Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a cozy seasonal dessert: soft centers, lightly crisp edges, rich pools of melted chocolate, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that looks just like freshly fallen snow. These cookies transform a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe into a festive winter treat perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, and snowy evenings at home.

While traditional chocolate chip cookies are always welcome, this winter-inspired version feels extra special thanks to its snowy appearance and bakery-style texture. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to share during Christmas gatherings or winter celebrations.

What Makes These Cookies “Winter Wonderland” Style

The magic of these cookies lies in the finishing touch. A light coating of powdered sugar gives them a frosted, wintery look without overpowering the chocolate flavor. Combined with their soft interior and warm vanilla aroma, these cookies evoke the feeling of a cozy winter day wrapped in a blanket with something sweet baking in the oven.

Why This Recipe Works

Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
Produces soft, thick cookies every time
Easy to double for cookie exchanges
Freezes beautifully for make-ahead baking
Visually festive without extra decorating

Ingredients

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Stir in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
Combine and Fold
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Chill Dough
Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Bake
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Cool and Dust
Cool completely, then dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips for Soft, Thick Cookies

Use melted butter for chewiness
Chill dough for structure
Remove cookies while centers look slightly underbaked
Dust sugar after cookies fully cool

Flavor Variations

White Chocolate Snowfall: Replace half the chips with white chocolate
Peppermint Crunch: Add crushed candy canes
Nutty Winter: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans
Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough

Serving Ideas

Pair with hot cocoa or coffee
Add to holiday cookie trays
Wrap in parchment for gifting
Serve at winter parties or bake sales

Storage & Freezing

Store at room temperature up to 5 days
Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months
Freeze dough balls for fresh baking anytime

Why These Cookies Are Always a Hit

They look festive without effort, taste like a classic chocolate chip cookie, and offer a soft, bakery-style texture that appeals to all ages. The powdered sugar “snow” makes them holiday-ready in seconds.