Description
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup crushed candy canes
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Snowflake sprinkles, for decoration
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading.
8. Decorate the tops of the cookies with snowflake sprinkles.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these magical winter treats!
#lovealletherecipes #dessert #cake
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the butter and sugars are pale and fluffy. When adding the dry ingredients, mix on low speed just until no white streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. For uniform cookies, use a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons). Gently press a few extra snowflake sprinkles and candy cane pieces onto the tops of the scooped dough balls before baking for maximum festive appeal.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a holiday centerpiece. Serve them warm on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or peppermint tea. For a festive dessert board, arrange them alongside other holiday treats like fudge and gingerbread. They also make wonderful edible gifts; stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red ribbon or package them in a decorative tin.
How-to Summary
Cream softened butter with sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Whisk dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Scoop dough, decorate with sprinkles, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough, covered, for up to 72 hours. This actually improves flavor and texture. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.
How do I prevent the candy canes from melting and burning? Using finely crushed candy canes (not powder) helps. Folding them into the dough insulates them, preventing direct heat exposure that causes burning.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong? This usually means your butter was too warm or your dough wasn’t chilled. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the scooped dough balls for 20 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely. Bake and cool cookies completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes? Place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush. For less mess, pulse them a few times in a food processor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using melted butter, as it will cause excessive spreading. Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour. Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for proper rise. Do not overbake; cookies continue to set as they cool on the sheet. Finally, do not skip lining your baking sheet, as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Conclusion
These Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a festive experience that captures the magic of the season. Combining classic chocolate chip comfort with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, they are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. By following this enhanced guide, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and produce a perfect batch every time. Share them with loved ones and enjoy the delicious spirit of the holidays.