These Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat to bake and share during the holiday season. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a generous amount of chocolate chips, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa or giving them as gifts, these cookies capture the essence of the holidays with every bite.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Reduce the speed to low, then add the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other festive ingredients like white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Shape: Instead of round balls, you can flatten the dough slightly before baking for a chewier texture, or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of the dough balls before baking for a more festive look.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough in balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for an extra minute or two.
Reheating: To warm up cookies, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? It’s best to use unsalted butter for more control over the saltiness, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Can I use other types of chocolate chips? Yes, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
What can I do if I don’t have an electric mixer? You can mix by hand using a whisk or spoon, but it may take a little extra effort to get the butter and sugar light and fluffy.
Can I refrigerate the dough before baking? Yes, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies maintain their shape.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? This could be due to the dough being too warm. Try chilling the dough for a bit before baking, or ensure that the butter is not too soft when mixing.
Can I freeze the cookies after baking? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What should I do if I don’t have parchment paper? You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheets if you don’t have parchment paper.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking? The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and still soft in the center when done. They will firm up as they cool.
How can I make these cookies more festive for Christmas? You can add red and green sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for a more festive touch.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookies are an easy and delicious way to bring holiday cheer to your home. With just the right amount of sweetness and chocolatey goodness, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with loved ones, these cookies will add a special touch to any celebration.