Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with festive holiday charm. These cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level by adding winter-inspired decorations like white chocolate drizzle, sparkling sugar, and red, green, and white sprinkles.
They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa by the fire. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop, making them a show-stopping addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (plus extra for drizzle)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sparkling sugar (optional, for shimmer)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 2: Fold in Mix-Ins
- Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover and chill for 30–60 minutes to prevent spreading.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 5: Decorate (Winter Wonderland Style)
- Melt extra white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle with remaining holiday sprinkles and sparkling sugar.
- Let set before serving or packaging.
Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes for a minty crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Use cocoa powder in the dough and white chocolate chips for contrast.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Gingerbread Fusion: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ginger to bring a spiced Christmas touch.
Cooking Notes
- Chilling the dough is key for thick, chewy cookies.
- Don’t overbake—cookies will finish setting as they cool.
- Decorate only after cookies cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on Christmas cookie platters with sugar cookies and gingerbread men.
- Package in holiday tins or cookie bags for edible gifts.
- Serve at winter parties with hot cocoa or mulled cider.
- Leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve with a glass of milk.
💡 Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough.
- Always use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
- Decorate while the white chocolate drizzle is still wet so sprinkles stick well.
- Store in airtight containers to keep cookies chewy.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, about 30 cookies)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, chill dough up to 2 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q2: Can I use different sprinkles?
- Absolutely! Use snowflake sprinkles, gold shimmer, or pastel colors for variety.
Q3: Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
- Yes, but it gives the cookies that snowy “winter wonderland” look.
Q4: How do I keep the cookies soft?
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread—it keeps cookies moist.
Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are festive, chewy, and packed with holiday spirit. With their gooey chocolate chips, sweet white chocolate drizzle, and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights in, they’ll quickly become a Christmas baking tradition.