If you’ve been hunting for that perfect festive treat to fill your holiday cookie jar, look no further than this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the classic comfort of rich, buttery dough studded with melty chocolate chips, plus a merry pop of holiday-colored sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. They bake up soft and chewy with just the right golden edges, delivering a warm, nostalgia-filled taste that feels straight from grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a cozy night in with a cup of cocoa, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite that gets everyone smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the fun of mixing and baking, it’s good to know the simple, staple ingredients that make the magic happen. Each contributes something unique—from the buttery richness to the perfect chew to the festive colors—these ingredients come together effortlessly to create unforgettable cookies.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those lightly crisp edges.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth for chewiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base that makes the dough rich and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding lightness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting aroma.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect cookie crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently and spread just right.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets of joy.
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, or multicolored): Adds festive cheer and a playful crunch.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is just right for soft, golden cookies. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy clean-up and to keep your cookies baking evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until your mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating that soft texture and helps blend all the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, to ensure everything combines smoothly without separating. Then stir in the vanilla extract — this little addition makes a huge difference, adding warmth and depth to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mix, stirring just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips for those melty bites, along with the holiday sprinkles that give your cookies a festive look and a slight crunch to balance the soft dough.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow the cookies to spread evenly as they bake into perfect rounds.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden brown but the centers remain delightfully soft — that’s exactly how you want them for that perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe texture.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and gives you time to savor the anticipation!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional red and green sugar crystals or edible glitter on top while the cookies are still warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling can also turn these cookies into a winter wonderland treat perfect for guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies are naturally sweet and satisfying, but pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa elevates the experience into a cozy holiday ritual. You can also serve alongside spiced eggnog or your favorite holiday tea for a complete festive snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in a clear jar or decorative tin, tied with a red ribbon for a gorgeous gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a holiday-themed platter with little notes or tags that share the recipe or a warm message for your loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft and fresh. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can prevent them from drying out and maintain that perfect chewy bite.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of the holiday rush, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too and can be thawed at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate. This is especially lovely if you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies. Butter’s fat content is ideal for that soft, tender crumb and rich taste everyone loves during the holidays.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips are both delightful in this recipe. Semi-sweet gives a slight balance to the sweetness, while milk chocolate offers a creamier, sweeter bite. Choose based on your preference or even mix both for extra variety.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies, but be sure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture. Keep an eye on baking time since gluten-free dough may bake faster or slower.
Why do the edges get crispy while the centers stay soft?
This contrast is what makes the Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly special. The sugar and butter create crispy edges during baking, while the moisture from brown sugar and eggs keeps the centers tender and chewy.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required for this recipe, but if you have time, chilling for an hour can improve flavor and help control spreading. However, these cookies bake beautifully right after mixing, making this recipe quick and convenient.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe captures all the festive fun and cozy flavors you want in a holiday treat. Warm, soft, and full of joyful little bursts of chocolate and color, these cookies are perfect for sharing and savoring with those you love. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your new go-to holiday favorite!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive twist on the classic treat, featuring crunchy holiday sprinkles and gooey chocolate chips baked into a soft, buttery cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter snack, these cookies combine rich flavors with a cheerful colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, or multicolored)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Gently fold the chocolate chips and festive holiday sprinkles into the cookie dough to evenly distribute the add-ins without breaking up the mix.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft, indicating a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring firm but tender cookies.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- For a richer taste, substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- If you prefer a more crisp cookie, bake for the full 10 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to swap milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
- Add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture if desired.
