Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Festive Treat
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies to signal the start of the holiday season. And when it comes to capturing that festive spirit, our Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are truly unparalleled. This delightful recipe takes the beloved classic chocolate chip cookie and infuses it with a vibrant holiday touch, incorporating cheerful red and green M&Ms and an assortment of colorful sprinkles. Easy to make and universally loved, these cookies are destined to become a cherished part of your holiday baking traditions, bringing warmth and joy to every bite.
Beyond their irresistible taste and festive appearance, these cookies offer a sense of nostalgia and comfort that only homemade treats can provide. Imagine sharing a plate of these buttery, chewy, and richly chocolatey cookies with family and friends, or leaving a special few out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. They’re not just cookies; they’re little edible packages of holiday cheer, perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by a crackling fire. Get ready to create some magical memories with a batch of these extraordinary Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Explore More Irresistible Christmas Treats
If you’re looking to expand your holiday baking repertoire, we’ve got a sleigh-full of other festive delights that are just as easy and delicious. Be sure to check out these crowd-pleasing recipes:
- Christmas Cookie Bars: All the joy of cookies in an easy-to-slice bar form.
- M&M Christmas Cookies: Another colorful classic featuring everyone’s favorite candy-coated chocolates.
- 60 Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats: Perfect for when you need quick, impressive desserts without turning on the oven.
- Christmas Peppermint M&M Fudge Cookies: A decadent fusion of peppermint, fudge, and M&Ms for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies
These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; they are a celebration of holiday cheer in every bite. Here’s why they’ll quickly become your new favorite Christmas tradition:
- A Taste of Christmas Tradition: Nothing captures the essence of Christmas quite like a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. They evoke feelings of warmth, family gatherings, and childhood memories, making them an essential part of your holiday festivities.
- Remarkably Easy to Bake: This recipe simplifies the art of cookie making, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. We recommend using high-quality chocolate chips, like Guittard super cookie chocolate chips, alongside white chocolate chips, to elevate the flavor profile without adding complexity. The ease of preparation means more time to enjoy the holidays!
- Visually Stunning and Festive: With generous additions of vibrant red and green M&Ms and a shower of colorful holiday sprinkles, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. Their cheerful appearance makes them perfect for holiday platters, gift bags, and dazzling your guests. Who could possibly resist such a festive treat?
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each cookie boasts a perfect balance of buttery richness, delightful chewiness, and a wonderfully thick texture. They’re generously studded with large chocolate chunks, creamy white chocolate chips, and the playful crunch of M&Ms and sprinkles. The combination is absolutely divine, guaranteeing rave reviews and requests for the recipe time and again.
- Versatile for Every Occasion: These cookies are perfectly suited for any holiday event. Whether you’re baking for a festive party, preparing thoughtful homemade gifts for loved ones, assembling an impressive cookie tray, or simply leaving a special treat for Santa, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Embrace the Spirit of Holiday Baking
Can you believe the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner? It’s a season of joy, celebration, and, of course, baking! There’s truly nothing that encapsulates the warmth and magic of Christmas quite like a fresh plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies, especially these spectacular ones. They’re not just incredibly delicious; they’re also fantastic crowd-pleasers, making them an ideal choice for holiday parties, school events, or thoughtful gifts for cherished friends and family. The sheer joy of sharing these buttery, chewy, and thick cookies, overflowing with super-sized chocolate chunks, creamy white chocolate chips, and festive red and green M&Ms and sprinkles, is an experience in itself. Each bite is absolutely divine, a taste sensation that will have everyone begging for another batch.
To kick off your festive baking season with a win, gather your finest chocolate chips and prepare your baking trays. This guide will unveil the secrets to crafting the most perfect Christmas chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever made. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring your cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Get ready to fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of holiday baking and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Gather Your Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crafting the perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies begins with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted chewy texture, rich flavor, and festive appeal. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (for best results, measure correctly – see tips below)
- Baking soda (ensure it’s fresh for proper lift)
- Salt (enhances all the sweet flavors)
- Unsalted butter, at room temperature (critical for cookie texture – see notes below)
- Firmly packed light brown sugar (adds moisture and chewiness)
- Granulated sugar (contributes to crisp edges)
- Large egg (binds ingredients and adds richness)
- Pure vanilla extract (essential for classic cookie flavor)
- High-quality chocolate chips or chunks (we recommend Guittard’s super cookie chocolate chunks for their superior melt and flavor)
- White chocolate chips (for creamy contrast and visual appeal)
- Festive green and red M&M candies (adds holiday color and a delightful crunch)
- Assorted green and red holiday sprinkles (for that extra dash of holiday sparkle)
Crafting Your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating the perfect cookie dough is the foundation for truly exceptional Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your dough is perfectly mixed and ready for baking:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze. While non-stick spray can be used, parchment paper typically yields the best results for perfectly golden bottoms.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, meticulously sift together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing lumps. If you don’t have a sifter, a whisk can achieve a similar result by vigorously mixing the ingredients together. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate, larger bowl, take your room-temperature unsalted butter and combine it with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat this mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which is vital for developing the cookies’ soft, chewy texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Reduce your mixer speed to low. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until these ingredients are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just enough to combine everything smoothly.
