Name: Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk); 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup red & green holiday M&Ms or sprinkles

Festive holiday chocolate chip cookies bring pure magic to your kitchen during the most wonderful time of the year.

Sweet aromas will dance through your home, promising delightful memories.

Sparkling decorations and cheerful music create the perfect backdrop for baking these delectable treats.

Soft, buttery dough studded with rich chocolate chips becomes a cherished tradition.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make these cookies irresistible for everyone gathering around.

Family and friends will smile with each delicious bite of these seasonal delights.

You cannot resist the charm of these merry, mouthwatering morsels that celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies for Holiday Treat Trays

Festive Flair: Infuse holiday spirit with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles that transform ordinary chocolate chip cookies into a merry celebration.
Quick and Simple Baking: Whip up these delightful treats with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Family Bonding Dessert: Create joyful memories together while mixing, decorating, and enjoying these cheerful Christmas cookies that bring everyone closer.
Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Satisfy sweet tooths with a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe that combines traditional flavor with festive twists, guaranteed to delight both kids and adults.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie with a golden color.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help provide moisture to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, deep flavor that complements the chocolate and enhances the overall taste.

Mix-Ins:

Chocolate Chips, Holiday M&Ms, Sprinkles: Add festive color, extra sweetness, and delightful bursts of flavor to the Christmas cookies.

Baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), creating the perfect baking environment for these merry treats.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Whisk together in a medium bowl:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Ensure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy base.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Fold in:

Chocolate chips
Holiday M&Ms
Festive sprinkles

Step 5: Shape Magical Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space cookies about 2 inches apart.

For extra festivity, press additional M&Ms or sprinkles on top of each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden edges as your signal of deliciousness.

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Chewy, Chocolaty Holiday Cookies

Swap standard chocolate chips with holiday-themed candies or colorful sprinkles to make these cookies extra cheerful and seasonal.
Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more consistent cookie texture.
Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
Remove cookies from oven when edges are just golden, keeping centers slightly soft for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Store cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based friends.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for reduced-calorie version.
Nutty Christmas Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and festive winter flavor profile.

Ways to Present Christmas Cookies with Style

Festive Plating Paradise: Arrange cookies on a sparkling holiday platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary for a magical Christmas presentation.
Sweet Gift Idea: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for homemade edible gifts to friends and family.
Dessert Companion Magic: Serve warm cookies alongside cold glasses of milk or hot cocoa, creating a cozy winter treat that delights both kids and adults.
Elegant Cookie Display: Create a cookie tower on a tiered cake stand, decorated with miniature ornaments and dusted with powdered sugar for a stunning centerpiece.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. You can bake directly from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor to the cookies. If possible, try to use brown sugar for the best results.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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