Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the smell of baked goodies fills the air and the warmth of the season invites everyone to indulge in sweet treats. For me, holiday baking is a cherished tradition that brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where we’d whip up batches of cookies while laughing and sharing stories. This recipe for holiday treats is a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining rich chocolate chips and crunchy nuts that create the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can enjoy the fun without the fuss. Trust me, these treats will become a holiday favorite!

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, providing structure and a delightful chewiness.
1 cup sugar: Granulated for sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending!
2 large eggs: These help bind everything together, giving our cookies a lovely texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A must for that warm, sweet aroma and flavor that screams holiday!
1/2 tsp baking powder: This little ingredient gives our cookies a nice lift.
1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your sweetness preference!
1/2 cup chopped nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch, but feel free to get creative!

How to Prepare Holiday Treats Christmas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out just right!

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.
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender cookies!
Now, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Don’t worry if they look a little soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving that perfect texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of baking, you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time!
Delicious flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts creates a mouthwatering taste that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for celebrations: These cookies are festive and fun, making them an ideal addition to any holiday gathering or cookie platter.
Great for sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, there’s plenty to share with family, friends, or neighbors—spread the holiday cheer!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure these holiday treats turn out perfectly! First, remember to measure your flour correctly—too much can lead to dry cookies. I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Also, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted; this helps create that light, fluffy texture we love.

When mixing your ingredients, don’t overdo it! Just mix until everything is combined to keep those cookies tender. Another little secret? If you let the dough sit for about 10 minutes before baking, it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. And finally, keep an eye on them in the oven—every oven is different, and you want to catch them just as the edges start to turn golden. Happy baking!

Variations on Holiday Treats Christmas

Get creative with these holiday treats! You can easily switch up the mix-ins to keep things exciting. How about adding dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist? If you’re feeling adventurous, try using white chocolate chips instead of the classic chocolate for a sweeter flavor. Peanut butter chips can also add a delicious layer of richness. And don’t forget about spices! A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a warm, festive aroma to your cookies. Have fun experimenting, and make these treats truly yours!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once your delicious holiday treats are baked and cooled, it’s time to store them properly! Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying again. If you prefer them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Trust me, that warm, gooey goodness is worth it!

Nutritional Information

These holiday treats are not only scrumptious but also give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying! Each cookie is approximately 150 calories and contains 10g of sugar, 7g of fat, and 2g of protein. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQ Section

Can I make these holiday treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t naturally contain it.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
Feel free to swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, butterscotch chips, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile!

How do I know when the cookies are done?
They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. Don’t worry if they seem a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For more information on baking techniques, you can refer to King Arthur Baking’s tips.

Holiday Treats Christmas: 7 Irresistible Cookie Recipes

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 holiday treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

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

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit for variation.

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: 20mg

Keywords: holiday treats, christmas cookies, festive desserts

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