Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of fresh, warm Chocolate Chip Cookies? These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate chips, making them a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you’re baking them to enjoy with family, give as gifts, or leave out for Santa, these cookies will fill your home with the delightful aroma of the season.
The secret to their perfection lies in the balance between chewy centers and slightly crisp edges, with the classic flavor combination of butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. Plus, you can make these cookies extra festive by adding a sprinkle of red and green holiday-colored chocolate chips or festive sprinkles for a fun, seasonal twist.
2. Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ½ cup holiday-colored chocolate chips or sprinkles
3. Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and holiday-colored chips or sprinkles, if using).
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. How to Prepare
For extra soft cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden, and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This will help them set without becoming too crisp.
If you prefer cookies with a bit more crunch, simply bake them for an extra minute or two. You can also chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading too much during baking.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough scoops.
7. FAQs
1. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips are a great alternative and will add a deeper, richer flavor to your cookies.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Use an egg substitute like a flax egg or applesauce. You may need to experiment a bit with quantities, but they should still bake up nicely.
4. How do I store these cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
5. How can I make these cookies extra festive?
For an added festive touch, add holiday-themed sprinkles, red and green M&M’s, or even crushed peppermint candy canes to the dough before baking.
8. Conclusion
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking tradition. Their irresistible taste, chewy texture, and festive look make them a perfect treat for sharing with family and friends. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or left out for Santa, these cookies will bring joy and warmth to your holiday season.
Baking these cookies is a simple, fun way to celebrate the magic of Christmas with loved ones. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies!