Bring holiday cheer to your baking with these Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies. Featuring a classic chocolate chip cookie base with festive candy canes, white chocolate chips, and snowflake sprinkles, these cookies are a delightful treat for any holiday celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Look: Crushed candy canes and sprinkles make these cookies perfect for the holidays.
- Classic Flavor: Combines the beloved taste of chocolate chip cookies with a seasonal twist.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for cookie exchanges, gift boxes, or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite holiday sprinkles or swap in dark chocolate chips.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Snowflake sprinkles for decoration
Directions
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Festive Add-Ins
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes. Mix until evenly distributed for a festive touch.
Step 5: Shaping and Decorating
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press snowflake sprinkles into the tops of the cookies.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly underdone. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Extra Peppermint: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Decorative Touch: Use red and green sprinkles for a classic holiday look.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the flavor.
2. How do I keep cookies soft?
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
3. Can I substitute candy canes with peppermint candies?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies work perfectly as a substitute.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
5. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for even pieces.
6. Can I use mini chocolate chips?
Yes, mini chocolate chips will distribute more evenly throughout the dough.
7. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden while the centers remain slightly soft.
8. What’s the secret to chewy cookies?
Avoid overbaking and ensure the butter is at room temperature before starting.
9. Can I skip the sprinkles?
Of course! The cookies are delicious even without the sprinkles.
10. What pairs well with these cookies?
A glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a warm cup of coffee are all great choices.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your holiday baking. With their classic flavor and decorative touches, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Bake a batch for your family, gift them to friends, or enjoy them all to yourself—either way, they’ll be a hit!
PrintChocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday / Christmas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get into the holiday spirit with these Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies! Soft, chewy, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes, these festive treats are topped with snowflake sprinkles for a magical touch. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or a cozy baking day at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Snowflake sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
4. Add Festive Mix-Ins
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
5. Shape and Decorate
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press snowflake sprinkles into the tops for a festive touch.
6. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Butter Texture: Ensure butter is softened for a creamy consistency.
- Candy Canes: Finely crush candy canes to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies should look soft and slightly underbaked in the center to ensure a chewy texture.
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