Hey there, fellow holiday baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, the sight of twinkling lights and the smell of pine needles makes you want to dive headfirst into the kitchen and whip up some festive treats. That’s why I’m so excited to share this easy Christmas baking recipe with you! These cookies are not only simple to make, but they also fill your home with that warm, cozy aroma that instantly puts you in a holiday mood. Trust me, the joy of mixing, baking, and sharing these delightful cookies with friends and family is what the season is all about. So, let’s get those aprons on and create some sweet memories together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that’s heating up, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and helps the cookies slide right off once they’re done!
Creaming and Mixing
Now, let’s move on to creaming the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, I like to use a hand mixer for this—it’s quick and gives you that lovely fluffy texture. Beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until it’s light and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is nicely combined and you have a smooth batter. You should be able to see a slight sheen on the surface, which is just perfect!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. I like to use a whisk to aerate the flour a bit, making it lighter. Once it’s all mixed, gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. I find that using a spatula works best here—gently combine it until no streaks of flour remain. Just don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be tender!
Final Steps
Now comes the fun part—folding in the chocolate chips! Gently add them to your dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Then, using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each one. Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are golden and the centers look just slightly underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—whip these cookies up in just 15 minutes!
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly sweet with rich chocolate chips in every bite.
- Festive appeal—great for sharing at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for kids to help with—mixing, scooping, and decorating!
- Customizable—add nuts, sprinkles, or even swap in white chocolate chips.
- A wonderful way to fill your home with the cozy scent of baking.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share with you! First off, always remember to use softened butter. This is key for that creamy texture we want when creaming it with sugar. If your butter is too cold, it won’t mix well, and we definitely don’t want that!
Next, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, and I’ve learned the hard way that just a couple of minutes can make a big difference. So, check your cookies a minute or two early—it’s better to underbake just slightly than to overbake them. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out.
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you love a nutty crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in some peanut butter chips for a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the overall ratio of dry to wet ingredients balanced.
Lastly, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll finish setting up during that time, and you’ll avoid the dreaded cookie breakage. Trust me, following these tips will lead you to cookie perfection!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the numbers behind these delightful cookies! Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on a serving size of one cookie, so they might vary a bit depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s the scoop:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
So, there you have it! These cookies are a delicious treat that won’t totally derail your holiday eating plans. Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—they’ll love them just as much as you do!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine if you need a dairy-free option, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Butter gives that rich taste we all love!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week—but trust me, they’ll probably disappear much faster than that!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw!
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can use dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, or even swap in butterscotch chips for a different flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How can I make these cookies festive?
Oh, I love this question! You can add some holiday-themed sprinkles on top before baking or even drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a festive touch. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store any leftovers (if there are any, because they’re that good!), just pop them into an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy for about a week at room temperature. If you find yourself with a mountain of cookies, you can also freeze them!
To freeze, I recommend placing the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them for about an hour. This way, they won’t stick together. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. Just be sure to label the bag with the date so you know when you baked them!
When you’re ready to enjoy some frozen cookies, simply take out what you need and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that freshly baked feel! Enjoy your delightful treats anytime, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
Easy Christmas Baking: 7 Joyful Recipes to Cherish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and quick Christmas baking recipes for festive treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 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 the egg and vanilla extract, mixing 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 or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas baking