Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cookies filling the house during the holiday season. Christmas chocolate chip cookies bring a festive twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie, blending holiday spices with gooey chocolate to create an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, gifting to friends, or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with melty chocolate chips. To make them extra festive, we’ve added a hint of seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with festive sprinkles or red and green M&Ms. They’re easy to bake and perfect for sharing, making them ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms (optional, for decoration)
• 1/4 cup holiday-themed sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
2. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms (if using).

Step 4: Scoop and Decorate

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Press a few additional chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles onto the tops of each cookie for a festive look.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Avoid over-baking for chewy cookies.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the cookies spread evenly and creates the ideal texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies denser. Mix just until combined.
• Chill the Dough: If you have extra time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and prevent excessive spreading.
• Festive Toppings: Top each cookie with extra chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles to make them look extra festive.

Storage Tips

To keep these Christmas chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls to bake fresh cookies whenever you want – simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Perfect for Gifting

These Christmas chocolate chip cookies make for beautiful holiday gifts. Pack them in a festive tin, add a ribbon, and you have a homemade gift that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Conclusion

Christmas chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to bring the warmth of the holidays into your kitchen. Their sweet and spicy aroma, combined with the gooey chocolate, creates a holiday treat that’s simply irresistible.

Serving Tips

1. Holiday Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a festive holiday platter or in a tiered stand. Sprinkle a few extra holiday-themed sprinkles on the platter for a decorative touch.
2. Serve Warm: Chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still melty. Reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving for an extra gooey bite.
3. Pairing Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or eggnog for a holiday treat. You can also serve them with ice cream for a delicious dessert!

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb the bread’s moisture and stay chewy.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies: To extend their freshness, freeze the fully baked and cooled cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
3. Freezing Cookie Dough: For fresh cookies anytime, freeze the unbaked dough balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

These tips ensure that your Christmas chocolate chip cookies stay fresh, soft, and ready for holiday snacking or gifting anytime!

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. For even longer storage, freeze the dough in balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time, so you always have fresh cookies ready to go.

2. How can I make these cookies chewier?

For extra chewy cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking also helps create a chewier texture by reducing the spread and concentrating flavors.

3. What other mix-ins work well with these cookies?

In addition to chocolate chips and M&Ms, you can add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), white chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, or even crushed peppermint candy for a festive twist.

4. How do I keep the cookies soft for longer?

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will release moisture, which the cookies absorb, helping them stay soft. Replace the bread every couple of days as needed.

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