- Add Dry to Wet: Gradually introduce the reserved flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the flour is just incorporated into the dough. The key here is to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dense cookies rather than the desirable chewy texture. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
Adding the Festive Goodies and Baking Your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now comes the fun part – infusing your cookie dough with all the festive flavors and colors! Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to add the chocolate and M&Ms, then bake them to golden perfection. Here’s how to bring your Christmas cookies to life:
- Fold in the Festive Fillings: Gently add your generous amounts of chocolate chips (both semi-sweet and white chocolate) and holiday sprinkles to the prepared cookie dough. Mix briefly, using a spatula or spoon, until they are just incorporated. Again, the golden rule is to avoid overmixing. Finally, carefully fold in the red and green M&Ms. You want these delightful candies to maintain their shape and color, adding vibrant pops throughout the cookies.
- Scoop and Space the Dough: Using a small or large ice cream scoop, or a heaping tablespoon for smaller cookies, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Ensure you leave ample space between each cookie, typically 6 to 8 cookies per pan, to allow for proper spreading during baking. This prevents them from merging into one giant cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Place one baking sheet at a time into your preheated oven. Bake the cookies until their bottoms and edges are lightly golden brown, and the tops appear set and feel firm when gently touched. The exact baking time will vary depending on the size of your cookies and your oven’s calibration.
- Observe Baking Times: For smaller cookies, baking time will generally be around 8-10 minutes. If you opt for larger, more substantial cookies, they will require approximately 10-13 minutes to achieve perfect doneness. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling period allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and allowing for a perfectly crisp edge and chewy center.
- Yield: This recipe typically yields between 18 to 30 cookies, depending on the size you choose to make. Adjust your serving expectations accordingly!
Creative Variations for Your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
While our classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are undeniably delicious, the beauty of baking lies in customization! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different add-ins to tailor these holiday treats to your taste preferences. Here are some fantastic variations to consider:
- Nutty Additions: For an extra layer of texture and a delightful crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even roasted almonds. These nuts complement the chocolate beautifully and add a sophisticated touch.
- Salty-Sweet Perfection: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cookie dough before baking can elevate the flavors, creating a wonderful salty-sweet contrast that highlights the chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Power: If you’re a fan of the chocolate-peanut butter combination, consider adding some peanut M&Ms alongside the regular ones. The creamy peanut butter filling will bring a new dimension of flavor.
- Explore Different Chocolate Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet and white chocolate! Experiment with other chocolate chip flavors:
- Dark Chocolate Chips: For a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Chips: To double down on the peanut butter goodness.
- Butterscotch Chips: For a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the holiday theme.
- Salted Caramel Chips: For an indulgent and trendy flavor combination that’s both sweet and slightly savory.
Storing Your Festive Cookies for Lasting Freshness
To ensure your delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:
- Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their optimal freshness and chewiness for 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container with the cookies can help keep them soft, as the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
Freezing Baked Cookies for Future Enjoyment
Baking ahead is a wonderful way to ease holiday stress! These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow your baked cookies to cool completely. Once cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days.
- Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. For a “fresh from the oven” experience, you can gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.
Essential Pointers for Your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Baking Journey!
Even the simplest cookie recipes benefit from a few expert tips. To ensure your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time – thick, chewy, and irresistible – keep these pointers in mind:
- Mastering Butter Temperature for Perfect Cookies: The secret to avoiding thin, flat, and unsightly cookies often lies in your butter. Ensure your unsalted butter is at true room temperature – soft enough to indent with a finger, but not melted or greasy. If your dough feels overly warm or soft after mixing, don’t hesitate to chill it briefly in the refrigerator before baking. For exceptionally thick and perfectly puffed cookies, try the “flash-freezing” method: scoop all your cookie dough portions onto a baking sheet and pop them into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking. This quick chill helps the butter solidify, preventing excessive spread in the oven and resulting in gorgeously thick cookies.
- Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Incorrectly measuring flour is a common pitfall that can drastically alter your cookie’s texture. Here’s the proper technique:
- Fluff the Flour: Before measuring, use a spoon or fork to lightly fluff up the flour in its bag or canister. This prevents it from being densely packed.
- Spoon into Measuring Cup: Gently spoon the fluffed flour into your dry measuring cup. Do not scoop directly with the measuring cup, as this compacts the flour.
- Level Off: Use the straight edge of a knife or a flat spatula to scrape across the top of the measuring cup, leveling the flour perfectly. This removes any excess without compacting the flour inside the cup, ensuring you have the precise amount needed for the recipe.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix on low speed only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dry cookies instead of chewy ones.
- Fresh Baking Soda: Always check the expiry date of your baking soda. Expired baking soda loses its leavening power, resulting in flat, dense cookies.
- For even more in-depth cookie tips and tricks, you can find a wealth of information here.
The Magic of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect festive treat often leads us back to cherished classics. These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies embody everything wonderful about holiday baking. With their irresistible blend of rich flavors, delightful textures, and vibrant festive colors, they are more than just a dessert – they’re an experience designed to bring smiles and warmth to all those special people in your life. Each buttery, chewy bite, studded with decadent chocolate and cheerful M&Ms, tells a story of holiday cheer and homemade love.
Baking a batch of these cookies is an act of love, a way to share joy and create lasting memories. Whether you’re gathering with family, exchanging gifts with friends, or simply savoring a quiet moment, these cookies are sure to be the star. And with just a few creative tweaks, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit any holiday or special occasion, making it incredibly versatile. By following our simple steps and expert tips, you’ll be amazed at your newfound baking prowess, leaving you full of holiday spirit and proud of the delicious treats you’ve created. Let’s spread some holiday joy, one perfect cookie at a time!
If you loved this recipe, we encourage you to share your creations and inspire others! Share our Christmas chocolate chip cookies recipe on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
More Indulgent Christmas Holiday Treats!
The festive season calls for an abundance of sweet delights! If you’re looking for more ways to sweeten your holiday table, explore these fantastic recipes:
- 40 Christmas Tree Desserts: A collection of festive treats shaped like the iconic holiday tree.
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Cupcakes Cake: A fun and creative way to serve cupcakes as a centerpiece.
- Chocolate Macadamia Cookies: A luxurious twist on a classic, perfect for special occasions.
- 30 Peanut Butter & Candy Desserts: A dream come true for peanut butter and candy lovers.
- Awesome Peanut Butter Cookie Cups: Bite-sized delights featuring a beloved candy.
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who appreciate a deeper, nuttier flavor in their chocolate chip cookies.
- Holiday Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies: A unique and delicious combination of classic flavors.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe by Kim Lange
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (see notes below for measuring tips)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature, see notes below)
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (we used Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chunks)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup m&ms (red and green for festive color)
- ⅓ cup sprinkles of choice (red and green holiday sprinkles)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick spray. For best results and easy cleanup, parchment paper is highly recommended.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternatively, you can whisk them thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and lump-free.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing just until they are fully combined into the sugar mixture. Avoid overmixing.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the flour is just incorporated into the dough. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies. Stop as soon as no dry flour streaks remain.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips (both semi-sweet and white chocolate) and holiday sprinkles. Again, mix minimally, just until evenly distributed. Then, carefully fold in the red and green M&Ms to maintain their vibrant appearance.
- Using a small or large ice cream scoop, or a heaping tablespoon, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them out, allowing 6 to 8 cookies per pan, depending on the desired size, to prevent spreading into each other.
- Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, in the preheated oven. They are ready when the bottoms and edges are lightly golden brown and the tops feel firm when lightly touched.
- For small cookies, bake for approximately 8-10 minutes.
- For large cookies, bake for approximately 10-13 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them to set and firm up. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- This recipe makes between 18 and 30 cookies, depending on the size you choose.
Video
Notes
- Butter Tips for Avoiding Flat Cookies: The temperature of your butter is paramount. Ensure it’s at a true room temperature – soft but not melted. If your cookie dough feels warm or excessively soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a thicker, chewier result.
- Flour Measurement and Mixing: Accurate flour measurement is critical. Fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it with a straight edge. When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to tough rather than tender cookies.
- Baking Soda Efficacy: Always check the expiration date of your baking soda. Fresh baking soda is essential for the cookies to rise properly and achieve their desired texture. Expired baking soda will result in flat, dense cookies.
Nutrition Information
