Description
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are the perfect treat to bake during the holiday season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie loaded with chocolate chips, white chocolate, and a delightful crunch of peppermint. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and they’re guaranteed to bring a festive touch to any gathering. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. This ensures even distribution of the baking soda, which is crucial for the cookies’ texture. Set the mixture aside. Step 3: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie. Step 4: Add the salt, pure vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Step 6: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to prevent them from sticking together during baking. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are golden brown but the centers are still soft, about 10-12 minutes. Step 9: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cookies from breaking apart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. The combination of flavors – the rich chocolate, sweet white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint – is perfectly balanced to create a delightful taste sensation. Plus, the soft, chewy texture is simply divine. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. They are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face and become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
DRINK Rating
- Hot Chocolate: 10/10. The classic pairing!
- Coffee: 9/10. A great morning or afternoon treat.
- Milk: 8/10. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Spiced Cider: 7/10. Adds a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot chocolate.
- Arrange them on a festive platter as part of a holiday dessert table.
- Package them in decorative tins or boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat after a holiday meal or during a cozy movie night.
- Use them to decorate gingerbread houses or as edible ornaments on your Christmas tree (with a little icing, of course!).
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough and better texture.
- Crushing peppermint candies just before folding keeps them crunchy and flavorful in the cookies.
- For extra flavor, try using a combination of semisweet and dark chocolate chips.
- Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(per cookie, approximately)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
Conclusion
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a must-bake during the holiday season. Their delightful flavor, festive appearance, and easy preparation make them the perfect treat for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these delicious cookies. They’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home for years to come. Happy baking!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While it’s preferable to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe, you can substitute salted butter. Reduce the amount of added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Q3: What if I don’t have peppermint candies? A: If you don’t have peppermint candies, you can substitute them with peppermint extract. Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate chips? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
Q5: How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking? A: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also help.
