Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of rich flavors and festive spirit. These delightful treats bring warmth to your holiday gatherings and are an excellent choice for cookie exchanges or simply enjoying at home. With their soft, chewy texture and a sprinkle of festive colors, they are bound to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Twist: The addition of cinnamon and colorful sprinkles adds a unique holiday flair to traditional cookies.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy these cookies warm or store them for later; they maintain their flavor and freshness beautifully.
- Great for Sharing: With 14 cookies per batch, they are ideal for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in nuts or swap out chocolate types to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need a few essential tools that will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (2 tablespoons)
Importance of Each Tool
- Cookie sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring cookies cook uniformly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever With a Christmas Twist!
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup) (melted in microwave for about 25 seconds or until completely melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose white flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (start with ¼ or ½ tsp if you’re unsure about cinnamon)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Christmas red/green/white mix sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies won’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Cinnamon
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Stir together well with a fork until fully mixed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. White sugar
Mix these ingredients together until combined. Next, add in:
4. The large egg
5. The vanilla extract
Mix well again until everything is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in:
1. The mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
2. The white chocolate chips
3. The festive sprinkles
Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
With a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop mounds of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Aim for about 16 cookies total.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about:
– 11 minutes if you like them soft; or
– 12 minutes if you prefer them a bit firmer.
Once baked, remove from the oven but let them sit on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving your Christmas chocolate chip cookies can elevate the festive spirit and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present these delicious treats during the holiday season.
With Hot Cocoa
- Pair your cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat that everyone will love.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange cookies on a colorful platter adorned with holiday decorations to impress your guests.
With Ice Cream
- Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines textures and temperatures.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons as sweet party favors for guests to take home.
With Milk
- Serve alongside cold milk, a classic combination that brings back childhood memories and complements the sweetness of the cookies.
How to Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Christmas chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly, consider these simple tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and flour are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Experiment with spices: Adjust cinnamon levels based on your taste preferences; start low if you’re unsure.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies, as oven temperatures can vary. Bake until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
- Let them cool properly: Allow cookies to sit on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack for the best texture.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Christmas chocolate chip cookies can create a delightful dessert experience. Here are some options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies, perfect for holiday brunches.
- Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses that contrast with sweet flavors, offering guests diverse taste profiles.
- Pecan Pie: This classic dessert is rich and nutty, complementing chocolate chip cookies beautifully during festive gatherings.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: The warmth of pumpkin spice pairs well with chocolate, making it a seasonal favorite alongside cookies.
- Eggnog: This creamy drink enhances holiday flavors while providing a comforting beverage option alongside sweets.
- Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or marshmallows into melted chocolate, creating an interactive dessert experience.
- Gingerbread: Serve gingerbread pieces as they complement the flavors in chocolate chip cookies while adding variety.
- Holiday Cheesecake: A slice of cheesecake topped with seasonal fruits makes for an elegant side dish that pairs nicely with rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, even small errors can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Boldly skip measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cookies. Always use precise measurements for the best outcome.
- Boldly forget to preheat: Baking without preheating the oven can lead to unevenly baked cookies. Make sure to preheat your oven before you start mixing.
- Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Boldly ignoring cooling time: Moving cookies too soon from the baking sheet can result in breakage. Allow them to cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes.
- Boldly using expired ingredients: Old baking soda or flour can affect the rise and texture of your cookies. Check expiration dates before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into freezer bags.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I use different chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to substitute with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
How do I make these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies festive?
You can add holiday-themed sprinkles or swap out chocolate chips for seasonal flavors like peppermint.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend as an alternative, but this may affect the texture slightly.
How do I store leftover Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough space on your cookie sheets and adjust baking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins and toppings according to your taste. Baking these treats will bring warmth and joy during the holiday season—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Experience the warmth of the holiday season with these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. Bursting with rich flavors and a festive twist, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant sprinkles, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and deliciously versatile, these delightful cookies offer the ideal way to spread joy and sweetness during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Christmas-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter with both sugars until combined. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop mounds of dough onto prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
