Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas magic and fills your heart with cozy joy, you’ve gotta try this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s my go-to for holiday cookie swaps and family gatherings—soft, chewy, and packed with just the right blend of chocolate chips and seasonal sprinkles to make every bite feel like a celebration. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step with my best tips and tricks so your batch turns out perfect every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that classic, nostalgic cookie you want at the holidays. You’ll find pantry staples plus festive touches that make a big difference. Here’s why each one is a star in this recipe.

• Salted Butter: Melting it first helps create a chewier cookie with a tender crumb and rich flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s richness.
• White Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the crispy edges.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds to the soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without being too dense.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives a gentle holiday spice—start with less if you’re unsure, you can always add more next time!
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for a soft center.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Classic chocolate that melts beautifully.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and contrast.
• Christmas Sprinkles (Red/Green/White): Flat confetti sprinkles are my fave for texture—they melt a little into the cookie and don’t add crunch like hard sprinkles do.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the mix-ins and even swapped spices depending on the mood or who I’m baking for, and it never disappoints. You should totally make it your own—feel free to add nuts, try different chocolate types, or even throw in some orange zest for a fresh twist.

• Variation: Once, I doubled the cinnamon for a bolder holiday spice, and my family went nuts over how festive and cozy the cookies tasted.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips—it still works beautifully!
• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great success—just watch the baking time as it can vary slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat, Prep, and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (I always check with an oven thermometer because ovens can be tricky). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon (begin with ¼ tsp if you’re cautious), baking soda, and salt. Stir well with a fork until combined—this is your dry mix, and it’s key for even flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Base

In a big bowl, combine your melted butter with both sugars. I melt my butter in the microwave for about 25 seconds and then give it a quick stir before mixing—the warmth really helps sugar dissolve and creates that luscious chewy texture. Beat the egg into the sugar and butter mix until it’s smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract. Your cookie dough base is coming together!

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry, Add the Fun Stuff

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly until all flour streaks disappear. Resist overmixing here—stir until just combined. Then fold in your mini semi-sweet and white chocolate chips along with the festive sprinkles. Those little colorful confetti bits don’t just look pretty—they add a subtle surprise of sweetness and fun.

Step 4: Scoop, Bake & Cool

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or just measure mounds with spoons), place 16 cookie dough balls evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 11 minutes. Here’s where patience pays off: take the cookies out, but let them hang out on the hot baking sheet for at least 10 minutes—they finish baking while cooling and stay soft and chewy. If you want a bit less ooey, try 12 minutes and still let them rest on the sheet before moving.

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra sprinkles on top before baking for a festive look. But sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for an elegant holiday touch. If you’re serving to kids, a two-toned icing drizzle makes them extra fun!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or even a simple glass of cold milk. For holiday brunches, serving them with fresh fruit or yogurt feels like a fun sweet surprise. The mix of chocolate and cinnamon also complements spiced tea or coffee if you’re doing an adult cookie swap.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped batches in clear cellophane tied with a velvet red ribbon for gifts—looks gorgeous and tastes even better when you tell the story behind the recipe. Another favorite is stacking them in a festive tin with parchment layers and little handwritten notes. Kids love helping decorate their own cookie boxes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper layers. They stay surprisingly fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—perfect if you’re baking ahead for a party. Pro tip: avoid the fridge since it can dry cookies out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze dough, I scoop mounds onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to bake time. Baked cookies freeze okay too—wrap them tightly and thaw on the counter when ready.

Reheating

To enjoy cookies warm, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly heat in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. That fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling is worth it! Just watch closely so they don’t get too crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a little slice of holiday love that I’ve shared with family, friends, and now you. Every year, making these cookies brings me back to cozy moments by the fire, laughter in the kitchen, and all the joy of the season wrapped up in one delicious bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your holiday staple. So grab your mixing bowl, invite a loved one to help, and fill your home with that unbeatable Christmas cookie magic!

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