Ah, the holidays! There’s something truly magical about this time of year, especially when it comes to baking. I can still remember the sweet smell of cookies wafting through my childhood home as my family gathered around the kitchen, laughing and sharing stories while we baked together. These cookies Christmas are not just any cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness—perfect for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa! Trust me, each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly winter night. Plus, the joy of decorating them with festive sprinkles or just enjoying them fresh from the oven makes this recipe an absolute must for your holiday baking traditions. You’ll want to make these year after year!

Ingredients List

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
1 cup chopped nuts (optional, I love using walnuts or pecans!)

How to Prepare Cookies Christmas

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your cookies bake evenly and gives them that perfect golden-brown finish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is mixed well. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt, which is key to getting those cookies to rise beautifully!

Cream the Butter and Sugars

Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar. I usually use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens—good creaming adds air and helps your cookies stay soft!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs to your butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, cohesive mixture here—no lumps allowed!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!

Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the 1 cup of chopped nuts. Just be careful not to overmix; we want those chunks of chocolate and nuts to be evenly distributed without turning the dough into a big blob!

Shape and Bake

Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between them for spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. They might look a little soft in the middle—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.

Cooling Process

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes. This helps them set up just right. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Try to resist the temptation to eat them all right away, but I won’t judge if you do!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can mix it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips if you want to get creative. Each type brings a unique flavor that can make your cookies Christmas even more special!

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon. This way, you’ll still get that rich buttery flavor without over-salting your cookies.

How do I store my cookies?
Store your cookies Christmas in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking, so it’s easier to work with.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because your butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough. Make sure to use softened butter, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Soft, chewy texture with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
Family-friendly recipe that everyone will love, young and old alike.
Fill your home with the delightful aroma of fresh-baked cookies!

Tips for Success

To make sure your cookies Christmas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—especially the butter and eggs. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating that light and fluffy texture we all crave. When you’re creaming the butter and sugars, don’t rush it! Take your time—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick to trap in air for chewy cookies.

Also, be careful when adding the flour mixture; mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. If you want to mix things up a bit, try adding festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or swap in some dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for a holiday twist! And remember, a little patience during the cooling process will reward you with the perfect texture—trust me, it’s worth it!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided for these cookies Christmas is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like butter brands, chocolate chip types, and any optional add-ins will affect the final values. For the most accurate nutrition facts, it’s always best to calculate based on your exact ingredients. Enjoy your baking adventure!

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

For tips on baking cookies, you can visit King Arthur Baking.

Cookies Christmas: 7 Reasons You’ll Love These Treats

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Add vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture; mix well.
Gradually add flour mixture; stir until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container.
Best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for later.
Customize with your favorite mix-ins.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cookies, christmas, holiday baking, dessert

Spread the love