Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Easy Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a magical holiday twist to the classic favorite. Soft, chewy centers meet melty chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and cozy winter flavors for a treat that feels straight out of a snowy bakery. They’re simple to make, beautifully seasonal, and guaranteed to brighten any cookie tray. A fun, delicious way to add a little extra sparkle to your winter baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks optional for decoration
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar for a snowy look optional
Tips:
- Use room temperature butter so it mixes smoothly.
- High quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
- You can add peppermint or orange zest for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cream butter and sugars
- Put the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works, but you can also use a sturdy spoon.
Add eggs and vanilla
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
Add dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix. Stop when the flour disappears.
Fold in chocolate chips
- Add chocolate chips and optional white chocolate chunks. Stir until evenly distributed.
Chill the dough
- Cover the dough and chill for 20–30 minutes. Chilling keeps the cookies thick and prevents spreading.
Scoop and bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Place cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are light golden. The centers should still look soft.
Decorate
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then move to a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, sprinkle sanding sugar, or add festive sprinkles. Let them set before serving.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing and even cookie spread.
- Chill the dough 20–30 minutes for thicker, bakery-style cookies.
- Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or festive sprinkles for extra winter flair.
- Do not overbake—edges should be lightly golden while centers stay soft.
- Use parchment paper to prevent over-browning and keep bottoms soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days for best texture.
- Freeze dough balls for quick holiday baking anytime.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet–salty finish.