The scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is one of the greatest joys of the holiday season. Just picture this: the buttery aroma mingling with hints of cinnamon and sweet chocolate makes your heart feel as warm as a cozy winter sweater. These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of tradition and festive flair, with creamy white chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles that will make any gathering sparkle.
In a world where fast food often reigns supreme, there’s something heartwarming about crafting your own treats. These cookies not only deliver a wonderfully chewy texture but are also quick to whip up, making them an ideal option for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or simply indulging after a chilly day. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or gift them to neighbors, these cookies are a delightful expression of holiday spirit. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Why are Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible?
Irresistible aroma: As they bake, your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly scent that ushers in the festive spirit.
Chewy perfection: Each bite captures that classic cookie chewiness we all love, balanced perfectly with soft white chocolate.
Festive flair: Dazzling sprinkles add a cheerful touch, making these cookies visually delightful for any holiday gathering.
Quick & easy: Whip them up in no time—ideal for those last-minute holiday parties or family get-togethers.
Versatile customization: Change up the mix-ins and toppings to make them your own—there’s no limit to the holiday fun!
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for sharing, these cookies will quickly become a hit with friends and family alike, ensuring joy in every bite!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
• Salted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; melting it ensures easy mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, creating those chewy cookies we crave.
• White Sugar – Balances overall sweetness; substitute with more brown sugar for an extra chewy texture.
• Large Egg – Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s perfect structure.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor; use pure vanilla for the best taste experience.
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure and consistency; don’t skip this ingredient!
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and holiday charm; adjust to your preference for a festive touch.
• Baking Soda – Leavens the cookies, making them light and fluffy.
• Salt – A little goes a long way to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
For the Chocolate
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Deliver classic chocolate flavor; switch to dark chocolate for a different twist.
• White Chocolate Chips – Sweetens and adds a fun festive touch to your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
For the Decor
• Christmas Sprinkles – Brighten up your cookies and make them irresistible; feel free to mix shapes and colors to match your holiday spirit!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy baking and cleanup. This sets the perfect stage for those delicious cookies!
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Whisk together in a small bowl the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures a well-balanced flavor and texture in your cookies.
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Combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar in a larger bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step adds richness and moisture to your cookies, setting a delicious foundation.
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Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds binding and enhances the flavor, delightfully setting the stage for the magic to happen.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
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Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, as each cookie deserves a burst of chocolatey goodness!
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them apart to give them room to spread as they bake. They’ll puff up beautifully!
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Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look soft. You want them to be just slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey center.
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Cool the cookies on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows them to set while still being deliciously warm and fragrant.
Optional: Sprinkle a few extra festive sprinkles on top before serving for a cheerful touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies?
The joy of indulging in sweet treats becomes even sweeter when paired with delightful accompaniments.
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Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s chewiness while balancing the sweetness—perfect for dipping!
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Hot Chocolate: The rich, warm beverage complements the festive sprinkles and white chocolate, creating a cozy winter experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness, making for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
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Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruits provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cookies, adding a splash of color and zing to your dessert table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream transforms your cookie into a sundae illusion, bringing a luscious creamy texture alongside the chewy bites.
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Nutella or Chocolate Sauce: Serve warm alongside for drizzling—this additional layer of chocolate bliss truly elevates your cookie game.
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Festive Cheese Platter: Pairing with cheese like Brie or Gouda adds a savory note that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Gingerbread or Spice Cookies: For a truly festive treat, serve a selection of holiday cookies that align with the warm spices found in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea offers aromatic flavors that resonate with the cinnamon in the cookies, enhancing the holiday flavor experience.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating the cookies. Place them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; just allow them to return to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Cookie Dough: Freeze individual cookie dough balls for quick baking later. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months—just bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Customize your cookies with these delightful twists that will surprise and delight at every bite!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the gooey chocolate.
- Spiced Up: Infuse your cookies with nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for an extra holiday kick.
- Fruit Fusion: Swap out some chocolate chips for dried cranberries or cherries for a tart, festive addition.
- Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical surprise that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Minty Fresh: Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing, mint-infused cookie perfect for the season.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours—who says holiday baking has to be ordinary? Embrace the spirit of creativity and let your taste buds lead the way!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the cookies’ chewy texture while enhancing the flavors. If you’re looking to bake them fresh, you can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time—just as delicious as if you made them the same day! By prepping ahead, you’ll save time and ensure that these festive treats are ready to enjoy whenever the holiday spirit strikes.
Expert Tips for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Melted Butter Magic: Make sure the butter is completely melted for that ideal consistency, but allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg.
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Chill the Dough: For a richer flavor and less sticky texture, chill your cookie dough for 30–60 minutes before baking. It helps improve the overall flavor too!
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to maintain that tender, chewy texture in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips, as they greatly enhance the depth of flavor in your cookies. Treat yourself to the best!
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Baking Time Variation: Keep in mind that ovens vary; watch closely and adjust baking times slightly for perfectly baked cookies that are soft in the middle.
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Decorative Sprinkles: Add the festive sprinkles just before baking to keep them vibrant and ensure they toast nicely during the bake!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What ingredients should I look for when choosing butter?
Absolutely! It’s best to use salted butter for this recipe as it provides the richness and moisture your cookies need. Look for butter that is fresh with a consistent texture. Ensure it’s not hard or gritty, as that can affect mixing.
How should I store Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For best results, layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider cold storage options.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze the cookie dough, scoop it into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Put them in the freezer for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to account for the frozen dough!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky to scoop, don’t worry; this can happen! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes. This not only firms up the dough, making it easier to handle, but it also deepens the flavor of the cookies as they rest.
Are there any allergen considerations for this recipe?
Very! This recipe contains common allergens, including eggs, dairy (butter), and wheat. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, ensure to check that any chocolate and other mix-ins are nut-free. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix.
How long does the dough stay good in the fridge?
You can store your cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for easier scooping!
Delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies with Festive Sprinkles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together in a small bowl the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine melted butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar in a larger bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool the cookies on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.