Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With a delightful combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, these cookies bring festive cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or holiday parties, this recipe adds a special twist that makes them irresistible. They are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, ensuring they will be a hit during Christmas celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Touch: The addition of colorful Christmas sprinkles gives these cookies a fun and festive appearance.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips creates a rich taste that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 14 servings, these cookies are great for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of cinnamon or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scooper (or tablespoon)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without spills.
- Cookie sheet: A good cookie sheet ensures even baking and helps prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper: This keeps your cookies from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever With a Christmas Twist!
Baking Essentials
- 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 ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the following:
1. Measure out 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour,
2. Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon,
3. Mix in 1 tsp baking soda,
4. Finally, add 1/2 tsp salt.
Stir together well with a fork until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, follow these steps:
1. Add the melted salted butter,
2. Then mix in both sugars (light brown sugar and white sugar) until combined.
3. Crack in one large egg, then mix well again.
4. Pour in 2 tsp vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add your dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet mixture from Step 3. Mix together until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon:
1. Gently fold in both types of chocolate chips (mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips) along with the festive sprinkles until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Sheet
Using a cookie scooper or by forming two-tablespoon mounds with your hands:
1. Place dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
You should be able to make around 16 cookies.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about:
– 11 minutes if you prefer softer cookies,
– 12 minutes if you like them slightly firmer.
Once done, remove from oven but let them sit on the cookie sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies with family and friends!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
These delightful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for sharing and celebrating the festive season. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests and add a festive touch to any gathering.
Cookie Platter
- Arrange cookies on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation that adds charm to your holiday table.
Milk Pairing
- Serve warm cookies with a glass of cold milk. The combination is a classic treat loved by both kids and adults.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Make delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Perfect for an extra special dessert!
Gift Jars
- Package individual cookies in mason jars tied with festive ribbons. These make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
Hot Cocoa Bar
- Set up a hot cocoa bar alongside your cookies. Offer toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks for a cozy pairing.
Cookie Decorating Station
- Let guests decorate their cookies with icing, sprinkles, and other toppings for a fun interactive experience at your holiday party.
How to Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Creating the perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking soda, flour, and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding the flour mixture to keep your cookies tender.
- Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden brown but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon or add nutmeg for an extra holiday flavor.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with some side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Warm Apple Cider: A classic holiday drink that complements the sweet flavors of chocolate chip cookies.
- Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses to balance sweetness with savory flavors; it’s perfect for entertaining.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that adds brightness to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Add another layer of sweetness with these rich, nutty bars that pair well with cookies.
- Gingerbread Men: Celebrate the season with these traditional treats; they offer a nice contrast in flavor.
- Peppermint Bark: This crunchy candy provides a refreshing minty taste that pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy texture of ice cream enhances the softness of your cookies, making it a perfect match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t blend well with sugars, making your cookies dense. Always melt your butter before mixing.
- Measuring flour incorrectly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then scoop it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can develop gluten, making cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Removing cookies from the oven too soon can result in spreading. Let them cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes.
- Not adjusting oven temperature: Each oven is different. If your cookies aren’t baking properly, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it!
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips can add a rich flavor and are a great alternative if you prefer less sweetness.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
If you don’t like cinnamon, you can skip it entirely or replace it with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor twist.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies will remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies bring joy and warmth during the festive season. Their delightful mix of flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips. Try this recipe and enjoy the magic of holiday baking!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, making them an irresistible addition to any festive gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
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. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter with brown and white sugars until well mixed. Add the egg and vanilla, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Scoop dough onto prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
