There’s just something magical about baking *easy Christmas treats* at home, isn’t there? The warm scent of sugar and butter wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered around, and the joy of creating something sweet together—it’s pure bliss! I remember helping my grandma in her cozy kitchen every holiday season, measuring flour and sneaking bites of chocolate chips when she wasn’t looking. Those moments sparked my love for baking, and now I can’t wait to share this simple recipe with you. Trust me, these treats are so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making them year after year, filling your home with joy and deliciousness!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful *easy Christmas treats*. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get baking!
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter (softened)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (or dried fruit if you prefer)
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Treats
Ready to get those ovens preheated and your kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of baking? Let’s dive into the steps to create these scrumptious *easy Christmas treats*! It’s straightforward, and I promise, you’ll feel like a baking superstar.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your treats bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden. So go ahead and set that timer while you prepare the rest!
Creaming the Sugar and Butter
In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This part is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into your batter, making your treats wonderfully soft. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and feels a bit like clouds—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Adding Vanilla Extract
Now, it’s time to add that delicious vanilla extract. Pour it into your creamy sugar-butter mixture and mix well. The scent is going to be divine! This little addition is what elevates these treats from good to absolutely irresistible.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully without any surprise lumps!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture. I usually do this in thirds, mixing gently after each addition. You want a smooth consistency, so be careful not to overmix. Just mix until you see no more flour—it’ll come together nicely!
Folding in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Here’s where you can get a little creative! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (or dried fruit, if that’s your jam). Use a spatula to carefully combine them without overmixing—this helps keep the cookies soft and chewy!
Dropping the Dough
Now, grab a spoon and start dropping spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for about two inches apart, as they’ll spread a bit while baking. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Trust me, uniformity is key!
Baking Instructions
Pop those cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you’re not sure, peek in at the 10-minute mark; they should smell amazing and look slightly puffy!
Cooling Before Serving
Once they’re done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is important because it allows them to set, giving you the best texture possible. Nothing beats a warm cookie, but letting them cool just a bit will make for a delightful treat!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking these *easy Christmas treats*, here are some handy tips that’ll help you achieve the best results and make your cookie-making experience even more enjoyable!
- Watch Your Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If your oven runs hot, you might need to pull them out a minute or two early. You want them golden on the edges and soft in the center!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to switch things up! If you’re not a fan of nuts, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins instead. They’ll provide a lovely chewiness and a pop of flavor!
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can improve the texture of your cookies. It helps them hold their shape and enhances the flavor, too!
- Store Properly: To keep your treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be at their best for about a week—if they last that long!
- Get Creative with Toppings: Once your cookies are cool, drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra festive touch. It’s all about that holiday flair!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here are the estimated nutritional values for these delightful *easy Christmas treats*. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of your festive celebrations, and feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these *easy Christmas treats* to help you out as you bake up a storm!
How do I store these cookies?
You’ll want to keep these delicious treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, feel free to swap them out for dried fruits like cranberries or even coconut flakes. The flavor will be just as festive!
What if I want to make them gluten-free?
No problem! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it has a good mix of binders to keep your cookies from crumbling.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Can I add different flavors?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. You can add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different twist or even some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday cheer!
How can I make these vegan?
You can make these treats vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a flax egg or applesauce instead of the regular egg. Just remember, the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
What if my cookies are too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. It’ll help them hold their shape better!
Now, with these answers in hand, you’re all set to make the most scrumptious *easy Christmas treats*! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just about 27 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or cravings!
- Deliciously Simple: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create treats that are bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gift-giving or bringing to holiday parties, spreading joy one bite at a time!
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate to make them uniquely yours!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the baking process—who doesn’t love rolling dough and sprinkling chocolate chips?
- Holiday Cheer: The smell of these cookies baking will fill your home with warmth and festive spirit—perfect for cozy gatherings!
Easy Christmas Treats: 5 Steps for Joyful Baking Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious Christmas treats you can make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter.
- Add 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 chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute nuts for dried fruit if desired.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas treats
