Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies bring joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. The combination of classic chocolate chips and festive touches like M&Ms and sprinkles gives these cookies a delightful holiday flair. Baking them fills the kitchen with a sweet, inviting aroma that evokes memories of past celebrations.
They are perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, these cookies are a must-have during the holiday season.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To create the perfect batch of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, having the right equipment is crucial. Consider gathering these essential items before you start:
- Mixing bowls of various sizes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or an electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Oven
These tools will help ensure your cookie-making experience is smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating tasty treats for the holidays.
What You Need to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To bring this festive cookie recipe to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup M&Ms red and green
1/3 cup sprinkles of choice (red and green)
These ingredients blend together beautifully, creating cookies that look as delightful as they taste.
How to Cook Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking. This simple step ensures that you can enjoy your cookies without the hassle of them falling apart.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this helps to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cookie. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy. This process helps to aerate the butter and incorporates the sugars evenly.
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Carefully mix until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as this can lead to tough cookies. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring gently until it’s incorporated.
Once the dough begins to come together, it’s time to fold in the festive ingredients. Add the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, red and green M&Ms, and sprinkles. Use a rubber spatula to fold them in, ensuring that the colorful bits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced about two inches apart, as they will spread while baking. Once the sheets are filled, place them in the preheated oven.
Bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as cookies can become tough if left in the oven too long. When done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fun and straightforward process that can involve the whole family. Begin by preparing your workspace and gathering all the necessary ingredients as laid out above.
Once you have everything ready, start by mixing the dry ingredients first. Sifting the flour, baking soda, and salt will ensure that your dry mix is clump-free. While that is setting, you can cream the butter and sugars together, which is critical for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
Combining these components carefully will lead to a delicious cookie that is perfectly chewy and soft. The burst of chocolate from the chocolate chips and M&Ms, along with the festive sprinkles, will not only make your cookies splendid but also make baking them a joyful experience.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is as delightful as baking them. Once your cookies have cooled completely on wire racks, you can arrange them on a festive plate or in a decorative tin. This can turn your cookies into a beautiful holiday gift for friends or family.
To add a special touch, consider garnishing the platter with additional sprinkles or festive decorations. These cookies are perfect for serving alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa, making them a great treat at holiday gatherings or family movie nights.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies pair wonderfully with several beverages and snacks. Classic choices are milk or hot chocolate, which complement the sweetness and richness of the cookies. You can also serve them with a warm cup of coffee or a holiday-spiced tea for an adult twist.
For a festive gathering, consider making a holiday dessert platter featuring cookies alongside gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and eggnog. This assortment will create a delightful treat experience that appeals to everyone’s taste buds.
How to Store Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh for longer, proper storage is essential. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale.
If you wish to keep them for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, keep these simple tips in mind. Always use room temperature butter for easier blending with the sugars. This helps create that perfect cookie texture.
Be careful not to overmix the dough! Mixing just until combined will yield tender cookies. If you want your cookies to have a thick, chewy texture, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors develop and prevents spreading.
Using quality chocolate chips can make a significant difference in taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or even add nuts for added texture.
Variation
If you’d like to mix things up, consider trying various flavor combinations in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can substitute half of the chocolate chips with toffee bits for a delightful twist. Alternatively, using dark chocolate chips along with the regular ones can enhance the richness of the flavor.
You can also add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty holiday sensation, or throw in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch. Each variation can add a unique touch to your festive cookies and cater to different preferences.
Best Time to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Usually, the best time to make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is in the weeks leading up to the holidays. This allows you to enjoy them fresh while also having time to share with loved ones.
Baking them early can help with holiday preparations, as they can be stored easily for gatherings. Many families have cherished traditions of baking these cookies as a fun holiday activity, making it a great time to come together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes. One frequent error is using cold butter straight from the fridge. Room temperature butter is key for creaming properly with the sugars.
Another mistake is not measuring the flour correctly, which can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Lastly, overbaking is a common issue; cookies should be taken out when they’re still slightly underbaked in the center, as they will firm up while cooling. Following these tips will help create delicious cookies every time.
Nutritional Notes
If you are concerned about dietary content, Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies do have some nutritional considerations. With ingredients like butter and sugar, they are a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
The addition of chocolate chips and M&Ms adds deliciousness but also calories. Consider using dark chocolate for a slightly healthier option, as dark chocolate can contain beneficial antioxidants.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure to check that it contains xanthan gum or add some for better texture.
2. How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last about a week. If frozen, they can last for up to three months.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Definitely! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is a rewarding holiday experience that spreads joy and deliciousness. With our simple recipe and helpful tips, you can create a mouthwatering batch that captures the spirit of the season. Enjoy making them with family or friends, and treat yourself to the delightful taste and festive appearance of these cookies. Whether shared or savored alone, they are sure to brighten your holiday celebrations.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring gently until incorporated.
- Fold in semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles using a rubber spatula.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
