The Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate goodness, these cookies are not only a festive addition to your dessert table but also make for a wonderful gift. With just the right amount of cinnamon and colorful sprinkles, they create a cheerful atmosphere at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit during Christmas and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The blend of chocolate, cinnamon, and holiday sprinkles makes each bite special.
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that bakers of all skill levels can enjoy making these treats.
- Versatile Treats: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights at home.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project that kids will love participating in!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect batch of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, having the right tools is essential. These tools will streamline the process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scooper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Rubber spatula: Great for mixing dough and scraping every last bit from the bowl.
- Cookie scooper: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups all purpose white flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (do ¼ or ½ a tsp the first time if you’re not sure if you’re a huge cinnamon fan)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 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. Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground cinnamon
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Stir well with a fork until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
2. Mix together until fully combined.
3. Add the egg and mix well.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon:
1. Gently fold in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2. Add white chocolate chips.
3. Fold in Christmas sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Sheet
Using a cookie scooper (or make two tablespoon mounds), place dough onto prepared cookie sheets. This recipe should yield about 16 cookies.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for approximately 11 minutes. Once baked:
1. Remove from oven.
2. Allow them to sit on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes to continue baking off heat.
3. For firmer cookies, bake for an additional minute while adjusting based on your oven’s performance before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a delightful treat, here are some fun serving suggestions.
With Milk
- Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk. The classic combination enhances the chocolate flavors and makes for a nostalgic treat.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your cookies on a beautiful dessert platter. Add some festive decorations like holly or candy canes to make it visually appealing.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. They make charming edible gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm chocolate chip cookie and cold ice cream create an irresistible dessert experience.
With Coffee or Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or hot cocoa. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, making it a cozy pairing.
How to Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the ultimate Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Allow your butter and egg to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough – For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; every oven is different.
- Experiment with toppings – Try adding chopped nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety.
- Store properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewiness.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance your holiday spread. Here are some great options:
- Festive Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Board – Include an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and nuts for guests who enjoy savory snacks alongside sweets.
- Christmas Punch – Serve a festive drink like cranberry or spiced punch that complements the flavors in your cookies.
- Mini Quiches – Offer bite-sized quiches filled with vegetables and cheese as a savory side option.
- Roasted Nuts – A bowl of spiced or candied nuts provides a crunchy contrast to soft cookies.
- Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies with dip add color and healthiness to balance out the desserts at your gathering.
- Chocolate Fondue – Guests can dip fruits, marshmallows, or even cookie pieces into melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Spiced Applesauce – This warm side dish pairs beautifully with cookies, enhancing their flavor profile during winter gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking the perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
Using cold ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can make your dough hard to mix, impacting texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for better blending.
Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy texture.
Skipping the chilling time – Not chilling the cookie dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chilling helps them maintain their shape.
Ignoring oven temperature accuracy – Every oven heats differently. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is accurate for perfect baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.
Reheating Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie on high for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet on low heat, covering it for about 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Yes, dark chocolate chips can add depth and richness to your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately.
What makes these cookies special for Christmas?
The addition of cinnamon and festive sprinkles gives these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies their unique holiday flair, making them perfect for celebrations.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These delightful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies offer both comfort and joy during the holiday season. Their warm, gooey texture and festive color make them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or changing up the chocolate types! Enjoy making these treats with loved ones; they are sure to bring smiles this season!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft, chewy, and brimming with chocolatey goodness, this recipe features a special touch of cinnamon and vibrant holiday sprinkles, making it an irresistible treat for your dessert table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. With just 5 minutes of prep time and simple steps, bakers of all skill levels can create these scrumptious cookies that are perfect for sharing during Christmas celebrations or cozy nights at home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies
- 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 sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, combine melted butter with both sugars; mix until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 11 minutes; allow cookies to cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 82mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
