Description
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies combine classic semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with festive crushed peppermint candies, creating a delightful holiday treat. Soft and chewy with a hint of minty crunch, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to allow for easier mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting aside this mixture helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt later in the recipe.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight (8-12 hours). This chilling step enhances flavor development and helps improve the cookie texture. Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before scooping.
- Bake Cookies: Scoop 1.5-2 tablespoon mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until edges are golden brown and centers remain slightly soft for that perfect chew.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar to create a festive ‘snowy’ appearance.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth creaming and proper dough consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Crushing peppermint candies adds a festive crunch and mint flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for deeper flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze dough balls for future baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, winter desserts, festive cookies
