Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking cookies for Christmas! The smell of warm cookies wafting through the house instantly puts me in the holiday spirit. I love gathering friends and family to share these delicious treats, and trust me, everyone will be asking for your recipe. This cookie recipe is not only super easy to follow, but it also results in melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Picture this: golden-brown edges, a soft chewy center, and pockets of gooey chocolate chips. It’s the perfect way to spread cheer during the festive season, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Cookies for Christmas
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I love walnuts for a little crunch!)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it helps create that scrumptious texture we all adore. And don’t forget, you can always mix and match with your favorite add-ins to make these cookies truly your own!
How to Prepare Cookies for Christmas
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious cookies! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step. It’s a breeze, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your home smell like a holiday dream!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those perfect golden-brown edges!
- While the oven warms up, grab a medium bowl and mix together the flour and baking soda. Just whisk it a bit to combine so the baking soda is evenly distributed.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; it’s like magic watching it transform!
- Now, add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Trust me, the smell is heavenly!
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to see no flour streaks.
- Fold in those chocolate chips and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. This is where the magic happens—every bite will be a delightful surprise!
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each one because they’ll spread while baking!
- Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden brown but still soft in the center. Oops, it’s hard to resist peeking!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly!
And there you have it! You’re on your way to enjoying the best cookies for Christmas that will surely spread joy and happiness around your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies for Christmas are truly a holiday delight! Here’s why I can’t get enough of them:
- Quick preparation time—whip up a batch in just 20 minutes!
- Delicious flavor that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with rich chocolate chips.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends at holiday gatherings.
- Customizable! Add nuts or festive sprinkles to make them even more special.
- They make your house smell heavenly while baking—seriously, who can resist?
Trust me, these cookies are everything you need to create that warm, festive atmosphere!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies for Christmas turn out just right, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps achieve that light and fluffy texture we all love. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it! When it comes to baking, keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary, so if they look golden brown but still soft in the center, you’re good to go! Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they’ll last for about a week—if they last that long! Enjoy your delicious holiday treats!
Nutritional Information for Cookies for Christmas
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each cookie, so you can indulge without the guilt (or at least a little less!). Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
Enjoy these festive treats, and remember, it’s all about balance during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze cookies for Christmas?
Absolutely! Freezing cookies for Christmas is a great way to prepare ahead of time. Just let your cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a little while, and they’ll taste fresh as ever!
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! Try using white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or even milk chocolate for a creamier flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can add a lovely tartness, and nuts like pecans or almonds can bring in a nice crunch. Get creative and make these cookies your own!
How do I make these cookies festive?
Making these cookies festive is super easy! You can sprinkle colorful holiday-themed sprinkles on top before baking for a fun touch. Drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies adds an elegant flair. And don’t forget about seasonal spices—cinnamon or nutmeg can give a lovely holiday warmth. You can even shape the dough into festive forms using cookie cutters. Let your holiday spirit shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cookies for Christmas properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. I love using a container with a little parchment paper in between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which I doubt!), you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be warm and gooey again—perfect for that cozy holiday vibe!
Imprimer
Cookies for Christmas: 7 Magical Tips for Deliciousness
- Temps Total: 32 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious cookies perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Feel free to add festive sprinkles for decoration.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 100mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday treats
