Festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Treat for the Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring loved ones together, and nothing warms the heart more than the smell of freshly baked cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, but with a festive twist, they can become the highlight of your Christmas dessert table. This blog will guide you through a simple yet delightful recipe to create Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies that are as merry as the season itself.

Servings and Preparation Time

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Preparation Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time (optional): 30 minutes

• Bake time: 10 minutes per batch

• Total time: Approximately 55 minutes if chilling, or 25 minutes without chilling.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• Optional :1/2 cup red and green M&M’s or holiday sprinkles

• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

  
  

Let’s Get Started

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid over mixing, as this can make the cookies dense.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and holiday-themed M&M’s or sprinkles. If desired, mix in chopped nuts for added texture.

7. Scoop and Shape: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still look slightly under baked but will set as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

• Customization: Swap out M&M’s with white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or crushed peppermint candies for a unique holiday flavor.

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months.

Conclusion These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday festivities. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Happy baking and happy holidays!