If you’re searching for a heartwarming treat that captures the spirit of the season, look no further than this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These festive cookies are bursting with classic soft chocolate chips, pops of red and green candy-coated chocolates, and cheerful holiday sprinkles that make every bite a joyful celebration. Perfectly soft with just the right amount of golden edges, this recipe brings both comfort and holiday cheer to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays an important role, creating the perfect mix of sweetness, texture, and color that will delight both young and old at your holiday gatherings. Simple pantry staples come together to give you cookies that are rich, chewy, and festive.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the essential structure and tenderness your cookies need.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough, giving them a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds creaminess and richness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Brings sweetness and helps with the slight crispiness on the edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to the cookie dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, classic flavor that is unmistakably homey.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): These provide the rich, gooey chocolate pockets everyone loves.
- Red and green candy-coated chocolates (1/2 cup): Add festive pops of color and a fun crunch.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/2 cup): Bring extra cheer and sparkle that screams Christmas joy.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms. In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together to evenly distribute these key leavening and flavoring agents.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies have a lovely tender crumb with just the right amount of chew.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract, which fills the dough with that warm, inviting aroma that will make your kitchen smell like pure holiday magic.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can cause tough cookies, so be patient and careful to maintain that soft texture you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Candy-Coated Chocolates, and Sprinkles
Gently stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, red and green candy-coated chocolates, and holiday sprinkles. These festive additions not only make your cookies colorful and cheerful but also add delightful textures and bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart, giving them room to spread. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color but the centers still look soft. This ensures your cookies are tender and chewy rather than dry.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up just enough to handle, without losing their soft, melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe beauties are festive on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate their presentation for holiday parties. You might also sprinkle on some extra crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist and a pop of red and white sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies are excellent companions to a warm cup of cocoa topped with whipped cream or a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with holiday cocktails like eggnog or mulled wine, creating a perfect balance of sweet and cozy flavors that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or holiday gatherings, arrange the cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper or stack them in layers separated by wax paper ribbons adorned with colorful ribbons. You could also serve them on a decorative platter surrounded by pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or holly for an extra Christmas vibe that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their softness by absorbing excess moisture and preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save these festive cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have fresh-tasting cookies whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and gooey, heat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This little trick will revive that just-baked charm and make every bite feel freshly enjoyed.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but skip adding extra salt to the dough to avoid an overly salty flavor. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final seasoning in your cookies.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles? Can I leave them out?
Absolutely! The sprinkles add festive color and texture, but the cookies will still taste delicious without them. You can substitute with any colorful or holiday-themed toppings you have on hand.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like plant-based butter and egg replacers, yes, these cookies can be adapted. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor might differ slightly from the original recipe.
Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
Cookies can spread if the dough is too warm or if there isn’t enough flour. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure to measure your flour accurately to prevent this from happening.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work wonderfully in this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe to add crunch and a nutty flavor complementing the chocolate and candies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holidays, and this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a true standout for spreading cheer and delight around your kitchen and beyond. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be sharing warm, festive treats loved by everyone at your gathering. Give this recipe a go, and watch how these colorful, chewy cookies become an instant family favorite year after year.
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive twist on the classic favorite, loaded with semisweet chocolate chips, colorful holiday M&M’s, and sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating the holidays with a deliciously soft and chewy cookie that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, ensuring the cookies have a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them into the batter, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and causing tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate and Decorations: Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates, and holiday sprinkles to distribute festive colors and extra sweetness evenly throughout.
- Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft for a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For extra festive flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Substitute white chocolate chips or peppermint chips to vary the flavors.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep centers soft and chewy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
