Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive delight perfect for the holiday season. These cookies combine the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies with a cheerful twist that makes them ideal for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy family nights. With their soft, chewy texture and seasonal sprinkles, they are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
- Festive Flavors: The addition of cinnamon and colorful sprinkles gives these cookies a delightful holiday flavor and appearance.
- Perfectly Soft: Enjoy a chewy texture that stays soft even after cooling, thanks to the careful baking time.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fire.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips or add nuts based on your preferences!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly while ensuring no spills occur during mixing.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing dough without damaging the bowl and helps incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever With a Christmas Twist!
For the Base Mixture
- 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
For the 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
For the Fun Additions
- 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: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ground cinnamon
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Stir together well with a fork until mixed evenly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the melted butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar.
2. Mix together until combined.
3. Add in the egg and mix well followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until combined but do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolates & Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon:
1. Stir in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2. Add white chocolate chips.
3. Finally, fold in Christmas sprinkles until everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Cookie Sheet
Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scooper (or make two tablespoon mounds) and place them on your prepared cookie sheets. This should yield about 16 cookies.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 11 minutes. Remove from oven and let them sit on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes to continue baking. If you prefer firmer cookies, bake for 12 minutes before cooling them on a rack.
Enjoy your festive holiday treat!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings. They are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to any table setting.
Pair with Milk
- A classic choice, cold milk perfectly complements the warmth and sweetness of these cookies.
Serve with Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a mug of rich hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with other festive desserts for an eye-catching display.
Enjoy with Ice Cream
- Vanilla or peppermint ice cream served atop a warm cookie creates a delightful dessert experience.
Gift in Mason Jars
- Layer the ingredients in mason jars as a thoughtful and easy gift for friends and family.
How to Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is essential for success. Follow these tips for best results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and egg to sit out before mixing for better incorporation.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender and chewy.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading while baking.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; every oven is different, and slight adjustments can make a big difference.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
Festive Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.Cheese Board
Include cheeses like brie or cheddar, which contrast nicely with the sweet chocolate flavors.Peppermint Bark
The coolness of peppermint bark pairs beautifully with chocolate chip cookies, making it a holiday favorite.Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Classic sugar cookies can provide variety while keeping within the holiday spirit.Spiced Nuts
Roasted spiced nuts offer crunchiness and savory notes that complement sweet treats well.Eggnog
A glass of eggnog brings creamy richness that goes hand-in-hand with chocolatey flavors.Gingerbread Men
These spiced cookies add both tradition and flavor diversity to your dessert spread.Hot Apple Cider
A warm drink like apple cider enhances the cozy feel while pairing well with sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are a few you should watch out for:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well with sugars, leading to a dense texture. Always melt your butter for a better consistency.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the cookie dough can result in flat cookies. Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps them maintain their shape.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy texture.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, and temperature inaccuracies can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise baking conditions.
- Neglecting the cooling time: Moving cookies too soon from the sheet can cause them to break. Let them cool on the sheet before transferring to a rack.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for 5-7 minutes for warm cookies.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Yes, feel free to swap mini semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
How do I make my cookies thicker?
To achieve thicker Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, chill the dough before baking and avoid flattening them before placing on the cookie sheet.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can enhance flavor and texture if you enjoy them in your cookies.
What makes these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies special?
The addition of festive sprinkles and cinnamon gives these cookies a delightful holiday twist that sets them apart from traditional recipes.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting spices. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. Give this recipe a try and delight your loved ones with these festive treats!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these delightful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, a festive twist on the classic treat. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire, this easy-to-follow recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and seasonal sprinkles with soft, chewy chocolate chip goodness.
- 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 festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your 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, blend melted butter with brown and white sugars until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 11 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
