Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season that fills the air with warmth and joy. One way to spread that cheer is by baking a batch of delightful Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. With their rich and creamy texture, these cookies are studded with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, along with a refreshing burst of peppermint candy crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, these treats are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), letting that warm, inviting aroma fill your kitchen.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside; it’s the foundation for our cookies!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth—a delightful mix that smells heavenly!
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until everything is beautifully blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want those cookies to be tender!
- Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet scent wafting through your home!
Notes or Tips
For even more flavor, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This enhances the cookie’s texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t hesitate to adjust the kinds of chocolate chips you use; mixing dark chocolate or adding nuts can create your own signature cookie!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases a classic creaming method, where butter and sugars are beat together until light and fluffy, which is essential for achieving a light texture. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to ensure the perfect consistency. Folding, rather than stirring, the chocolate and peppermint into the dough helps keep the cookies light and airy.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them for up to a month. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time slightly.
How do I store leftover cookies? Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies as well.
Conclusion
Baking these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies is not just about making a sweet treat; it’s about creating joyful moments to share with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or gifting them to loved ones, each bite is filled with festive cheer. So gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday music, and let the baking magic begin!