There’s just something magical about baking cookies for Christmas, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through the house, the anticipation of sharing sweet treats with loved ones—it’s what makes the holiday season truly special. This recipe is my go-to for delicious cookies that are perfect for Christmas celebrations. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, making them an instant favorite! I remember the first time I made these with my grandma; we’d spend the afternoon laughing and decorating them with colorful sprinkles. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition in your home too. Let’s dive in and create some cookie magic together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Cookies for Christmas
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these scrumptious cookies! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the smell of baking cookies will have everyone buzzing with excitement!
Preparing the Dough
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is so important; you want your cookies to bake evenly! Now, in a medium bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda. Set that aside for a moment. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. I like to use a hand mixer for this—it makes it so much easier!
Once that’s done, add in the vanilla extract and the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to blend beautifully together. Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. I can’t resist adding nuts—it gives such a nice crunch!
Baking the Cookies
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to get baking! Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie; they’ll spread out as they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up perfectly. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist, let them cool just a bit longer before diving in—trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
- Soft, chewy texture with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customization options galore—add your favorite nuts or festive sprinkles!
- These cookies fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of Christmas.
- They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them long after the holidays!
- Kid-friendly and loved by all ages—who doesn’t enjoy a delicious cookie?
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow cookie enthusiasts, let’s make sure your Christmas cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve gathered over the years:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents the cookies from sticking.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you’ve got the time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavors.
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let Them Cool: Be patient! Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without falling apart.
- Taste Test: Don’t forget to save one (or two) for yourself! It’s the best part of baking, after all—sampling the delicious results!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful cookies for Christmas! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful cookies! Just a heads up, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a tasty treat, and while they may not be the healthiest option, they’re perfect for indulging during the holiday season. Just remember, moderation is key—so enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Cookies for Christmas
Got questions about making these delicious cookies for Christmas? No worries, I’ve got your back! Here are some common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. Each type will give your cookies a unique twist, so go wild with your favorite flavors!
How do I make these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
For that perfect chewy texture, be careful not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re just golden on the edges and still soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that deliciously chewy bite!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes, definitely! You can throw in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even swap out the nuts for something like toffee bits. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use that too! Just reduce the amount of salt you add to the dough to avoid overly salty cookies. It’s a simple swap that won’t compromise your cookie magic!
How long can I store these cookies?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident as you bake your cookies for Christmas! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious cookies for Christmas, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:
- For Short-Term Storage: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper if you’re stacking them, so they don’t stick together!
- For Long-Term Storage: If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply take out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature.
As for reheating, if you like your cookies warm and gooey (who doesn’t?), here’s my go-to method:
- Microwave: Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without making it too soft.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cookies on a baking sheet, and heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh them perfectly, making them just like they were fresh out of the oven!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your holiday cookies for weeks to come. Happy snacking!
Drucken
Cookies for Christmas: 7 Magical Recipes to Savor
- Gesamtzeit: 32 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious cookies perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add festive sprinkles for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 18g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday treats
