Oh, the joy of the holiday season! Nothing brings me more warmth than gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious treats. That’s why I absolutely love making these *Christmas treats easy*! They’re perfect for whipping up in no time and sharing with everyone around me. Just imagine the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, filling it with the festive spirit. Trust me, these treats are a breeze to prepare, and they’ll have everyone asking for seconds. You won’t believe how simple yet satisfying they are! So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the magic of holiday baking together!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. You don’t want to pop them in a cold oven and end up with unevenly baked treats—no thank you!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab your mixing bowl and add in that lovely room-temperature butter along with the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be airy and pale—this is where the magic begins!
Mixing in the Vanilla
Next, it’s time to add in that delicious vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla is just heavenly! Mix it in well so that every bit of your buttery goodness is infused with that warm, comforting flavor. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in your cookies!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures that your leavening agent (the baking powder) is evenly distributed throughout the flour. No one wants a cookie that’s a little too salty in one bite, right?
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want to combine them just until you don’t see any more flour—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we all want soft, chewy delights!
Adding Chocolate Chips
Time for the best part! Gently fold in those chocolate chips. I like to use a spatula for this so that I don’t break any of those lovely chips. Just be careful not to overmix—keep it gentle, and let those chips be the stars of the show!
Dropping Dough on Baking Sheet
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 cookie because they’ll spread a little while baking. I usually aim for about 2 inches apart—this way, they won’t end up as one giant cookie!
Baking the Cookies
Now it’s time to bake! Pop those cookies into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they’re golden around the edges but still a bit soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked!
Cooling Before Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because it helps them set up nicely. Plus, it gives you a chance to enjoy that amazing smell wafting through your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously rich flavor with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
- Perfectly shareable—great for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
- Family-friendly recipe that even the kids can help with!
- Flexible for any occasion—add sprinkles or icing for extra festive flair!
- Made with love, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your baking game.
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This helps it cream better with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften, not melt!
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. For flour, I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing it down and using too much.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. They should be golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
- Cool Completely: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a flavor twist. The holidays are all about fun flavors, so don’t hold back!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a storm of delightful treats that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one of these delightful cookies, based on the ingredients we’ve used. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on specific brands or any little tweaks you make to the recipe.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet treat, but hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll definitely be spreading joy and cheer with every bite. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I get about these easy Christmas treats, along with my helpful tips to make your baking experience even better.
Can I store these cookies? How long do they last?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can pop them in the fridge, and they’ll last for about two weeks. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months! When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into the oven—no need to thaw!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative or even coconut oil. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor and texture, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Great question! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, as that helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Your gluten-free friends will thank you for these treats!
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
The decorating possibilities are endless! You can drizzle melted chocolate on top, sprinkle some festive colored sugar, or even pipe on some icing for a more polished look. If you’re feeling extra creative, try adding crushed candy canes or sprinkles for a fun holiday touch!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, and dried fruit can give a nice chewiness. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins roughly the same as the chocolate chips, so your cookie dough doesn’t get too heavy!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than you’d like, it could be because the butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough. Next time, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is softened, not melted!
I hope these FAQs help clarify any questions you have about making these fabulous Christmas treats! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with cheer and delicious aromas!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful cookies and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s the scoop! To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them, and they’ll last for about two weeks. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent any sogginess.
If you find yourself with some extra cookies (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want extra cookies?), you can also freeze them! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months! When you’re ready for a sweet treat, just pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. No reheating needed, but if you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just watch them closely so they don’t get too hot!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your holiday baking delights long after the festivities are over. Happy munching!
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Christmas Treats Easy: 7 Joyful Recipes for the Holidays
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas treats to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These can be decorated with icing.
- Try adding nuts for extra flavor.
- 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 treats easy
