Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of the holiday season with our Festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey chocolate chips, giving you the perfect balance of sweetness and holiday spirit. Enhanced by red and green sprinkles, these cookies are ideal for gifting, adding to holiday cookie trays, or simply enjoying by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
Why These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are Perfect for the Holidays
The holiday season calls for treats that are not only delicious but also bring joy and warmth. Our Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of traditional chocolate chip cookies with a festive twist, thanks to the vibrant holiday sprinkles. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for family baking sessions, cookie exchanges, or even as a special homemade gift for loved ones.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these festive cookies. Here’s everything you need to make a batch of 24 delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
These ingredients yield cookies with a buttery, chewy texture that’s perfectly offset by the crunch of sprinkles and richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Christmas Cookies
Creating these cookies is straightforward, and the results are well worth the short time they take to prepare. Follow each step carefully to achieve soft, chewy, and delicious cookies.
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Before beginning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This will ensure an even bake and make it easy to transfer the cookies from the sheet to the cooling rack.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating that soft, chewy texture in the cookies, as creaming incorporates air into the dough.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, until they’re fully incorporated. Next, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix well. The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor, while the eggs give structure to the dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The baking soda helps the cookies rise, while the salt balances the sweetness.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing once the flour is fully incorporated.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of red and green holiday sprinkles. The chocolate chips add a melty, gooey texture, while the sprinkles bring in that festive holiday flair.
7. Drop Dough Onto Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows the cookies to spread slightly while baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies—the edges should be golden brown, while the centers remain slightly soft. This ensures a chewy texture once cooled.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.
Tips for Baking the Best Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even with a simple recipe, a few tips can elevate your cookies from good to great. Here’s how to make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more easily, giving your cookies a uniform texture and better flavor distribution.
2. Measure Flour Correctly
Using too much flour can result in dry, crumbly cookies. For accuracy, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
3. Don’t Over-Bake
To achieve the perfect chewy consistency, it’s essential to take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to bake on the baking sheet as they cool.
4. Experiment with Different Chocolate Chips
Feel free to customize this recipe with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type of chocolate brings its own flavor and richness to the cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing Cookies: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, add a slice of bread to the container to keep the cookies soft.
Freezing Cookies: If you’d like to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough. Simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Make the Perfect Gift
Homemade cookies are always a thoughtful and personal gift. During the holiday season, these Festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies make an excellent treat to share with family, friends, and coworkers. Pack them in holiday-themed tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for an extra-special presentation. Not only are they a sweet treat, but they also bring warmth and joy to those who receive them.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 180 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients per cookie:
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
Bring the festive cheer to your holiday season with these delectable Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant holiday colors, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite.