Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about filling your home with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. It takes me back to my childhood, when I would spend afternoons in the kitchen with my family, flour dusting our noses as we laughed and made a mess. Those moments are some of my favorite memories, and now I get to recreate that joy with these best Christmas cookies recipes! Each cookie in this collection is perfect for your festive celebrations, whether you’re sharing them with friends, leaving them out for Santa, or simply indulging on a cozy night in. Trust me, your holiday gatherings will be sweeter with these delightful treats, bringing smiles and a sense of togetherness to everyone who takes a bite. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, you can multitask!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to combine the dry ingredients and get rid of any lumps.
- Now, grab a larger mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon. You want it to be light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. The batter should smell heavenly!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want soft, chewy cookies, not tough ones!
- Finally, fold in those delicious chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. This is the fun part where you can decide how chunky you want your cookies!
- Using a spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, giving them some space to spread out while baking.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for these delightful cookies. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your holiday festivities! You’ll want to savor every soft and chewy bite, knowing they bring a little extra cheer to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for those busy holiday baking sessions.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: Whether it’s a festive party or a cozy get-together, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!
- Customizable with various toppings: Feel free to mix it up! Add your favorite nuts, sprinkles, or even swap in different types of chocolate for a personal touch.
- Soft and chewy texture: Each bite is like a hug for your taste buds, with a delightful softness that’s hard to resist.
- Great for gifting: Package them up in a pretty box or tin, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift that’s sure to warm hearts.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas cookies turn out as delicious as possible, I’ve got a few tips that I swear by! First off, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives them that perfect chewy texture we all love. Also, don’t skip the step of properly preheating your oven—trust me, it makes a world of difference! An oven thermometer can be a handy tool to ensure it’s at the right temperature. Oh, and remember to keep an eye on your cookies while they bake! Ovens can be sneaky, and those edges can go from golden to overdone in a flash. Lastly, feel free to experiment with your mix-ins; that’s part of the fun! You’ll discover your own little twist on the best Christmas cookies!
Variations
One of the best things about these best Christmas cookies is how easy they are to customize! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Nutty Delights: Swap out the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a completely different flavor profile.
- Fruit Fusion: Add in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
- Chocolate Choices: Mix in dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even mint-flavored chocolate for a festive twist!
- Spice it Up: For a hint of warmth, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It’ll make your cookies taste even more like the holidays!
- Festive Sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles before baking to add a cheerful touch to your cookie platter.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and you might just discover a new favorite version of these cookies!
Serving Suggestions
These best Christmas cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages or treats can elevate your holiday experience! Here are a few suggestions that I absolutely love:
- Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats a warm cup of rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows to complement the sweetness of your cookies.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a creamy, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery goodness of your cookies.
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced apple cider can bring a cozy touch to your cookie platter, enhancing those festive flavors.
- Milk: You can never go wrong with a tall glass of cold milk—it’s the ultimate classic for dunking your cookies!
- Holiday Fruit Plate: Serve your cookies alongside a colorful platter of fresh seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples for a refreshing contrast.
These pairings will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy every bite and sip!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your best Christmas cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to two months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that freshly baked goodness! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might lose that delightful chewiness we all love. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Best Christmas Cookies That Will Warm Your Heart & Home
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of the best Christmas cookie recipes for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in nuts and chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Chill dough for better texture.
- Try adding different toppings for variety.
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: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, best Christmas cookies