Description
Enjoy the festive flavors of Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful holiday treat filled with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips as well as colorful candy-coated chocolates. These classic cookies are soft, chewy, and sprinkled with optional flaky sea salt for an extra gourmet touch. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any cozy day at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon 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
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aerates the dough and ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to make sure these ingredients are evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chips and Candies: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates, reserving a few pieces to place on top of the cookies before baking.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up; this prevents spreading and enhances flavor development.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out 2-tablespoon balls of dough and space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, pressing a few reserved chips or candies on top for a festive look.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for a gourmet finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent excessive spreading during baking and to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
- Using a mix of semi-sweet, white chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates gives both texture and a festive appearance.
- Optional flaky sea salt on top adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- This recipe makes about 30 cookies, ideal for sharing during celebrations or gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, white chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates
