Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies capture the warmth and comfort of the holidays in every bite. They’re perfectly soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and studded with rich chocolate and crushed peppermint for a seasonal flair. I also enjoy how easy they are to make—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and an instant cozy aroma that fills the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. I beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to add that lovely warm aroma.

4. In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

5. I fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies to give the dough its festive mix.

6. I drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. I bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft.

8. I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies and takes around 25 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 9–11 minutes of baking per batch.

Variations

I sometimes add a dash of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra minty flavor. For a more decadent version, I drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. I also love swapping crushed peppermint candies for festive sprinkles when baking for kids. If I want a nuttier touch, I stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I warm a cookie for 10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a 300°F oven to bring back that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day in advance and chill it overnight—it helps the flavors develop beautifully.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. I roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then store them in a bag for up to 3 months.

How can I make these cookies softer?

I slightly underbake them and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet for a perfectly soft center.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, I can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

I chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking—it helps the cookies hold their shape.

Can I skip the peppermint candies?

Yes, I can leave them out or replace them with festive sprinkles or chopped candy canes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Why are my cookies too flat?

It may be due to overly soft butter or not enough flour. I make sure to measure flour correctly and use room-temperature butter.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, I can replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or use applesauce as an alternative.

How do I get a stronger peppermint flavor?

I add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough or use peppermint-flavored chocolate chips.

Conclusion

These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a cozy, festive treat that I love baking all season long. The combination of chocolate and peppermint captures the essence of winter in every bite. Whether I’m gifting them, serving them at a holiday party, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies always make the season feel a little brighter and sweeter.