Oh, the joy of baking Christmas cookies! There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. It instantly lifts my spirits and fills the air with warmth and cheer. Every year, I gather around the kitchen with family and friends, rolling out dough, cutting out festive shapes, and, of course, sneaking a few chocolate chips before they even make it into the mix! Trust me, baking Christmas cookies is not just about the finished product; it’s about creating memories and embracing the festive spirit that makes this time of year so special. So, put on your favorite holiday tunes, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on these delicious treats that are sure to bring joy to your celebrations!
Ingredients List
- 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 (for a lovely hint of flavor)
- 3 cups chocolate chips (the more, the merrier!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a small bowl and mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s well combined—this helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly.
- Now, in a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen at this point!
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture you prepared earlier. I like to add it in thirds, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over mix—you want that dough to stay soft and tender!
- Finally, stir in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, and don’t be shy—add a few extra if you want to indulge!
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Give them enough space to spread out—about 2 inches apart should do the trick.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
- Once they’re out, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set perfectly!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these delightful Christmas cookies, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to enjoy treats like these in moderation, especially during the festive season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Rich, gooey chocolate chips in every bite, making them utterly delicious.
- Festive appeal that fills your home with the scents of the season.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To really nail these Christmas cookies, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, consider chilling the dough for about an hour before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and gives you a nice, chewy texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
When it comes to baking time, keep a close eye on those cookies. Ovens can be sneaky! They’re done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers might still look a little soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait until they’re totally set in the oven. Oops, I’ve overbaked before, and it’s a bummer!
And don’t forget, you can easily mix things up! Try adding in some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a fun twist. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous with your baking Christmas cookies, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! For a delightful crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the mix. They pair beautifully with the chocolate chips! You could also toss in some dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a sweet and chewy surprise.
Feeling a bit festive? Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday spice. And don’t forget about sprinkles! A handful of colorful holiday sprinkles mixed in will make these cookies even more festive. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy the process!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing and pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a festive spiced chai tea. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside a platter of other holiday treats like peppermint bark or gingerbread men. They also make a sweet addition to a holiday cookie box, perfect for gifting to friends and family. Enjoy the festive spirit with every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, pop them in the freezer. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them tightly in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months that way!
If you prefer your cookies warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that gooey, melty goodness. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your cookies a heartier texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that they might turn out a bit denser.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for a golden brown edge and slightly soft center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked right out of the oven!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a minute or two to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I add different types of chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to mix in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chips for a fun twist. The more chocolate, the better!
Baking Christmas Cookies: 7 Joyful Steps to Delight
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 36 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 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 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can add nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- Chill dough for an hour for better texture.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 90mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 25g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: baking christmas cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate chip cookies
