There’s something magical about baking xmas cookies during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of warm cookies filling the house just makes everything feel festive and cozy. I remember as a kid, my family would gather in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, and we’d laugh while mixing up our favorite recipes. It was like our own little holiday ritual! We’d always make sure to sneak a few chocolate chips before they even made it into the dough. Trust me, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than whipping up a batch of these delicious cookies together. Plus, they make the perfect treat to share with friends and family, spreading that sweet holiday cheer all around!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful xmas cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Make sure your butter is softened—that’s key to getting that creamy texture when you mix it with the sugars! And don’t forget to pack your brown sugar firmly into the measuring cup for the right sweetness. Happy baking!
How to Prepare xmas cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is *super* important because it helps the cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, nobody wants flat, sad cookies!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is key for those perfect little cookie puffs. If you don’t mix it well enough, you might end up with some cookies that taste a bit salty. Yikes!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In another large bowl, it’s time to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups white sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for this part if you can! Beat it until it’s light and fluffy—kind of like clouds! You want to see a nice pale color, which means air has been whipped in, and that’s what gives your cookies that lovely texture.
Adding Eggs and Extracts
Next up, crack in 2 large eggs, and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat this mixture until everything is well combined. The vanilla brings that classic cookie aroma, while the almond extract adds a little twist that makes your cookies taste even more special!
Combining Mixtures
Now, it’s time to gradually mix in your dry ingredients. I like to add it in batches to avoid a flour explosion—nobody wants that mess! Once that’s combined, gently stir in 2 cups of chocolate chips. Make sure not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffy texture intact!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges just start to turn golden brown. Ooh, the smell will be heavenly!
Cooling and Storing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step helps them firm up a bit so they don’t fall apart. Once they’re completely cool, store your delicious xmas cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Nutritional Information
These delightful xmas cookies are not only festive but also relatively easy to track in terms of nutrition! Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 10g of sugar and 1g of fiber per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so enjoy them in moderation while you spread that holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of the season.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth—pure bliss!
- A great way to bond with family and friends during baking sessions.
- Perfect for sharing with loved ones, spreading joy and cheer!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- These cookies make your home smell absolutely amazing!
Tips for Success
To make sure your xmas cookies come out perfect every time, here are my top tips! First, measure your flour correctly—scooping straight from the bag can lead to packed flour, making your cookies dense. Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Also, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps achieve that delightful fluffy texture when creaming with sugars.
Another common mistake? Overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Just mix until combined, and you’ll keep those cookies soft and chewy. And don’t skip the cooling step! Letting them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to set properly before transferring to wire racks. Trust me, following these tips will take your holiday baking to the next level!
Variations
Get creative with your xmas cookies by trying out different mix-ins and flavors! For a delightful twist, consider adding white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a sweet surprise. If you’re a fan of nuts, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Want to spice things up? A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cookies a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. You could even swap out some of the chocolate chips for dried cranberries or cherries for a cheery pop of color and tartness. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze my xmas cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature—easy peasy!
What’s the best way to store xmas cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They should stay delicious for about a week!
Can I substitute ingredients?
For sure! If you’re out of almond extract, just skip it or replace it with extra vanilla extract. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut oil instead of butter, but it may change the texture a bit. Also, feel free to swap chocolate chips for your favorite candies or nuts!
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to melted butter or not chilling the dough. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and if you find your dough too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour will give your cookies a denser texture. Mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour is a great option to keep some lightness while adding a bit of nutrition!
Xmas Cookies: 7 Magical Tips for Perfect Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 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: xmas cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
