Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, rich, and dependable. They bake evenly, keep their texture well, and offer classic flavor that appeals to all ages, making them ideal for winter gatherings and holiday baking.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, Cozy Cookies Made for Cold Days
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a cozy winter twist, perfect for holiday baking and enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overbake for soft, chewy cookies.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes enhances flavor.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy winter look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour provides structure while allowing the cookies to remain tender and soft.
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Using softened butter helps create a creamy dough and even texture.
Brown sugar contributes moisture and a subtle caramel note, keeping the cookies soft.
Granulated sugar balances sweetness and helps achieve lightly crisp edges.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract enhances warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Baking soda ensures proper rise and spread during baking.
Salt sharpens flavor and prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
Chocolate chips are the highlight of the recipe, adding richness and indulgence in every bite.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining baking trays with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking trays, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 18 to 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10 to 12 minutes per batch. Total time is roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To refresh, warm briefly in the oven for a few minutes. Freezing the baked cookies is also suitable for longer storage.
Variations and Customizations
White chocolate winter version
Replace some chocolate chips with white chocolate for a festive look.
Nutty cookie option
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Extra soft style
Slightly underbake the cookies for a softer center.
Spiced winter cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon for subtle seasonal warmth.
Dark chocolate upgrade
Use dark chocolate chunks for deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I chill the dough?
Yes, chilling improves flavor and reduces spreading.
Are these cookies very sweet?
No, they are balanced and not overly sweet.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portion and freeze for up to two months.
What chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter that is too warm can cause excess spreading.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.
Do these cookies stay soft?
Yes, especially when stored properly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they transport and store well.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt slightly.
Conclusion
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless, comforting bake that feels especially right during colder months. Soft, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they are a reliable recipe that brings warmth and familiarity to any winter day.
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