There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air. As the snow often covers the streets in Morocco’s mountains, I find comfort in baking, channeling cozy vibes with each batch. I’m reminded of a Christmas spent with friends, where we baked together, and I accidentally grabbed salt instead of sugar. Let’s just say those cookies were not the hit we anticipated! Luckily, these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies have been tested to perfection, ensuring that you get delightful results every time.
What Makes This So Good
- Chewy, buttery goodness with a crisp edge
- Rich chocolatey flavor in every bite
- Versatile with optional nuts and spices
- A crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights
Ingredients
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips
1/2 cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Smart Swaps
- Substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Try dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually blend this dry mixture into your wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if desired, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your cozy treats!
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Transport: Use an airtight container to keep the cookies fresh during travel.
- Re-Crisping: If the cookies become soft, pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2-3 minutes to regain that crispiness.
Variations
- Festive Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm holiday twist.
- Minty Surprise: Mix in mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty delight.
Serving Ideas
Serve these cookies warm with a tall glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee for an ideal pairing. They also make wonderful gifts when packed in a decorative box!
Storage & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for extended freshness. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the eggs for something else?
Yes! You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg equivalent (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can chop up a chocolate bar or use other mix-ins like dried fruits or white chocolate.
Can I halve the recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide each ingredient amount by two, and you’ll still get delicious cookies.
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Deliciously chewy and rich chocolate chip cookies that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Gradually blend this dry mixture into your wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if desired, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your cozy treats!
Notes
Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian