It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when cookies come fresh out of the oven and wine flows as freely as holiday cheer! While Santa might prefer a plate of cookies with a glass of milk, we think wine is a much better companion for your holiday sweets.  

At Wilson Creek Winery, we believe that wine has a magical way of enhancing the flavors of your favorite Christmas treats. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to pairing our signature wines with classic holiday cookies. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, baking with the kids, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these pairings will bring a whole new level of holiday joy to your table.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or indulging in a quiet moment by the tree, these pairings will add an extra sparkle to your season.

 

Let’s pair some cookies and pop some corks!

We didn’t stop at S’mores! Here’s how to pair Wilson Creek wines with other Christmas cookie classics:

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies & Cabernet/Zinfandel

The rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate meets the cool, festive snap of peppermint in these holiday classics. To match their bold personality, our Zinfandel steps in with its vibrant notes of dark berries and subtle spice. Together, this pairing feels like a winter wonderland for your taste buds.

Chocolate Chip Cookies & Petite Sirah

Classic chocolate chip cookies deserve a wine that enhances their timeless charm. Enter our Petite Sirah, with its bold blackberry and plum flavors that complement the cookie’s gooey chocolate goodness. The rich tannins of the wine create a balance that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

 

Jam Thumbprint Cookies & Merlot

Sweet, fruity jam thumbprints are a holiday staple, and our Merlot is their perfect partner. With its soft, velvety texture and notes of ripe cherry and plum, this wine enhances the fruitiness of the jam while adding depth to every bite.

Chocolate Biscuits & Decadencia Port

Rich chocolate biscuits pair seamlessly with our Decadencia Port, a dessert wine that’s as luxurious as it sounds. The velvety, chocolate-infused notes of the port elevate the cookie’s deep cocoa flavor for a decadent holiday treat.

 

Shortbread Cookies & Almond Sparkling Wine

Shortbread cookies are simple, buttery perfection, and they shine even brighter when paired with the effervescent elegance of our Almond Sparkling Wine. The slight nuttiness and refreshing bubbles of the wine perfectly balance the cookie’s richness, making this a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.

 

Gingerbread Cookies & Riesling

The cozy spices of gingerbread cookies—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg—deserve a bright and zesty partner like our Riesling. Its refreshing sweetness cuts through the spice, creating a balanced pairing that’s undeniably festive.

 

Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies & Angelica Cream Sherry

Salty, sweet, and oh-so-addictive, peanut butter pretzel cookies meet their match in our Angelica Cream Sherry. The creamy, nutty notes of the wine highlight the cookie’s flavor, while its smooth finish balances the salty crunch.

 

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with delicious cookies and perfectly paired wines. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a quiet moment of indulgence, these pairings are sure to bring extra magic to your holiday celebrations. Shop Your Favorite Wines Today: Visit our online store to find all the wines in this pairing guide. Don’t wait—stock up now so you’re ready for every holiday occasion!

 

Let’s Bake: S’mores Cookie Recipe

Homemade Gooey Smores Cookies with Marshmallows Chocolate and Graham Crackers

Nothing says cozy like the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness of S’mores—now in cookie form! Follow this easy recipe to whip up a batch of holiday magic:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces, divided (about 9-10 crackers)
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Hershey’s bars, broken into pieces

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
  4. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just incorporated.
  5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, 1 1/2 cups marshmallows, and both types of chocolate chips. Mix until evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop 2–3 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
  7. Top each cookie with additional marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and Hershey’s chocolate. Bake for another 1–2 minutes until cookies are golden and marshmallows are slightly toasted. (Use the broil setting for extra marshmallow toastiness—just keep a close eye!)
  8. Cool for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Tip: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Pair Your S’mores Cookies with Almond Sparkling Wine

Now, let’s talk wine! The gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crispy graham crackers of these S’mores cookies call for a wine that’s equally celebratory. Our Almond Sparkling Wine is a perfect match, with its light sweetness and nutty undertones that complement the cookie’s nostalgic campfire flavors.

 

Cheers to the Sweetest Season Yet!
From all of us at Wilson Creek Winery, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and, of course, fantastic wine. 🍷🎄