Cookie Recipes Christmas: 7 Magical Treats to Bake Now

cookie recipes christmas

By:

Julia marin

There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The aroma of warm cookies fills the house, making it feel cozy and festive. These cookie recipes for Christmas are my absolute favorite because they’re not just delicious but also super easy to whip up, even if you’re juggling a million things during this busy season. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll be the star of every holiday gathering! The combination of rich chocolate chips and the option for crunchy walnuts creates a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. And the best part? You can make a big batch in no time, perfect for sharing with family and friends. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and dive into the joy of cookie baking! You won’t regret it!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful Christmas cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This will be the base of your cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda – This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming; it’s the heart of your cookie dough!
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar – For that sweet, classic cookie flavor.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar – This adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and moisture to your cookies.
  • 2 large eggs – They bind everything together and add richness.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For a warm, comforting flavor that’s essential in holiday baking.
  • 2 cups chocolate chips – Because what are cookies without chocolate? You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference!
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
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Glad Tall Kitchen Trash Bags 13 Gallon

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TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Glass Olive Oil

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How to Prepare Cookie Recipes Christmas

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—baking these delightful Christmas cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to cookie bliss.

Prepping the Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients now helps to avoid lumps later. Set this mixture aside for a bit!

Creaming Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, it’s time to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups of white sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is super important because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that perfect texture. You’ll know you’re there when the mixture is light and fluffy!

Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Now, let’s add some richness! Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t forget to stir in those 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This adds that warm, holiday flavor we all love. Mixing these in well will give your cookies a wonderful depth of flavor.

Combining Dry Ingredients and Add-Ins

Next, gradually blend in your dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar concoction. I usually do this in thirds to avoid a flour explosion! Once combined, gently fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped walnuts (if you’re using them). This step gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Baking the Cookies

Now, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop to allow for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a little different! You’ll want to take them out when they’re slightly underbaked for that chewy texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. And voila! Your kitchen is about to smell like Christmas!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for each cookie from this delightful Christmas cookie recipe. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes.

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

So, go ahead and indulge a little! These cookies are a sweet treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering, and with these numbers, you can enjoy them without too much worry. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
  • Rich, festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
  • Versatile recipe—feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or swap out chocolate for festive M&Ms!
  • Great for sharing, making you the hero of any holiday gathering.
  • Deliciously chewy texture that everyone loves—seriously, they’ll disappear fast!
  • Perfectly customizable; you can decorate them with sprinkles or icing for an extra festive touch.
  • A wonderful way to create lasting memories with family and friends in the kitchen.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my go-to tips that will help you achieve cookie success!

  • Use room temperature butter: This is key! Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. It allows for better incorporation of air, giving your cookies that delightful texture.
  • Don’t overmix the dough: Once you’ve added your dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
  • Chill the dough (if needed): If your dough feels too soft or warm, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
  • Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized cookies, I love using a cookie scoop. It makes it so much easier to drop uniform amounts of dough onto the baking sheets!
  • Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chew.
  • Let them cool: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes for easier handling.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious Christmas cookies that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Let’s jazz up these Christmas cookies with some fun variations! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to get creative and mix things up a bit. Here are some ideas to inspire your holiday baking:

  • Mint Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate chips for mint-flavored ones or add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist that screams holiday cheer.
  • White Chocolate Cranberry: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and toss in a cup of dried cranberries. This combination is not only pretty but super delicious and perfectly seasonal!
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a half cup of creamy peanut butter to the butter and sugar mixture for a nutty flavor, or swirl it into the dough before baking for a delightful surprise.
  • Spiced Gingerbread: Incorporate ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the dry ingredients to give your cookies that warm, gingerbread flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
  • Chocolate Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch that’s sure to impress!
  • Festive Sprinkles: Don’t forget about sprinkles! Add some colorful holiday sprinkles to the dough or on top of the cookies before baking for a cheerful, eye-catching finish.

These variations will take your Christmas cookie game to the next level. So grab those ingredients, let your imagination run wild, and spread some holiday joy with every delicious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked up a storm of delicious Christmas cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store your scrumptious creations and keep them delightful for days to come.

First, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial, as it prevents moisture from building up and making them soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!

If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them. Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste!

Reheating is super easy! If you prefer a warm cookie, just preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore that lovely soft texture. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, so they don’t overbake!

With these storage and reheating tips, your Christmas cookies will be available for snacking anytime you want a taste of holiday cheer. Enjoy!

FAQ Section

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit, making the cookies a little denser. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a nice balance!

What can I use if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can swap them out for any kind of chips you love—like white chocolate, butterscotch, or even peanut butter chips. Dried fruits or nuts can also add a delightful twist!

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to look for golden brown edges while the centers might look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook a bit once you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look a tiny bit soft!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and then chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking so it’s easier to handle.

What’s the best way to decorate my Christmas cookies?
You can get really creative here! Try using icing, colored sprinkles, or even melted chocolate to drizzle on top. For a festive touch, consider adding crushed candy canes or edible glitter—perfect for the holiday spirit!

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cookie recipes christmas

Cookie Recipes Christmas: 7 Magical Treats to Bake Now


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious Christmas cookie recipes for your holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
  6. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
  7. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
  8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

  • Use festive cookie cutters for fun shapes.
  • Add colored sprinkles for decoration.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cookie recipes christmas

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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