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix. Whatever I’m in the mood for works well.

Do they spread a lot?

A little, but not too much. If I chill the dough before baking, it helps control spreading and keeps them thick.

Conclusion

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything I want in a seasonal treat—comforting, chewy, chocolatey, and just a little bit magical. I love how easy they are to customize with holiday colors and flavors, and how they bring a little joy to every bite. Whether I’m baking them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies always bring the warmth of the season to life.