Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive treats, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies. These cookies combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the irresistible charm of chocolate chips, making them the ideal addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy by the fire, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

These cookies offer the best of both worlds—a buttery, soft texture from the sugar cookie dough, paired with the gooey, melty chocolate chips. The perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor makes them a true holiday favorite. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Perfectly soft and chewy: The combination of sugar and butter creates a wonderfully soft dough, and the chocolate chips add a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, these cookies come together in no time, making them a great option for busy holiday baking.
• Versatile for decorating: You can customize these cookies with holiday sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate to make them extra festive.
• Great for gifting: Pack these cookies in a cute tin or jar and gift them to friends and family as a sweet holiday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bake these Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (use milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference)
• Optional: holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Instructions

this recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon. You can also mix in any holiday sprinkles or colored sugar if you’re decorating the cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, but the center is still soft. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them to remain chewy.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Decoration: If you’d like, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with extra holiday-themed sugar for a festive touch.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough: If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much.
• Use quality chocolate chips: Since chocolate is a key component of this recipe, choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet even after you remove them from the oven. Keep an eye on them and pull them out just when the edges start turning golden.

How to Store Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

Once baked, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies are a festive, easy-to-make treat that will surely brighten your holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet taste of Christmas with every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies

Once you’ve baked your delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies, it’s important to know how to serve and store them to ensure they remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Here are some handy tips:

Serving Tips

• Pair with a Warm Beverage: These cookies are perfect with a cup of hot chocolate, eggnog, or a warm spiced cider. The sweetness of the cookies complements the warmth of the drinks, making for a cozy holiday treat.
• Add a Festive Touch: Serve your cookies on a decorative holiday platter or sprinkle with extra colorful holiday sugars to create a festive presentation.
• Great for Cookie Trays: These cookies make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie tray. Mix them with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, and snowball cookies for variety.
• Perfect for Cookie Exchanges: If you’re taking part in a cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their classic chocolate chip appeal and festive look make them a crowd-pleaser.
• Serve at Holiday Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just having a family gathering, these cookies are the perfect sweet snack to share with loved ones.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature Storage: If you’re planning to enjoy your cookies within the next few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days.
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you want to enjoy these cookies even after the holiday season, freezing them is a great option. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their flavor and texture.
• Freeze the Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Keep Cookies Soft: To maintain the soft texture of the cookies, place a slice of bread or a few marshmallows in the container with them. The cookies will absorb moisture and stay soft for longer.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies throughout the holiday season and beyond!

1. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips in this recipe. The darker chocolate will give the cookies a richer, slightly less sweet flavor, which can be a nice contrast to the sugary dough. Choose the type of chocolate that you prefer!

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that works well in baking, and you may need to add a bit of xanthan gum for texture. Always check the packaging for the correct measurements and adjustments.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake them for an extra minute or two.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent your cookies from spreading too much, make sure the dough is chilled before baking. Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps it firm up, allowing the cookies to hold their shape while baking. Additionally, don’t over-soften the butter, as this can cause the dough to spread excessively during baking.

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