Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies filling the kitchen during the holidays. This festive twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe features bursts of red and green holiday sprinkles, adding a cheerful look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with family. With their soft, chewy centers and a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, embodying the warmth and joy of the Christmas season.
Overview of the Recipe
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies take the beloved chocolate chip cookie and add a holiday flair. The recipe includes staple cookie ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate chips, with the festive addition of red and green sprinkles. With a short preparation time and simple ingredients, this recipe is a quick way to add a homemade touch to your holiday dessert lineup.
History and Origin
Chocolate chip cookies were invented in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. This original cookie has since become a household favorite, leading to countless variations. Adding red and green sprinkles to chocolate chip cookies is a fun way to give them a Christmas makeover. Holiday-themed versions of popular desserts have become increasingly popular over the years, symbolizing the cheer and creativity that come with the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can result in a tougher cookie texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will give the cookies a soft, chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for a classic holiday treat.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- With Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy winter snack.
- On a Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a holiday dessert platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark.
- Gift-Wrapped for Gifting: These cookies make an excellent homemade gift. Place them in a holiday-themed tin or wrap them in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful holiday treat.
Variations of the Recipe
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a minty twist.
- White Chocolate & Cranberry: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a festive red-and-white appearance.
- Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with a plant-based butter and use flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Health Benefits and Notes
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are indulgent but can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some nutritional highlights:
- Antioxidants from Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide antioxidants that can support heart health.
- Holiday Fun without Artificial Dyes: Use naturally colored sprinkles if you’re looking to avoid artificial dyes, as many brands now offer options with plant-based colors.
- Energy Boosting Ingredients: The carbohydrates and sugars in these cookies provide a quick energy boost, perfect for holiday parties.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw slightly before baking.
Q: Can I substitute the butter with margarine or coconut oil?
A: Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.
Q: My cookies turned out flat. What went wrong?
A: Cookies can spread too much if the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you encounter this problem. Also, make sure to measure your flour accurately.
Q: How can I make my cookies extra chewy?
A: For extra chewiness, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. You can also slightly underbake the cookies and let them set on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.
Q: Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
A: Absolutely! Add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries can give the cookies extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. This simple recipe brings together classic ingredients with a festive twist, offering a burst of chocolatey flavor combined with the joy of colorful holiday sprinkles. Easy to make and loved by all ages, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet homemade gift. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of these irresistible Christmas cookies to spread some holiday cheer!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and adorned with red and green sprinkles, making them a festive favorite for holiday gatherings or gifts.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, and add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading if cookies bake too flat.
- To make these cookies chewier, increase brown sugar slightly and bake for a slightly shorter time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies, Christmas Sprinkle Cookies