Description
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies – festive, soft, and loaded with chocolate chips. The perfect holiday treat for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of your cookies, providing richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy exterior.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Offers moisture and a hint of caramel flavor due to its molasses content.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds moisture, crucial for the chewy texture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies more aromatic and complex.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies; the right ratio is essential for the perfect texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Works in tandem with baking soda to give the cookies a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: The star attraction, bringing that classic chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes: Adds a delightful crunch and festive peppermint flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Provides a sweet, creamy contrast to the dark chocolate chips.
- Snowflake sprinkles: A fun decoration that adds a festive touch to your cookies.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butters and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until well mixed.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in the mix-ins: Gently fold in 2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup crushed candy canes, and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add the finishing touch: Sprinkle some snowflake sprinkles on top of each dough mound for a festive look.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set but slightly soft.
- Cool the cookies: After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.