Name: Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484660H10M10S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup festive colored sprinkles or red/green M&M’s (optional, for a holiday twist); Pinch of salt

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There’s something incredibly magical about enjoying a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie during the holiday season. The sweet aroma of butter, vanilla, and melted chocolate filling the house instantly evokes feelings of comfort, joy, and nostalgia. These Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you love about a traditional chocolate chip cookie with a festive twist. Loaded with gooey chocolate chips and a touch of holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk by the fireplace. The combination of soft, chewy centers and slightly crisp edges makes these cookies irresistible, and the addition of colorful sprinkles or festive decorations adds a fun holiday flair. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting homemade treats, or sharing with friends, these cookies will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple method, you can whip up a batch (or two!) of these delicious Christmas cookies in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Flavor

These cookies feature the timeless combination of rich chocolate chips and buttery dough, a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.

2. Chewy and Soft

The balance of ingredients ensures that the cookies come out soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible with each bite.

3. Holiday Twist

A touch of festive sprinkles or colored sugar gives these cookies a fun, seasonal appeal, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations.

4. Easy to Make

This recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques. With simple ingredients and steps, you can bake up a batch of cookies in no time.

5. Perfect for Gifting

These cookies are ideal for holiday gift-giving. Wrap them in cute boxes or tins, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Variations

Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, you can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
Use Different Chips: Mix up the chocolate chips by using white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips.
Add Holiday Spices: To make these cookies even more festive, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to make these cookies vegan.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

If desired, add some holiday sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie for a festive touch.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Cold butter will not blend well with the sugars.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure soft, chewy cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies at the 9-minute mark. They should be golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.

How to Serve

These Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are best served warm right out of the oven with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. You can also enjoy them as a delightful dessert after a festive holiday meal or serve them as part of a cookie platter for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extra freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing the Dough

You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1 hour. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cookies, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 3-5 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds for that freshly baked taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just make sure to use one with a similar fat content to butter.

2. How do I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, ensure that you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft.

3. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chunks work great in this recipe for a more decadent chocolate experience.

4. Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?

While brown sugar adds a depth of flavor, you can substitute it with more granulated sugar. However, this may affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.

5. Can I add dried fruit to the cookies?

Yes, you can add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to make the cookies even more festive.

6. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your dough is too soft, try chilling it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

7. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

8. How do I prevent overbaking?

To prevent overbaking, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are golden brown, and the center is still slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.

9. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough as mentioned earlier in the recipe. This is a great way to have cookie dough ready whenever you want fresh cookies.

10. How can I make the cookies more festive?

Decorate the cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or add a few crushed candy canes for a seasonal touch.

Conclusion

Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-bake treat for the holiday season. Their delicious combination of soft, chewy centers and crisp edges, paired with gooey chocolate chips, makes them a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with loved ones, these cookies will bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for gifting, they’re a timeless classic you’ll want to bake again and again.