As a mom and wife who’s always looking to create special moments for my family, I can confidently say these cookies are the perfect addition to any festive gathering. They’re wonderfully sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon spice to give them that extra kick. When I first made these, they were so popular that they vanished before the last note of our holiday carols faded away. And I’m not kidding; even the pickiest of eaters reached for more!
The best part is how simple they are to prepare – just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, and you’ll have your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh-baked cookies. And between you and me, they pair exceptionally well with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a cold glass of milk, making for a great end to a cold winter’s day.
So why not give them a try? You’ll find that whipping up a batch of these cookies is not only a delightful holiday activity but also a tasty way to create memories with the ones you love. Go ahead and transform your kitchen into a holiday haven with these scrumptious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies – you won’t regret it, I promise!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Ingredients:
- 1 stick of salted butter (1/2 cup), melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup festive red/green/white sprinkles
Directions:
- Start by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F. Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- In a larger bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown and white sugars. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending well.
- Sift the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
- Fold the chocolate chips and festive sprinkles into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring they’re spaced adequately.
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a minimum of 10 minutes, so they can firm up.
Storing Suggestion:
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delightfully soft and fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer bag or container, and they’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to three months.
Cooking Tips:
For a slightly different texture and flavor, try using half a cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of the egg. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like milk or dark chocolate. When measuring the flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect as a festive snack or dessert. Pair them with a warm drink like hot cocoa or coffee to enhance the rich chocolate flavors. For a decorative touch, serve on a holiday-themed platter with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Consider accompanying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re looking to switch things up, try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a denser texture. If you’re out of mini chocolate chips, regular-sized ones work just as well; just adjust the quantity to taste.
Seasonal Variations:
During different times of the year, you can adjust the sprinkles to match the occasion. For a springtime version, consider using pastel sprinkles. In summer, you might try adding some dried cranberries or coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Make these cookies year-round by customizing the festive elements!
FAQ
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. This can help the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
How can I make my cookies chewier?
If you’re aiming for chewier cookies, you might want to reduce the baking time slightly. Check them at 10 minutes; they should be a bit underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling on the tray.
What if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, double-check your ingredient measurements, ensuring that the correct amount of flour is used to give the dough enough structure.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Sure thing! If you choose to use unsalted butter, you may want to add a pinch more salt to the mix—about a quarter teaspoon should do. This will help balance all the sweetness in your cookies nicely.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
These cookies make a wonderful canvas for decorating! Once cooled, you can use icing to create fun patterns or add some more edible glitter for a festive look. It’s a fun activity, especially with little ones involved.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. Ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free. You’ll still enjoy then festive spirit and flavor!
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter 1 stick, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon try 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon if unsure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup festive sprinkles red/green/white
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with both sugars. Mix until thoroughly combined. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix in the chocolate chips and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them out.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then let them cool on the sheet for at least 10 minutes to finish baking.
- If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can bake for 13-14 minutes. They may appear soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool!
