Ah, Christmas baking! It’s one of my absolute favorite times of the year. The air is filled with the warm scents of sugar and spice, and there’s something so magical about gathering around the kitchen with family, covered in flour, and sharing stories while we bake. I remember my grandma would always say, “The best memories are made in the kitchen!” And let me tell you, she was right! This *easy Christmas baking* recipe is perfect for those who want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create scrumptious cookies that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, you won’t just be filling your cookie jar; you’ll be filling your heart with the joy of the holidays!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather the ingredients for these delightful cookies! You’ll find that each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect holiday treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookies, giving them structure and that classic chewy texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This will help our cookies caramelize beautifully and add that delightful sugary crunch.
- 1/2 cup butter: Make sure it’s softened! Butter adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth goodness we all love.
- 2 eggs: These will help bind everything together and give our cookies a nice, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of this will enhance the flavor and give your cookies that irresistible aroma.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This little ingredient is crucial for helping our cookies rise just right!
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch! It balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The star of the show! Go for semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you want a sweeter bite.
Each ingredient is simple and easy to find, making this *easy Christmas baking* recipe perfect for whipping up with the whole family! Don’t worry if you can’t find something; I’ll share some fun alternatives later on!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and oh, the smell is divine!
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by that luscious vanilla extract. This is where your cookies start to gain their character!
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mixture, and it’s key for getting that perfect cookie texture. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies might end up tough! Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips—you want those gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite!
Once your dough is ready, drop spoonfuls of it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each dollop (they’ll spread a bit!). Now, it’s time to bake for about 10-12 minutes until they’re golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your home—it’s pure holiday magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have cookies ready to share in no time!
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! Baking together creates unforgettable memories and everyone can help with mixing and decorating.
- Delicious Results: These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make these cookies your own! The options are endless.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in festive boxes or tins for a heartfelt gift that friends and family will love.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cookies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First off, if you want firmer cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and gives you that delightful chewy texture. Also, don’t hesitate to get creative—if you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist! And remember, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this easy Christmas baking recipe! For a nutty twist, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans—they add a delightful crunch and richness. If you’re in the mood for fruity flavors, toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of color and a hint of tartness. Want to elevate your chocolate game? Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a sweet surprise. You can even add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive minty touch that’s perfect for the season. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delicious cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them soft and chewy, just how we love them! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, there’s no need to thaw! Just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and it’ll be like you just baked it fresh. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie, so you can enjoy your treats guilt-free! Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and factors like ingredient brands can affect the numbers. Happy indulging!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your cookies a nuttier flavor and a little extra fiber. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly denser.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week! If you want to keep them longer, try freezing them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just chill the dough for about 30 minutes, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for a golden edge and a soft center that’s just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked when you take them out!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg!
Easy Christmas Baking: 7 Steps to Heartwarming Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas baking recipes to enjoy with family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can replace chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for firmer cookies.
- 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: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas baking
