Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of baking cookies. I can still remember those cozy afternoons spent with my family, flour dusting the countertops as we mixed and rolled dough, laughter echoing with every sprinkle of sugar. Creating these *holiday treats* has become a cherished tradition for me, and I just love how they bring everyone together! Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these festive cookies are perfect for sharing. Trust me, they’ll make your celebrations even sweeter! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s sifted for a lighter texture in your cookies.
- 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar works best for that perfect sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Let it sit at room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugar.
- 2 eggs: Fresh eggs add moisture and richness to your dough.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla if you can; it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This will help your cookies rise and get that nice, soft texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your taste preference!
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, but feel free to mix it up!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step makes all the difference for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until it’s combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender and soft!
Finally, gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips and crushed nuts. Now, using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden around the edges. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed nuts carefully.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you might be curious about what’s in these delicious holiday treats! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per cookie. Of course, these figures can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and their portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So there you have it! Keep in mind that indulging in these cookies during the festive season is all part of the joy, so enjoy every bite without too much worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
- Delicious flavor that everyone loves! The combination of chocolate chips and nuts creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfectly festive! These cookies are not just treats; they’re a fun way to spread holiday cheer and make your gatherings extra special.
- Great for sharing! Whether you’re gifting them to friends or bringing them to a potluck, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Quick to bake! In just about 30 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of cookies ready to enjoy.
- Versatile! You can easily switch up the mix-ins, making them fun to customize for your family’s tastes.
- They’re a crowd-pleaser! Everyone from kids to adults will find joy in these tasty treats, making them a hit at any holiday celebration.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your holiday treats turn out just as magical as you envision! Here are some practical tips to ensure success in your cookie-making journey:
- Measure accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid packing it in. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly, giving you that lovely fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that!
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld and prevent spreading too much while baking.
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Cool properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely without breaking apart.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to try different chocolate types, nuts, or even dried fruits! This adds a personal touch and keeps things exciting.
- Stay organized: Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start baking. This helps keep the process smooth and less stressful.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful holiday treats that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!
Variations
Now, if you’re like me, you love to get a little creative in the kitchen! These holiday treats are super versatile, and you can easily mix things up to suit your taste or mood. Here are some fun ideas to personalize your cookie adventure:
- Dried Fruit Delight: Swap out some of the chocolate chips for dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a chewy, fruity twist. It adds a lovely pop of color too!
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday cheer. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Minty Fresh: Stir in some crushed peppermint candies or a drop of peppermint extract to give your cookies a refreshing holiday vibe. Perfect for those who love mint chocolate!
- Nut Butter Boost: Replace half of the butter with your favorite nut butter, like peanut or almond, for a rich and nutty flavor. It’s a great way to add creaminess and depth.
- Chocolate Lovers: For an extra indulgent treat, try using a mix of chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate! You can’t go wrong with more chocolate, right?
- Zesty Citrus: Add some orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and nuts. It’s like a burst of sunshine in cookie form!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free too!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have at home or what flavors you love. The beauty of baking is that you can let your creativity shine, and I can’t wait to see what delicious combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delightful batch of these holiday treats, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. So here’s how I like to store them: let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack (this is super important to prevent sogginess!). Then, place them in an airtight container. I always recommend layering the cookies with parchment paper between them to keep them from sticking together. This way, they’ll be perfectly preserved!
You can store the cookies at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long—everyone loves them! If you’re looking to keep them fresher for an extended period, you can pop them in the freezer. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, and when you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Now, if you want to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, here’s my favorite reheating method: preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), then place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them up and brings back that lovely soft texture. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it or they’ll become tough. Enjoy those warm, gooey bites again!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just baking these delicious holiday treats! Pairing them with the right beverages and festive dishes can take your Christmas celebrations to the next level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions that really enhance the experience:
- Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats a warm mug of rich hot cocoa alongside these cookies. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that extra treat!
- Eggnog: For a classic holiday vibe, serve these cookies with creamy eggnog. The sweetness of the cookies perfectly complements the spiced flavors of the drink.
- Mulled Wine: If you’re in the mood for something a bit more festive, a glass of mulled wine pairs beautifully. The warm spices in the wine echo the flavors in your cookies.
- Tea Time: A nice cup of chai or peppermint tea is a cozy pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a soothing touch to your holiday gather.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Get creative and turn your cookies into ice cream sandwiches! Just scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
- Charcuterie Board: Add your cookies to a festive charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. It creates a beautiful display and offers a variety of flavors for your guests.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, or apples can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies. Plus, they add a pop of color to your dessert table!
These pairings will not only enhance the joy of enjoying your holiday treats but also create memorable moments with friends and family. So, gather around, share some laughs, and indulge in these festive delights together!
Print
Holiday Treats Christmas: 7 Irresistible Homemade Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits for variety.
- Adjust baking time for larger cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: holiday treats, christmas treats, festive cookies
