Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate festive treat to warm up your holidays. Packed with gooey chocolate chips and colorful red, green, and white candy-coated chocolates, they strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges. With a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to finish, every bite delivers nostalgic comfort and seasonal magic.

The cookies are as visually stunning as they are delicious — like tiny edible ornaments! Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or simply cozying up with a cup of cocoa, these cookies add cheer to any occasion. They’re easy enough for beginners and fun for kids to help decorate too.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Bursting with melty chocolate and holiday-colored candy.
• Soft and chewy texture with golden edges.
• A festive twist on a classic favorite.
• Perfect for holiday gifts, cookie boxes, or Santa’s plate.
• Can be prepped ahead and frozen for busy days.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve that signature soft center and crisp edge, you’ll want to start with the right tools. A stand mixer or hand mixer ensures your butter and sugars cream perfectly — this step is key to the cookie’s texture. A cookie scoop keeps all your cookies uniform in size, helping them bake evenly. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent sticking and over-browning on the bottoms. And don’t forget a cooling rack so the cookies don’t overcook from residual heat on the baking sheet.

Each of these tools plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency, texture, and ease during prep and cleanup.

Preparation Tips

Use room temperature butter to cream smoothly with sugars, which traps air for a better rise. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking — this step prevents spreading and intensifies the flavors. When placing your cookies on the tray, press a few extra chocolate chips and candies on top before baking for that picture-perfect look. Bake one tray at a time in the center of the oven for even heat distribution, and always let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking adds contrast to the sweetness and elevates the flavor profile beautifully.

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Ingredients for Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup red, green, and white candy-coated chocolates (holiday M&Ms or similar)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This helps create air pockets for a soft texture.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with rich, warm flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them separately ensures even distribution of leaveners and prevents overmixing.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Candy

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and festive candy-coated chocolates. Reserve a small handful of each to press on top of the dough balls before baking.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step prevents spreading and helps the flavors develop.

Step 7: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 8: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press reserved chocolates and candies on top for a festive look.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake one tray at a time on the center rack for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Avoid overbaking for soft centers.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops while still warm for extra flavor contrast.

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Notes

For the best cookie texture, don’t skip chilling the dough — even 30 minutes can make a big difference. If you love gooey centers, lean toward the shorter baking time. To add extra sparkle and a bakery finish, roll the cookie dough balls in coarse sugar before baking. You can also customize your chocolate and candy mix depending on the season or personal taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the dough chilling time: This leads to flat, overspread cookies. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Overbaking: Cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center when done. Let them finish setting as they cool.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Always spoon and level to avoid dense cookies.
• Using cold butter: It won’t cream properly, resulting in uneven texture.
• Crowding the baking tray: Leave enough space for cookies to spread evenly.
• Mixing the dough too much: Overmixing toughens the cookie.

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Storage Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them ultra-soft, place a slice of white bread in the container. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 125mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon.

What kind of candy can I use for the holiday theme?

Red, green, and white candy-coated chocolates (like holiday M&Ms) are perfect. You can also use peppermint chips or colored sprinkles.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, it helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor. It’s a key step!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for several weeks.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

When the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to set while cooling.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use a cookie scoop, and if needed, shape them gently with a round cookie cutter while still hot.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales well—just be sure to mix in batches if your mixer is small.

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Conclusion

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a festive treat—they’re a delightful fusion of tradition and celebration in every bite. Their rich, buttery base and bursts of melty chocolate make them an irresistible addition to any winter gathering. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, guests, or your own cozy evening in, these cookies deliver comfort, joy, and a hint of holiday sparkle.

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