Chocolate chip Christmas cookies are a holiday favorite. Their sweet, buttery flavor brings warmth to any gathering. These cookies are not just tasty; they fill your home with a delightful aroma that makes everyone feel cozy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This cookie recipe is easy and fun to make. You only need basic ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. They are soft and chewy, with crispy edges that delight every bite. Plus, adding crushed candy canes gives these classic cookies a festive twist. Everyone will love them at holiday parties or just for a sweet treat at home.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Making these cookies is simple. You will mix the wet ingredients first and then add the dry ones. Finally, you’ll fold in the chocolate chips and candy canes. You can easily involve your family, making it a fun activity for all.
What You Need
For this delicious recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Snowflake sprinkles (for decoration)
Step-by-Step
Let’s go through the steps to create these yummy cookies!
Step 1: Cream the butter and both sugars together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Use a spoon to shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Add snowflake sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven until the cookies are golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
These cookies are perfect for sharing. Serve them at holiday parties or with a warm cup of milk. They make a sweet treat for any gathering. Wrap them in festive packaging for wonderful gifts. Everyone will be happy to receive these delightful cookies during the holiday season.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last for about a week at room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, place the dough balls in a bag and keep them in the freezer. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough; this keeps the cookies tender.
- For a fun twist, you can substitute or add nuts.
- Chill the dough for better shaping and less spreading.
- If cookies are too crispy, reduce baking time slightly.
- Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Always check your oven temperature for accuracy.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap regular flour for gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free.
- Add peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a stronger mint flavor.
- For a nutty twist, mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter cookie.
- For a fun holiday version, sprinkle crushed candy canes on the cookies right after baking.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
How do I freeze the cookies?
Place the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark, milk, or even white chocolate.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For a stronger mint flavor, add peppermint extract instead.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour You can swap for gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Can substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes Add on top for decoration.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- snowflake sprinkles (for decoration) Add for a festive touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the butter and both sugars together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and white chocolate chips.
- Use a spoon to shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Add snowflake sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cookies are golden, about 10 minutes.
- Let them cool on a wire rack.
