Description
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the festive season with rich flavors and joyful memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Begin the baking process by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and at the right temperature. While the oven heats up, take a moment to line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which will facilitate easy cookie removal and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important as it incorporates air into the dough, leading to a lighter cookie. If you’re using a whisk, be sure to work the mixture well until it achieves a fluffy consistency.
- Next, add the two large eggs to the mixture one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture and richness to the cookies, while the vanilla infuses a warm, inviting flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will begin to form, and the wonderful aromas will start to emerge.
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula. The combination of the two types of chocolate creates a decadent treat, while the peppermint adds a festive crunch and cooling flavor that epitomizes winter.
- Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are just set. Don’t worry if the centers look a little underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps to firm up the cookies and enhances their flavor.
Notes
For best results, use all ingredients at room temperature before beginning. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to mitigate spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Protein: 2 g