Standing in the kitchen, the scent of warm chocolate and sweet cinnamon fills the air, instantly whisking me back to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and cheer. These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, infused with a festive twist of white chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, are an absolute delight for both young and old. Each bite offers a comforting chewiness balanced with a dash of saltiness, making them impossible to resist.
As I bake these cookies, I can’t help but envision them being shared among friends, bringing a smile to faces and warmth to hearts. They’re not just a treat; they’re a means to create cherished memories during the most wonderful time of the year. Whip up a batch or two—whether for a festive gathering, as a holiday gift, or simply to savor in the comfort of your home. Let’s spread some joy, one cookie at a time!
Why You’ll Crave Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Irresistible, these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, elevating your holiday baking game.
Comforting chewiness balances perfectly with the sweetness of white chocolate and festive sprinkles.
Easy to make, even novice bakers can whip up these treats without hassle!
Versatile options allow you to switch things up, perfecting flavors for every palate.
Nostalgic flavors transport you back to childhood memories spent around the holiday table.
Perfect for sharing, they’re sure to be the highlight of any gathering this season!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Salted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; you can swap for unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture with caramel notes; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- White Sugar – Increases sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delightful texture; no substitution is necessary.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and aids with leavening; for a vegan option, try a flax egg.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile beautifully; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- All-Purpose White Flour – The essential base for structure; you can use gluten-free flour in the same amount for a gluten-free option.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a comforting holiday aroma; reduce to ½ tsp if you prefer less spice.
- Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps your cookies rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors of the cookies; using sea salt can introduce a pleasing texture.
For the Chocolate
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – These melt perfectly into the cookie base, creating delightful bites; try dark chocolate chips for a richer experience.
- White Chocolate Chips – Introduces sweetness and adds visual appeal; omit for a lower-sugar option or try different flavors.
For the Festive Touch
- Festive Sprinkles – Adds a holiday-themed flair; feel free to get creative with any colorful toppings or skip for a more traditional look.
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies will surely fill your home with warmth and joy, making the holidays even more special!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This step ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.
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Mix melted butter with brown sugar and white sugar in a large mixing bowl until it’s well combined and creamy. The warmth of the butter helps the sugars dissolve more effectively!
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Add the large egg and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture, blending them together until smooth and well integrated. This adds a rich flavor to your cookies.
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Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! This keeps your cookies tender and chewy.
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Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive sprinkles gently. This is when the magic happens as you see the chocolate and sprinkles combine beautifully!
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform shapes and proper baking.
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Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers appear slightly underbaked—this ensures a chewy texture.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, allowing them to set a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the warm cookies for an extra flavor kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Fridge: For slightly extended freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are wrapped well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time for perfectly fresh Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime!
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These cookies are the heart of your holiday baking, ready to bring joy to any gathering or cozy night in.
- Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness, making it even more delightful with each dunk.
- Hot Cocoa: Warm, rich chocolate drink that complements the festive chocolate chips and adds a cozy touch to your evening.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai beautifully contrast the sweetness of the cookies, creating a warming holiday vibe.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream melting over a warm cookie creates a heavenly dessert experience.
- Mixed Fruit Salad: A refreshing side that balances the richness of the cookies with bright, juicy flavors.
- Chewy Caramel Squares: The sweetness of caramel pairs well with the cookies, creating a delightful blend of textures.
- Nutty Biscotti: If you’re looking for something crunchy, dunking biscotti into milk or coffee provides a textural contrast.
- Festive Cheesecake Bars: Rich and creamy, these bars offer a contrast to the cookies’ chewy texture, perfect for special occasions.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Lightly toasted nuts enhance the cookies’ texture and add a satisfying crunch alongside their sweetness.
- Sparkling Cider: Celebrate with a bubbly drink that adds a touch of festivity and balances the sweet richness of the cookies.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to put your personal spin on these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!
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Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and rich flavor. The nutty texture complements the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
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Dried Fruit: Stir in ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a burst of fruity goodness. Their tartness adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
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Minty Fresh: Mix in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing twist. This variation will make your cookies a delightful minty treat, especially loved during the holidays!
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. These spices can transport you back to holiday gatherings, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
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S’mores Style: Incorporate mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired delight. The combination adds a fun texture and nostalgic taste to your cookies.
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Lebkuchen Vibes: Replace ground cinnamon with a blend of ginger, allspice, and cloves for a spiced cookie reminiscent of German lebkuchen. Your taste buds will dance with this fragrant alternative!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the chewy texture without sacrificing flavor. Everyone deserves to enjoy these festive treats!
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Chocolate Overload: Substitute regular chocolate chips with chunks or a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate for a more intense chocolate experience. Indulge in a truly decadent cookie!
Your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas and heartwarming memories as you create these festive twists on the classic!
Expert Tips for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it easier to handle.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise; using old leavening agents can result in flat cookies.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different chips or nuts, but remember to maintain the balance of ingredients in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies for the best results.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. Slightly underbaking them will yield chewier cookies that finish cooking on the baking sheet.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method allows the flavors to deepen and ensures your cookies are just as delightful when baked. If you want to prep even further ahead, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time. When it’s time to indulge, simply pop those cold dough balls onto a baking sheet and enjoy freshly baked cookies that maintain their chewy, festive charm!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using salted butter, as it adds richness and moisture to your cookies. However, unsalted butter can be used as well—just add a pinch of salt to maintain the flavor balance.
How should I store my Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but make sure they’re wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet to freeze them initially, then transfer the frozen balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time when baking directly from the freezer.
What should I do if my cookies are too dry?
If you find your cookies turning out dry, it may be due to overmixing or overbaking. To avoid this, mix the dough until just combined and keep an eye on the cookies during baking—they should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven to stay chewy. If all else fails, consider adding a little extra butter next time to bring moisture back!
Are these cookies safe for those with allergies?
Keep in mind that these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies contain common allergens like eggs and wheat. Make sure to inform anyone with dietary restrictions. For a vegan version, you can try using a flax egg in place of the large egg, and you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Irresistible Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Festive Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
- Mix melted butter with brown sugar and white sugar in a large mixing bowl until well combined and creamy.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
- Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive sprinkles.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.