Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies that brings the festive spirit alive. These *Christmas bakes* are my go-to treat during this season, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why! They’re not just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy little bundles of joy filled with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. I remember the first time I made these with my kids, their laughter and excitement filled the air as we decorated them with sprinkles. It became a cherished tradition, and now, I can’t imagine the holidays without these delightful cookies. So, grab your apron and let’s spread some holiday cheer with these scrumptious bakes! You’re going to love them!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those cookies just right! While it’s warming up, you can prep everything else.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and oh, the smell is heavenly!
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. You’ll want a nice, smooth mixture here.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Don’t overmix; just fold it in until it’s barely combined.
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Fold in those glorious chocolate chips. You can’t have too many, right?
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them; they’ll spread a bit.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They’ll look a bit soft in the center; don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious holiday cookies ready to spread joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 27 minutes!
Deliciously soft and chewy texture with gooey chocolate chips.
Perfectly festive for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Great for baking with kids—fun and delicious way to create memories!
These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser; everyone will be asking for more!

Tips for Success

Here are my top tips to make sure your *Christmas bakes* turn out perfectly every time! First, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps everything blend together nicely and creates that dreamy texture. I recommend high-quality chocolate chips because they make a big difference in flavor; trust me, it’s worth it! When measuring your flour, don’t scoop directly from the bag; instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents your cookies from being too dense.

Keep an eye on your baking time! Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two early. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Lastly, be patient and let them cool a bit before diving in; they’ll firm up beautifully, and your taste buds will thank you!

Variations

Now, let’s talk about fun ways to mix things up with your *Christmas bakes*! One of my favorite variations is to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that screams holiday cheer. You could also try incorporating a handful of dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture and taste. Another delightful twist is swapping half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips—yum! And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a touch of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday twist? The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *Christmas bakes* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll usually stay good for about 5-7 days, but trust me, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional values of these delightful *Christmas bakes*. Each cookie comes in at approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet treat worth indulging in during the holiday season! You’ll find about 7g of fat, with 4g being saturated fat. They also have 10g of sugar and 2g of protein per cookie. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so if you’re counting, just enjoy them in moderation! They may be a little indulgent, but hey, it’s the holidays—let’s celebrate with some delicious cookies!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of flour? Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for these cookies, you can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.

What can I substitute for eggs? If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mix (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit until it thickens).

How should I store these cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to three months!

Can I add other mix-ins? Of course! Feel free to toss in some mini marshmallows, toffee bits, or even shredded coconut for a different twist. Get creative!

What’s the best way to serve these cookies? These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for that cozy holiday vibe!

Christmas Bakes: 7 Joyful Treats for Holiday Cheer

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Christmas bakes to celebrate the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Let cool before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts.
Best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Christmas bakes, holiday cookies, festive treats

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