When the first snow begins to fall and holiday lights twinkle in every window, there’s one tradition that brings warmth to even the coldest winter nights—baking Christmas cookies. And not just any cookies—Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies.
These festive, colorful, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply enjoying by the fire with a warm mug of cocoa. Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and red and green candy-coated chocolates, each bite bursts with holiday cheer.
Inspired by classic American chocolate chip cookies and infused with seasonal magic, these cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a memory waiting to happen.
Why These Winter Wonderland Cookies Are a Must-Bake This Holiday Season
There are a million cookie recipes out there, but few capture the spirit of Christmas like these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies. Here’s why they belong on your baking list this year:
- Colorful & Festive: The red and green candies pop with Christmas charm.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly golden on the edges, irresistibly soft in the center.
- Easy to Make: No chilling time required—just mix, scoop, and bake!
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste and package beautifully.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids, who’ll love stirring in the holiday M&M’s.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing for Santa, or creating a cozy family night in, these cookies will become a seasonal favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into baking, here’s what you’ll need to make about 3 dozen cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red & green candy-coated chocolates (such as M&M’s)
💡 Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, use real butter and high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli or Guittard.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Christmas Cookies
Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a batch of warm, festive cookies ready to impress:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookies may become dense.
6. Fold in the Chocolate and Candies
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and red & green M&M’s until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies
- Calories: ~210 per cookie
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Occasion: Christmas, Winter Holidays, Cookie Swaps
Expert Tips for Cookie Success
🎄 Chill if You Have Time
Though not required, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help reduce spreading and enhance flavor.
🍫 Reserve Some Toppings
For a bakery-style look, press a few extra chocolate chips and candies into the tops of each dough ball before baking.
❄️ Make Ahead
This dough freezes beautifully! Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen (just add 1–2 minutes to bake time).
🍪 Adjust for Crispiness
For slightly crispier cookies, bake for an extra 1–2 minutes. For gooier centers, stick to the 10-minute mark and let them set on the tray.
Variations You’ll Love
Want to make these cookies your own? Try these fun variations:
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough.
- Nutty Wonderland: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Store and Freeze
Storing
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of white bread to the container.
Freezing
- Unbaked Dough: Scoop dough onto a tray and freeze. Once firm, store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
- Baked Cookies: Let cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Warm them up in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by ¼ teaspoon to balance the flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough or baked cookies can both be made ahead and stored (see freezing tips above).
What kind of M&M’s work best?
Use holiday-themed red & green M&M’s, but you can also swap in dark chocolate or mint M&M’s for extra flair.
Why are my cookies flat?
Too much butter or not enough flour can cause cookies to spread too much. Be sure to measure carefully and consider chilling the dough.
Serving Ideas for Your Winter Wonderland Cookies
These cookies are beautiful straight out of the oven, but here are some ways to elevate your cookie game:
- Serve on a holiday dessert board with fudge, truffles, and gingerbread men.
- Wrap in festive cellophane bags with ribbon for easy edible gifts.
- Pair with hot cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate winter treat.
- Stack and tie with twine for a rustic presentation at cookie swaps.
The Tradition Behind the Cookie
Christmas cookies have long been a symbol of holiday warmth and generosity. Across cultures, sharing cookies is a time-honored way of celebrating love, family, and togetherness. These Winter Wonderland Cookies add a modern, colorful spin on a timeless classic, combining the beloved chocolate chip cookie with festive hues and cozy flavors.
Whether you’re baking with children, gifting neighbors, or leaving a plate for Santa, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to every face.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Gifting
Looking for homemade Christmas gifts that don’t require hours in the kitchen? These cookies are:
- Easy to transport without crumbling
- Bright and festive right out of the oven
- Loved by both kids and adults
- Budget-friendly and scalable
Package them in holiday tins, mason jars, or cookie boxes, and you’ve got an instant gift straight from the heart.
Pin, Share, and Spread the Cookie Joy!
If this recipe brought holiday cheer to your home, don’t keep it to yourself!
📌 Pin it to your favorite holiday baking board
📱 Share it on Instagram or TikTok and tag #WinterWonderlandCookies
💬 Comment below and let us know your favorite cookie add-ins!
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