The aroma of warm, buttery cookies baking in the oven is arguably the best part of the holiday season. These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a family favorite, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring festive cheer to your kitchen and your holiday gatherings. This recipe delivers perfectly crisp edges and a delightfully chewy center – a true classic, elevated for the holidays! Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will also work. Be patient, it’s worth the extra effort for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts (Optional)
Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts!
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired, for extra sparkle.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to eat them warm; they’re even better once they've cooled and the flavors have melded.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
Variations:
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip: Add crushed candy canes to the dough for a festive twist.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Substitute white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a delightful variation.
- Salted Caramel: Add a swirl of salted caramel sauce to the dough before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, and healthy meals (when enjoyed in moderation!). It's also a great example of homemade cooking and one of the best recipes for the holiday season. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones!