Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats, and nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like a batch of freshly baked cookies. My family eagerly anticipates the arrival of these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies every year, and for good reason. The moment I pull them out of the oven, the warm, inviting aroma fills the house, beckoning everyone to the kitchen. The combination of soft, chewy cookie dough with the rich chocolate chips and festive sprinkles makes these cookies a holiday favorite. They are not only fun to make but also a delightful treat to share with loved ones during the festivities. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely bring smiles and joy to your holiday gatherings!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Together the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the red and green holiday sprinkles. The sprinkles add a festive touch to your cookies!
6. Scoop the Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: About 150 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Baking: 10-12 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey texture.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
• Enjoy alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
• Package in festive tins or boxes for holiday gift-giving.
• Use as a fun addition to a dessert table at holiday parties.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
3. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
4. Customize Your Sprinkles: Use different colored sprinkles or holiday-themed shapes to match your celebration’s theme.
5. Check for Doneness: Cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Recipe Variations

• White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: Substitute half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a tart flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for gluten-free cookies.
• Stuffed Cookies: Place a piece of chocolate or a candy inside the cookie dough before baking for a gooey surprise.

Serving Suggestions

• Create a cookie platter with a variety of cookies, including sugar cookies, gingerbread, and these chocolate chip cookies for a festive treat.
• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Use cookies as a fun decoration for a hot chocolate bar at holiday parties.
• Incorporate cookies into a dessert charcuterie board with fruits, nuts, and chocolates.
• Gift cookies in mason jars tied with festive ribbons for a personal touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop individual cookie portions onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to harden, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, just reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
2. What can I use instead of brown sugar?
   You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar, though the flavor and moisture will be slightly different.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should look slightly underbaked.
4. Can I add more chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! Feel free to increase the chocolate chips to your liking.
5. Can I make these cookies in advance?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
6. What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
   You can use regular sprinkles, chocolate chips, or leave them out entirely for classic chocolate chip cookies.
7. Can I use a different type of flour?
   Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends.
8. What if my dough is too sticky?
   Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
9. Can I freeze baked cookies?
   Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
10. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
    Yes, a stand mixer can make creaming the butter and sugars easier, but be cautious not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients.

Conclusion

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-have during the holiday season, bringing joy and warmth to any gathering. Their combination of rich chocolate and festive sprinkles makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re baking them for your family or as gifts for friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, gather your loved ones, bake a batch (or two), and enjoy the delicious taste of the holidays with these delightful cookies!

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