If you’re looking for a festive treat that instantly brings joy and cozy holiday vibes, this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with melty chocolate chips and colorful red and green sprinkles, these cookies balance sweetness and buttery goodness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a quiet night by the fire, they’re delightfully soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible—a guaranteed way to spread some holiday cheer one bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fool you—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make these cookies unforgettable. From rich butter creating tenderness to the festive sprinkles giving a joyful pop of color, every component is thoughtfully chosen.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance flavors without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the cookie texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to rich, melt-in-your-mouth softness that holds everything together.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the dough to a perfect consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for these cookies’ chewy yet tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for soft edges.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into delightful pockets of chocolate.
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles: Adds festive cheer and a light crunch to each bite.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this little prep step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs one at a time to ensure they’re fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract. This combination brings moisture and depth to the flavor, giving your cookies that classic homemade magic.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so be gentle.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those festive red and green holiday sprinkles into the dough. This step not only adds flavor but also transforms your cookies into a cheerful celebration on a plate.
Step 6: Drop Dough on Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about two inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges—they should turn a lovely golden brown. This timing ensures the cookies remain soft in the center but beautifully baked around the edges.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set perfectly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their texture and gives you that ideal chewy bite.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes the little extras make all the difference. After baking, sprinkle a few extra red and green holiday sprinkles on top while the cookies are still warm for an extra festive touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy effect that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa. For a more grown-up flair, try serving alongside peppermint tea or eggnog—both bring out the holiday flavors in the cookies without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Christmas cookie platter pop by arranging cookies in a wreath shape on a festive plate. Adding sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly around the edges doubles the holiday vibe. Gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for a thoughtful homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe results keep fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain softness by absorbing excess moisture.
Freezing
If you want to savor these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the dough itself for quick baking whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies anytime, pop frozen or refrigerated cookies into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives that fresh-baked soft texture and melty chocolate charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
For the best flavor and texture, unsalted butter is preferable. Margarine or oil might change the cookie’s consistency and richness, but you can experiment if needed—just expect a slight difference in taste and softness.
Are the sprinkles necessary in this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
While the sprinkles add a festive color and slight crunch that makes these cookies perfect for the holidays, you can absolutely omit them or swap for other decorations if you prefer. The cookies still taste delicious without them.
How do I keep cookies soft and chewy?
Using both granulated and brown sugar, along with plenty of butter and careful baking time, helps keep these cookies soft and chewy. Don’t overbake—removing them as soon as the edges turn golden will give you that tender texture.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a slightly richer and more intense chocolate flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
What’s the best way to make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep a close watch.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a joyful way to fill your home with warmth, laughter, and holiday magic. With rich chocolate, buttery softness, and festive color, these cookies are sure to become a treasured tradition. So, grab your apron and sprinkle some happiness into your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring classic semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful red and green sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and moisture, then add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive red and green holiday sprinkles to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing from oven at 10 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and texture.
- Holiday sprinkles add festive color but can be substituted with regular sprinkles or omitted.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a crispier texture, bake an extra 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
