If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the magic of winter in every bite, these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are exactly what you need. Imagine soft, chewy cookies filled with gooey chocolate chips, snowy white chocolate chunks, and sparkling sugar crystals that make them shimmer like fresh snow. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and just the right mix of comfort and sparkle for the holidays.
The first time I baked these, it was a snowy December afternoon — the kind where you can smell the cinnamon in the air and hear carols playing from the kitchen. My kids called them “snow cookies,” and honestly, that name stuck for good reason. Now, they’ve become our go-to winter treat, right beside my Cranberry Bliss Bars and Christmas Pinwheel Cookies.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in semisweet and white chocolate chips (and optional nuts or cinnamon).
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are still soft. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
- Optional: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint for extra festiveness.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and filled with layers of rich chocolate flavor. The addition of white chocolate chips gives them that “snowy” touch, while a sprinkle of sanding sugar or silver sprinkles makes them sparkle like frost on a winter morning.
If you love festive bakes like my Pistachio Pudding Cookies or Candy Cane Cookies, this recipe will quickly earn a spot on your Christmas cookie tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup sanding sugar or silver sprinkles (for decorating)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans
- A pinch of cinnamon for warmth
If you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty flavor, these pair perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa or even my Grinch Dip for a fun party spread.
How to Make Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This gives your cookies that perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Add Chips
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in both kinds of chocolate chips.
Step 6: Scoop and Decorate
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar or silver sprinkles for that snowy sparkle.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden. Don’t overbake — the centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
For extra winter flair, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Use Room Temperature Butter: It helps create the ideal chewy texture.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill it for 30 minutes before baking — this prevents spreading.
Mix Chips: Combining dark and white chocolate gives that magical “winter wonderland” look.
Add Sparkle: Sanding sugar or edible glitter gives them their frosty glow.
If you like festive baking tricks like these, my Christmas Bread Recipe has even more ways to make simple treats feel special.
How to Store and Gift
Storage:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough straight from the freezer — just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Gifting:
Stack cooled cookies in a clear bag or tin, tie with a silver ribbon, and add a snowflake tag. Pair them with my Christmas Crunch Snack Mix for the perfect homemade holiday gift.
Fun Variations
- Peppermint Wonderland: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for minty magic.
- Nutty Snowflake: Mix in chopped macadamia nuts for extra texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over cooled cookies for a richer twist.
- Hot Cocoa Cookies: Stir in mini marshmallows and a tablespoon of cocoa powder for hot chocolate vibes.
For more playful cookie recipes, check out my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture — margarine will make them spread more.
2. Can I skip the white chocolate?
Yes, but the mix of white and dark chocolate gives that signature “winter” contrast.
3. Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s optional, but chilling helps control spreading and enhances the flavor.
4. How do I make them extra chewy?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar and slightly underbake them.
The Final Bite: Cozy, Chewy & Winter-Perfect
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies — with a festive twist. They’re sweet, soft, and full of that holiday magic that makes your kitchen feel like the coziest place on earth.
Bake a batch, pour yourself some cocoa, and let the sparkle of these cookies bring warmth and joy to your winter days. For the ultimate dessert table, pair them with my Cranberry Bliss Bars and Christmas Bread Recipe.