Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the perfect festive treat that’s bursting with buttery goodness and holiday cheer, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out soft, chewy, and speckled with both dark and white chocolate chips—plus a pop of red and green sprinkles that instantly make you feel merry. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a holiday party, these cookies will win over everyone who takes a bite. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you bake the ultimate Christmas cookie batch!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for a cookie that’s just the right balance of chewy and crisp with pops of chocolate and festive colors. My tip? Use real unsalted butter for that rich flavor, and if you can, get good-quality chocolate chips — they make a noticeable difference in taste!

• Salted butter: Melted for a smooth dough and adds richness; I always use unsalted but add a pinch of salt separately.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and that lovely caramel undertone you want in Christmas cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps crisp up the edges slightly.
• Egg: Binds everything together while adding to the cookie’s tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: The cookie’s sturdy base; make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measurement.
• Baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough to be soft but not cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors throughout.
• Dark chocolate chips: Rich and slightly bitter, they contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
• White chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and pretty color contrast.
• Red and green sprinkles: The festive touch that makes these Christmas cookies stand out.

Variations

I love customizing recipes to make them feel more “me,” and with this Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe, there’s plenty of room to play around. Whether you want to make them nut-free, dairy-free, or even add a little extra holiday spice, I’ve tried a few things that worked beautifully and I’m excited to share.

• Nuts Instead of Sprinkles: For a crunchier bite, I swap out sprinkles for chopped walnuts or pecans—my family goes crazy for that extra texture.
• Spiced Up: Adding a half teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg takes the cookies into full-on Christmas flavor mode.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve used melted coconut oil instead of butter with success, just watch the baking time as the texture shifts slightly.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies if you want more portions—bake for about 8-9 minutes and keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Mixing Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grab your stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl if you prefer using a hand mixer or simply a wooden spoon). This recipe is all about timing and mixing, so having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

Pour your melted butter into the bowl, then add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together until you get a glossy, combined mixture. This step is the foundation for your cookie’s soft texture, so don’t rush it. I always taste a tiny bit here—I’m telling you, it’s like dessert in the making.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and shiny. This creates that lush, cakey base that makes these cookies so addicting.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Dump in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—overmixing will toughen your cookies, and nobody wants that. The dough will be soft, a little sticky, and that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Fold in Chips and Sprinkles

Now stir in those dark and white chocolate chips along with the red and green sprinkles. I love how the sprinkles give these cookies a joyful burst of color—and an excuse to smile while baking.

Step 6: Portion and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to portion the dough into nine big balls. Place them spaced well on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake exactly 11 minutes—no more! The cookies will look a bit underdone, but that’s okay; they’ll firm up as they cool. Watch closely on subsequent batches, as every oven is a little different.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies set on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This cooling time is key to getting that perfect chewy center without breaking apart.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with extra sprinkles on top before baking, but if I’m serving these at a party, a little dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate really steps it up. It’s a fun way to make them look extra festive without extra effort.

Side Dishes

Of course, these cookies shine best on their own, but I love pairing them with a big mug of hot cocoa or creamy eggnog. They also complement a holiday cheese platter nicely if you want to mix sweet and savory treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I like to stack three cookies tied with a festive ribbon, or place a batch in a clear jar layered with sprinkles for a gift that looks as good as it tastes. At parties, serving them on a wooden board lined with evergreen sprigs spreads that cozy holiday vibe instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, carefully layered with parchment paper between them. They last beautifully for up to 5 days, staying soft on the inside with slightly crispy edges.

Freezing

If I want to save some cookies for later, I freeze them fully baked on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them at room temp for about 30 minutes—almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked feeling, I pop one or two cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them quickly in a warm oven for a few minutes. It revives the melty chips and soft centers perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

What I love most about this Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies Recipe is how effortlessly it brings the spirit of the holidays right into your kitchen and onto your plate. It’s a recipe I come back to year after year, whether I’m baking with kids, making a gift for friends, or just craving a little festive comfort. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why my family and friends go crazy for these cookies. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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