Ah, the magic of Christmas gatherings! There’s something truly special about the twinkling lights, the cheerful carols, and, of course, the delicious treats that bring us all together. I just love how the aroma of fresh-baked cookies fills the house, creating an inviting atmosphere that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. It’s those moments spent around the table with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter over plates of festive goodies that makes this time of year so unforgettable.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share my favorite Christmas party recipes with you! These delightful cookies are a staple at my holiday celebrations, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Trust me, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for sharing—whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in. So, let’s dive into the joy of baking and create some delicious memories together!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious cookies. Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure and that lovely chewy texture.
1 cup sugar – Sweetness is a must! Granulated sugar will give your cookies a nice balance of flavor and texture.
1/2 cup butter – I always use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. It adds rich flavor and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
2 eggs – These bind everything together and contribute to that perfect cookie consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla really elevates the flavor and makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
1 teaspoon baking powder – This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just right.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a hint of salt enhances all the flavors, making your cookies taste even better.
1 cup chocolate chips – And of course, you can’t forget these! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite kind!

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—baking these mouthwatering cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies ready in no time.

Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
Cream the butter and sugar: 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. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks almost pale in color.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined. The batter should look smooth and creamy.
Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is super important because it evenly distributes the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay soft and tender!
Fold in chocolate chips: Now for the best part—gently fold in the chocolate chips. You can use a spatula or a wooden spoon for this, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Scoop onto baking sheets: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give them room to spread out while baking.
Bake: Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden, but the centers should look a little soft, as they’ll continue to cook on the sheet.
Cool before serving: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for achieving that perfect texture!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful batch of cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family at your Christmas party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: You can whip up these cookies in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it easy to fit into your busy holiday schedule!
Perfect for sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, you’ll have plenty to share at your Christmas party or with neighbors and friends.
Great for holiday gatherings: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who takes a bite. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges or festive dessert tables!
Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can swap in different types of chocolate chips, add nuts, or even throw in some festive sprinkles for a fun twist.
Deliciously comforting: The combination of melty chocolate and soft, chewy cookie is simply irresistible and brings that cozy, warm feeling of the holidays.
Family tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition, creating sweet memories year after year.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so it’s important to measure your ingredients precisely. I always use a kitchen scale when possible, especially for flour, to get it just right!
Don’t skip the chilling: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor!
Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Substitutions are okay: If you’re out of an ingredient, don’t fret! You can substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter cookie, or swap in brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Test a mini batch: If you’re trying a variation, bake a small test batch first. This way, you can see how your changes affect the texture and flavor without committing the whole batch!
Store them right: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to get hard, pop a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the best Christmas cookies ever. Happy baking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with these cookies! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Different chocolate chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Each type brings its own unique flavor and sweetness!
Nutty delight: Add a cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Toasting the nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor and makes your cookies even more delicious!
Festive sprinkles: For a holiday twist, sprinkle some festive colored sprinkles on top of the dough before baking. It adds a fun pop of color and makes them extra special for Christmas parties!
Peanut butter twist: Replace half of the butter with peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor. You could even swirl in some peanut butter chips for double the peanut butter goodness!
Minty fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint flavor. Toss in some crushed candy canes after baking for that extra holiday crunch!
Coconut lover: Mix in a cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch. It pairs beautifully with chocolate and gives your cookies a delightful chewiness!
Oatmeal addition: Replace a cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier cookie. This gives them a lovely chew and a bit of wholesome goodness!

Feel free to get creative with these variations! The best part about baking is experimenting and finding what you love the most. Happy baking, and enjoy the delicious results!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got a delightful batch of cookies ready to go, let’s talk about how to make your Christmas party even more festive with some fun serving suggestions! Trust me, these ideas will have your guests raving about the delicious treats all night long.

Milk and Cookies Station: Set up a charming milk bar with different types of milk—whole, almond, and chocolate—alongside your cookies. It’s a classic combo that everyone loves!
Hot Cocoa Bar: Create a cozy hot cocoa station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles. Pairing your cookies with a warm cup of cocoa is like a hug in a mug!
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: For a savory twist, serve your cookies alongside a festive cheese and charcuterie board. The sweet and salty combination is always a hit and adds a touch of elegance!
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, clementines, and berries can balance the sweetness of the cookies and provide a refreshing option for guests.
Decorative Cookie Display: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter or tiered stand. Add some festive decorations like holly or pinecones to create a stunning centerpiece!
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: For a fun dessert twist, set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top their cookies with scoops of ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts. It’s indulgent and absolutely delightful!
Gift Bags: Send your guests home with little gift bags filled with your cookies. It’s a sweet way to share the love and spreads the joy of your baking long after the party ends!

With these serving suggestions, your cookies will shine at the party and create a memorable experience for everyone. So gather your friends and family, and enjoy the sweet moments together!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked these delightful cookies and let them cool, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly to maintain that delicious taste and texture:

Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them soft and chewy! If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date so you remember when you made them!
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They’ll be just like fresh-baked cookies!
Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might become a bit too chewy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get them nice and warm again.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your delicious cookies for days to come, making your Christmas celebrations even sweeter!

Nutritional Information

Now, if you’re like me, you love to know what you’re indulging in—especially during the festive season! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each of these delightful cookies:

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

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, I promise each bite will be worth it! Enjoy the treats and the festive spirit they bring!

FAQ Section

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious until your Christmas party!

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars, dried fruits, or even butterscotch chips if you want to switch things up. The cookies will still be delightful!

How do I know when the cookies are done?
Great question! You’ll want to look for slightly golden edges while the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, giving you that perfect chewy texture!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. When you’re ready to bake, just bake the frozen dough directly—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Decorating is half the fun! You can use festive sprinkles, drizzle some melted chocolate on top, or even create a simple icing. Get creative and let your holiday spirit shine!

Christmas Party Recipes: 7 Irresistible Treats to Delight

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 recipes for your Christmas party.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Use festive sprinkles for decoration.
Can substitute dark chocolate chips.

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: christmas party recipes

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