Ah, the joy of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about filling your home with the warm, sweet scents of *christmas sweets*. I can still remember the first time I made these delightful cookies with my family. We’d gather around the kitchen, laughter echoing as we mixed and measured, a sprinkle of flour here and a dash of sugar there. The best part? Watching those cookies puff up in the oven, their edges turning golden brown while the chocolate chips melted into gooey perfection. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of biting into a warm cookie fresh from the oven, surrounded by loved ones during this festive season. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some delicious memories together with these holiday treats!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly. You don’t want to toss your dough into a cold oven and risk cookies that are burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. So, give it a good 10-15 minutes to reach that perfect temperature while you prepare your cookie dough!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, grab your softened unsalted butter and sugar, and let’s get creaming! Using an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk), beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cookies that delightful texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Crack those eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is nicely combined. The vanilla adds that warm, inviting flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible!
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it all together so it’s well mixed. This step is key because it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent (baking powder) throughout the dough, which helps your cookies rise perfectly!
Mix Ingredients Together
Now, let’s unite our wet and dry ingredients! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and chewy!
Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Here comes the fun part! Fold in your chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them without overmixing. This way, you get those delicious pockets of chocolate and crunch in each bite!
Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each scoop, as they will spread while baking. Trust me, you don’t want cookie blobs!
Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling Tips
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up perfectly! Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. It’s hard to resist eating them warm, but trust me, they taste even better after cooling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Deliciously soft and chewy cookies that everyone will adore.
- Loaded with chocolate chips and nuts for that perfect sweet and crunchy combination.
- Great for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings.
- Versatile—feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like dried fruits or different types of chocolate!
- Just the right amount of sweetness, making them a delightful treat without being overly indulgent.
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting in cute holiday tins!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some of my top tips! First off, always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so I recommend using the spoon-and-level method for the best results.
Next, keep an eye on those baking times! Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time. The edges should be golden, and the centers will look a bit soft—that’s exactly how you want them! They’ll continue to cook a little after being taken out, so don’t wait until they’re completely firm.
Also, make sure you let them cool properly. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing them to cool on a wire rack will keep them from getting soggy. If you’re storing them, pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely to maintain that delightful chewiness.
And don’t forget, these cookies are super versatile! Feel free to swap out the nuts for your favorites or even mix in some festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday touch. Keep experimenting, and you’ll find your perfect cookie combo!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these festive christmas sweets, it’s always good to know what you’re getting! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying a cookie or two during the holiday season is totally worth it, especially with how delicious they are! Just remember to savor every bite, and don’t hesitate to share with loved ones (if you can resist the temptation!).
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Mix and match based on your preference—each will give your cookies a unique flavor!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results, as it helps with the texture. Some people have had great success using almond flour too—experiment and find what you love!
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is overmixing the batter! It can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that. Mix until just combined when adding your dry ingredients. Also, be sure to not skip the cooling time on the baking sheet; removing them too early can cause them to fall apart.
Can I add dried fruits or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Dried cranberries, raisins, or even coconut flakes can add a festive touch to your cookies. Just keep in mind to balance the sweetness if you’re adding sweetened dried fruits!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep those delicious holiday christmas sweets fresh, it’s important to store them properly. Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their softness and keep them from drying out. If you’re planning to enjoy them over the week, they should stay yummy at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they’re not exposed to heat or direct sunlight!
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, and they’ll taste just as good as when they came out of the oven!
Reheating them is easy too! If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they can turn chewy instead of that delightful soft texture we love. Enjoy your cookies fresh and warm, and watch them disappear in no time!
Print
christmas sweets: 7 Heartwarming Cookies for Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious treats for the holiday season
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 sweets, holiday cookies, festive treats
