Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something incredibly special about whipping up a Santa cookie plate to leave out on Christmas Eve. The smell of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house is like a warm hug, and it truly gets everyone in the festive spirit. I absolutely love gathering my family in the kitchen, rolling up our sleeves, and creating these delicious treats together. Trust me, when Santa sees this plate filled with homemade cookies, he won’t be able to resist! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Let’s dive into making these delightful cookies that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but oh-so-delicious!)
These ingredients come together to create the most delightful cookies for your Santa cookie plate. Make sure to have everything ready so you can dive right into the mixing and baking fun!
How to Prepare Santa Cookie Plate
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this, you might end up with cookies that are undercooked in the middle or overcooked on the edges. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to getting those perfect golden edges!
Prepare Dry Ingredients
While your oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Just whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for that lovely, fluffy texture we all want in our cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars
Now for my favorite part! In another large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix them until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that delightful texture!
Combine Mixtures
Next, add in the vanilla extract and the eggs to your butter mixture. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gradually blend in your dry ingredients. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Just mix until everything is combined, but don’t overdo it! We want those cookies to stay tender.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Now it’s time for the best part—folding in the chocolate chips and walnuts! Gently stir them in with a spatula or wooden spoon. This way, you won’t break up those lovely chocolate morsels, and you’ll have a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. If you’re not a walnut fan, feel free to skip them!
Shape and Bake Cookies
Using a spoon (or a cookie scoop if you have one), drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each scoop, as they’ll spread a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look a little soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling Process
Once they’re out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is super important for achieving that perfect chewy texture. If you skip it, you might end up with cookies that are too soft or even a bit mushy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Treat: These cookies are a cheerful addition to your holiday celebrations, bringing that warm, cozy feeling to any gathering.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up without a hitch!
- Perfect for Sharing: They make a wonderful gift for friends and family, or you can leave them out for Santa to enjoy!
- Delicious Chocolate Chip Flavor: Who can resist the classic combination of chocolate chips and warm, buttery cookie dough? It’s a timeless favorite!
- Ideal for Holiday Traditions: Baking these cookies can become a cherished family tradition, creating sweet memories year after year.
Tips for Success
Getting the best results from your Santa cookie plate is all about the little details! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This helps prevent packing, which can lead to dry cookies!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily into the dough, giving you that fluffy texture we all love.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies at the 9-minute mark. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center—trust me, they’ll continue to cook a bit after coming out of the oven!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture. It helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies!
- Use Quality Chocolate: Don’t skimp on the chocolate chips! A high-quality chocolate will make a noticeable difference in flavor, taking your cookies from good to absolutely amazing.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding different nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of cookies that even Santa would be thrilled to find on Christmas Eve! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious cookies for the Santa cookie plate, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. I recommend placing the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This will keep them soft and chewy, ensuring they’re delightful whenever you’re ready to indulge!
If you find yourself with extra cookies (or just want to save some for later!), you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy a cookie, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat unless you prefer that warm, gooey chocolate effect—just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and you’re good to go!
With these simple storage tips, your cookies will be ready to enjoy long after the holiday festivities have ended. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your Santa cookie plate, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so consider this an estimate. Here’s a breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 200
- Sugars: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
So, as you savor each bite of these delightful cookies, you can enjoy them knowing a bit about what’s in them. Happy baking, and even happier indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just make sure it’s softened for the best results.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries at all! You can leave them out entirely or replace them with another nut like pecans or almonds. If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply skip them and enjoy the classic chocolate chip flavor!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also use chocolate chunks for a more decadent treat. Just remember, the better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste!
How should I store my Santa cookie plate?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, follow the freezing instructions I shared earlier!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking to ensure even baking.
What if I want to add more festive flavors?
Great idea! You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty twist or mix in some holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Get creative and make these cookies your own!
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These cookies make a fabulous gift for friends and family during the holidays. Just pack them in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a thoughtful present that’s sure to delight!
With these tips, you’re all set to tackle any questions that come up while making your Santa cookie plate. Happy baking!
Imprimer
Santa Cookie Plate: 5 Joyful Treats for Holiday Cheer
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive plate of Santa cookies perfect for leaving out on Christmas Eve.
Ingrédients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- 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: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 26g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: santa cookie plate, christmas cookies, holiday baking
