Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes; 2 tablespoons decorative sugar or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Nothing says holiday joy quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house. These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are my personal tribute to the festive spirit of the season—where chocolate meets peppermint in the most irresistible way. The first time I made these, the combination of gooey chocolate, crunchy candy canes, and a soft sugar-dusted finish immediately turned them into a family favorite.

I love this recipe because it’s more than just a sweet treat—it’s a whole experience. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting them in a festive tin, or simply leaving them out for Santa, they deliver that magical blend of comfort and cheer. The mix of white and dark chocolate chips with a hint of peppermint crunch is a texture lover’s dream.

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

This cookie recipe blends the warm familiarity of classic chocolate chip cookies with the festive sparkle of holiday flavors. The candy cane bits add a bright, minty crunch that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginner bakers but look impressive enough to wow a crowd. You’ll love how the white, dark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips all melt together in every bite.

What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?

A mix is ideal! I prefer using semi-sweet, dark, and white chocolate chips to create that balanced, layered chocolate flavor. The white chocolate enhances the peppermint bits, while the dark chocolate brings a rich base. You can absolutely tailor this to your taste—go heavy on white chocolate for a creamier cookie or use all dark chocolate if you’re a bittersweet fan.

Options for Substitutions

Not into peppermint? You can swap the crushed candy canes with red and green sprinkles or chopped dried cranberries for a fruity twist. No white chocolate on hand? Replace it with butterscotch or peanut butter chips. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and chocolate chips.

Ingredients for Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure and chewiness of the cookie.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft center.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and creates that perfect soft texture.
Brown sugar: Gives a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a crisp edge.
Eggs: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all the other flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate flavor for that rich bite.
Dark chocolate chips: Adds depth and balances the sweetness.
White chocolate chips: Offers creamy sweetness and pairs perfectly with peppermint.
Crushed candy canes: Brings a festive, minty crunch and a pop of color.
Decorative sugar or sprinkles (optional): For a frosty, wintery finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your rising agents are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake uniformly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for the cookie’s texture—it creates little air pockets that make the cookies tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add structure, while the vanilla enhances the chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolates and Candy Canes

Gently fold in the semi-sweet, dark, and white chocolate chips, followed by the crushed candy canes. If you’re using decorative sugar or festive sprinkles, now’s the time to mix them in.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies and deeper flavor, cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the taste.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra chocolate chips or candy cane bits on top for a bakery-style look.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without overbaking.

How Long to Prepare Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Prep Time: The dough preparation takes about 15–20 minutes. This includes creaming the butter and sugars, mixing in the dry ingredients, and folding in the chocolate chips and peppermint.

Chill & Bake Time: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Baking takes 10–12 minutes per batch. If you’re baking multiple sheets, factor in a bit of cooling and reloading time, bringing the total active time to about 1 hour.

Tips for Perfect Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Use room temperature butter: Softened (not melted) butter is key for proper creaming.
Chill the dough: It helps control spreading and improves flavor.
Mix gently after adding flour: Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
Reserve some toppings: Press extra chocolate chips and candy cane pieces on top just before baking for a professional look.
Don’t overbake: Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using warm butter: This causes the dough to spread too much.
Skipping the chill time: You’ll end up with flat cookies.
Adding candy canes too early: Stir them in last or they’ll melt unevenly.
Crowding the baking sheet: Give the cookies room to spread.
Baking too long: They harden quickly after baking, so don’t wait for a firm center in the oven.

What to Serve With Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies?

1. Hot Cocoa

Classic hot chocolate with a mountain of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder enhances the peppermint in the cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, indulgent dessert.

3. Peppermint Mocha

A festive coffee drink pairs beautifully with the sweet and minty cookie flavors.

4. Eggnog

Creamy, spiced eggnog complements the winter flavors in the cookies perfectly.

5. Spiced Chai Latte

The warm spices of chai add a cozy twist to your cookie-eating experience.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container. Reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 3–5 minutes to refresh.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Calories: ~190 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 80mg
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make the dough?

You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge.

Can I make these cookies without candy canes?

Yes! You can use holiday sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries instead.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

This usually happens when the butter is too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Absolutely. Let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before storing in a container.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb moisture and stay soft longer.

Conclusion

Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies bring together everything we love about the holiday season: warmth, sweetness, a bit of sparkle, and a whole lot of joy. They’re festive, fun to make, and even more fun to share. Whether you’re baking a batch for a party, a gift box, or your own cozy evening at home, these cookies are guaranteed to delight with every bite.