Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on a classic favorite. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or sharing with loved ones during the season.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: red and green sprinkles for a festive touch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Step 5: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chocolate chips and, if using, red and green sprinkles for a festive look.
7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
• Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.
• If you want a peppermint twist, add crushed candy canes to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. Cookies can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients like chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

How can I make these cookies crispier?

To achieve crispier cookies, bake them a couple of minutes longer and use slightly less brown sugar, as granulated sugar contributes to a crisper texture.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on the classic favorite, bursting with rich chocolate chips and a hint of holiday cheer. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies make an ideal treat for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights by the fire.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Holiday Extras

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Colored sugar or sanding sugar for decorating (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step ensures your cookies have a tender crumb.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie flavor.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts evenly using a spatula or wooden spoon.
7. Shape the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. If desired, sprinkle with colored sanding sugar for a festive look.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers look set but still soft.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly.

Notes

• You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Adding a pinch of salt on top of the cookies before baking enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to cool on the sheet.

Keywords: Chocolate chip cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies