Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving the perfect festive treat that captures the magic of the season, you’re in for a real delight. This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is everything you want in a holiday cookie—soft, chewy, packed with pockets of chocolate, and sprinkled with cool peppermint surprises. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself coming back to the kitchen all season long. Let me show you how to whip up this fan-freaking-tastic batch that feels like a cozy winter hug in every bite.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: The balance of brown and granulated sugar keeps these cookies chewy with slightly crisp edges—such a joy in every bite.
Festive Flavor Combo: Mixing semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with crushed peppermint candies adds a holiday twist you won’t find in your everyday cookie.
Simple Steps, Big Impact: No fancy techniques here; just straightforward mixing and baking that anyone can master and feel proud of.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies never fail to impress guests and family—warm, comforting, and festive all at once.

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, festive holiday cookies, peppermint chocolate cookie recipe, chewy chocolate chip cookies with peppermint, holiday cookie ideas - A tall stack of five round cookies with a light golden brown dough base, each cookie filled with a mix of white chocolate chunks, small dark chocolate chips, and tiny red and green candy pieces spread evenly on top and inside. The top cookie has a bite taken from its upper edge, showing the soft, dense texture inside dotted with chocolate and candy bits. The cookies have a slightly rough but soft surface with some cracks. The stack sits on a black metal cooling rack with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in the thoughtful blend of ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the combination of chocolate chips and peppermint that pumps up the festive feel, every ingredient has a role that makes these cookies truly shine.

Unsalted butter: Softened to cream perfectly with sugars; controls saltiness so you can adjust seasoning precisely.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps crisp up edges for that ideal cookie bite texture.
Brown sugar: Brings moisture and chewiness with its molasses content, plus a warm depth of flavor.
Large eggs: Act as a binder while adding richness and structure to the dough.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors and gives that classic cookie aroma we all love.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while contributing tenderness.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft and chewy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient, delivering melty spots of rich chocolate in every bite.
White chocolate chips: Add creamy contrast and a lovely visual pop.
Crushed peppermint candies: The winter wonderland twist! They sprinkle a refreshing, minty crunch without overpowering the cookies.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe can be — it’s basically your canvas for fun holiday flavors. I often tweak the peppermint amount depending on my mood, and sometimes I swap out chocolate chips for chunks for a more rustic feel. You should feel free to play around to make it your own!

Extra Minty Kick: Once, I added a drop of peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor and it turned out perfectly festive—just be careful not to overdo it!
Nutty Addition: Tossing in chopped toasted pecans gave these cookies a warm crunch that my family adored last Christmas.
Dairy-Free Version: Using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips worked great for my lactose-intolerant friend, and the cookies didn’t lose any flavor or chewiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, I cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. A good tip here—give it about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed; this air gets whipped in, and the texture of your cookies improves dramatically.

Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time—this ensures everything combines smoothly and doesn’t curdle. Follow that up with a generous splash of vanilla extract. The aroma at this stage is already intoxicating, I promise!

Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is key because baking soda needs to be evenly distributed to help your cookies rise properly without any uneven spots.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here—otherwise, you risk tougher cookies. The dough should be a little thick but obviously packed with chocolate chips and peppermint pieces that are ready to dazzle.

Step 5: Adding the Peppermint Magic

Fold in the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips first, then gently add your crushed peppermint candies. I always suggest crushing the candies coarsely so you get big, festive flakes instead of dust. These little bursts of minty crunch are what make this cookie feel like a true winter wonderland.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Pop them into the oven and bake them for 9-11 minutes. I recommend starting to peek at 9 minutes—the edges should turn a nice golden brown while the centers stay soft. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies continue to cook a bit after you remove them.

Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This little rest helps the cookies set and keeps them from breaking apart.

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Pro Tips for Making Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and eggs at room temp helps everything come together evenly for the best texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding flour. Overworking the dough leads to tougher cookies, and that’s the last thing we want!
Peppermint Candy Size: Crush peppermint candies coarsely so you get bursts of flavor and crunch instead of dust that melts away.
Let Cooling Complete: Cooling cookies on the sheet prevents breakage and sets chewy texture—not skipping this step saved me countless tidbits on the floor.

How to Serve Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like garnishing these cookies with just a tiny dusting of powdered sugar for that extra snowy effect—makes them look like little winter gems. Occasionally, I press a small whole peppermint candy on top of a few cookies fresh from the oven for an extra festive flair that’s sure to dazzle guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a classic mug of hot cocoa or a lightly spiced chai latte. For a holiday gathering, I like serving them alongside a batch of whipped cream-topped eggnog or a simple cup of peppermint tea, creating a warm, comforting vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a platter lined with pine branches and sprinkle some crushed peppermint around the edges for a wintery feel. Another idea I love is stacking a few on a decorative vintage plate tied with a red ribbon—makes for a sweet gift or pretty table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the peppermint candies from sticking together. Stored this way, they stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—if you can resist that long!

Freezing

I have had great success freezing both the cookie dough balls and already baked cookies. For dough, I shape them into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—then, you can bake fresh batches anytime. Baked cookies freeze well too when wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, perfect for those last-minute holiday cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a few cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their soft, melty texture like they just came out of the oven. Just don’t overheat or they might harden up!

FAQs

Can I use butter substitutes in the Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or vegan butter sticks if you want a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s a solid stick form rather than a spreadable tub for the best texture. The cookies might be slightly different in taste but will still turn out deliciously chewy.
How do I prevent peppermint candies from melting all over my cookies?

Crushing the peppermint candies coarsely instead of finely powdered helps them keep their crunch and look after baking. Also, fold them in gently at the end, and avoid pressing candies on the cookie tops before baking, which can cause excessive melting.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two ahead and refrigerate it, or freeze portions for longer storage. Just bake fresh whenever you’re ready — the flavor and texture are always at their best that way.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

No worries! You can omit the white chocolate chips or replace them with extra semi-sweet chips or milk chocolate pieces. The cookies will still be delicious and festive with the peppermint and chocolate combo.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s become our go-to seasonal treat that brightens up chilly days and brings family together. Every time I bake these, the house fills with that cozy holiday aroma, and smiles follow. I hope you try this recipe and find it as joyful and delicious as I do—it’s like capturing a little winter magic, one cookie at a time. Happy baking, friend!