Name: Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (jimmies, quins, etc.)

These Winter Wonderland chocolate chip Christmas cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with gooey chocolate chips—all dressed up with festive sprinkles and a holiday twist. They bring the warmth of classic chocolate chip cookies with just enough sparkle and cheer to make them perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or cozy evenings by the fire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re a joyful upgrade to a beloved classic. They stay soft in the center, slightly crisp around the edges, and full of melty chocolate in every bite. The addition of colorful holiday sprinkles or white chocolate chips turns them into a Christmas-ready treat without adding much extra work. They’re fun to make, easy to decorate, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
White chocolate chips (optional)
Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white, snowflake-shaped, etc.)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
I gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles, keeping a handful of each to press on top of the cookies before baking.
I scoop the dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
I gently press a few extra chips and sprinkles on top of each dough ball for that festive look.
I bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
I let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to bake, and about 10 more minutes to cool. I can have a full batch ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the semi-sweet chips for dark or milk chocolate, or add chopped peppermint bark for a minty twist. I’ve also stirred in crushed candy canes or used festive M&M’s for a colorful, crunchy bite. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, I place a slice of bread in the container. They also freeze well—baked or unbaked. I reheat baked cookies in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough the day before and chill it in the fridge. It helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Not necessarily. These cookies bake up great without chilling, but if I want a thicker, chewier result, I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. I scoop it into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. I bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from melting?

I use high-quality sprinkles (jimmies or quins work best) and avoid nonpareils, which can melt or bleed in the oven.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but they still taste amazing and festive.

Conclusion

These Winter Wonderland chocolate chip Christmas cookies are a festive, flavorful take on a timeless favorite. I love how they combine holiday magic with classic cookie comfort—all in one bite. Whether I’m baking with family, gifting to friends, or keeping a stash for myself, these cookies make the season sweeter and brighter.