Holiday Cookie Extravaganza: Vanilla, White Chocolate, Walnut, Cranberry, Candy Cane & Chocolate Chunk Cookies

The holiday season is a time for celebration, gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. If you’re looking to impress your guests with an assortment of mouthwatering cookies, you’ve come to the right place! This Holiday Cookie Extravaganza features Vanilla Dough Cookies paired with a variety of delectable toppings, including White Chocolate, Walnut & Cranberry, Candy Cane Chocolate Chunk, and rich Chocolate Dough options. These cookies are a festive delight for any occasion, and their versatility makes them perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These holiday cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. With two base doughs — Vanilla Dough and Chocolate Dough — you can create a variety of unique cookie combinations. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of white chocolate, the refreshing crunch of candy canes, or the indulgent flavor of dark chocolate, these cookies have something for everyone. Here's why you’ll want to bake these cookies this holiday season:

Versatility: With multiple toppings and doughs, you can create a cookie platter filled with a variety of flavors and textures.
Customizable: You can swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your preferences. For example, use dark chocolate instead of milk, or choose other dried fruits.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are a great holiday gift! The variety in flavors and the beautifully decorated toppings make for a deliciously thoughtful treat.
Fun to Make: Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, these cookies provide an opportunity to get creative. Mixing, shaping, and decorating the cookies is a fun experience for the whole family.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Dough:

1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
½ cup Granulated Cane Sugar
¼ cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
¼ tsp. Salt
2 ¼ cups All Purpose Flour

For the White Chocolate, Walnut & Cranberry Cookies:

1/3 cup Walnuts, finely chopped
1/3 cup Dried Cranberries, finely chopped
1/3 cup Milk or White Chocolate, finely chopped

For the Candy Cane Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

½ cup Dark Chocolate, very finely chopped
1/3 cup Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes
1/3 cup Sprinkles, for rolling

For the Chocolate Dough:

½ cup + 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, softened
¼ cup Granulated Cane Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/8 tsp. Salt
¾ cup + 2 tbsp. All Purpose Flour
2 tbsp. Melted Semisweet Chocolate
2 tbsp. Cocoa Powder

Instructions

To Make the Vanilla Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated cane sugar, and brown sugar for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable.

To Add the Vanilla Cookie Toppings:

Divide the Dough: Split the dough into two equal portions, placing each into separate bowls.
Mix in Toppings: In one bowl, add the chopped white chocolate, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Mix well to combine.
- In the second bowl, add the remaining toppings (for example, crushed peppermint or sprinkles for decoration). Mix them into the dough.
Shape the Dough: Press each portion of dough into a 2 ½-inch thick log (about 8-9 inches long). If needed, use plastic wrap to help press the dough together neatly.
Chill the Logs: Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

To Make the Chocolate Dough:

Cream the Butter and Sugar: Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer for about 1 minute.
Add the Melted Chocolate: Add the melted semisweet chocolate and mix for 1 more minute until fully combined.
Flavor and Flour: Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. Add the cocoa powder and mix until smooth, with no dry flour visible.

To Add the Chocolate Cookie Toppings:

Add Toppings: Mix in your chosen toppings (dark chocolate chunks, peppermint bits, etc.) to the dough.
Shape and Chill: Form the dough into 2 ½-inch thick logs (8-9 inches long) and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

To Bake the Cookies:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Slice the Dough: Unwrap the dough logs from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into ½-inch to 1-inch thick rounds.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for expansion while baking.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-16 minutes, or until they are set in the center. If necessary, use a small cookie cutter to reshape the cookies if they lose their round shape during baking.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is a crucial step in ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also helps to make the cookies more tender and flavorful.
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to swap out the toppings for other holiday favorites, such as toffee bits, chopped pecans, or dried cherries. Make them your own!
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent them from getting too crisp. The cookies should be set in the center but soft around the edges.
Make Ahead: These cookies freeze well! After slicing the dough logs, freeze the slices on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Holiday Cookie Extravaganza cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday table. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or gifting them to loved ones, the variety of flavors—from the creamy white chocolate, walnut, and cranberry cookies to the decadent candy cane chocolate chunk cookies—will satisfy any sweet tooth. These cookies are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to get creative with toppings and flavors to suit your preferences. Enjoy baking, and most importantly, enjoy indulging in these sweet holiday treats!