Delicious Chocolate Chip Holiday Cookies: A Festive Treat for Everyone
The holiday season isn’t complete without the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These chocolate chip holiday cookies combine the classic comfort of traditional chocolate chip cookies with festive elements that make them perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or leaving out for Santa. While similar to regular chocolate chip cookies, this holiday version incorporates special ingredients and decorative touches that transform them into a seasonal masterpiece. If you enjoy holiday baking, you might also want to check out these delightful Christmas sugar cookies for more festive inspiration.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¾ cups |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Red and green M&Ms | 1 cup |
| White chocolate chips | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
Instructions
Preparation Phase
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside this dry mixture for later use.
Making the Cookie Dough
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix – this can lead to tough cookies.
Adding the Mix-ins
7. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and half of the red and green M&Ms. Save the remaining M&Ms for topping the cookies.
Baking Process
8. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Press a few of the reserved M&Ms onto the top of each cookie dough ball for a festive appearance.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Cooling and Storage
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Looking for more holiday dessert ideas? Check out these no-bake Christmas desserts for quick and easy alternatives.
Conclusion
These chocolate chip holiday cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the season’s warmth and joy. Their festive colors and delicious combination of chocolate varieties make them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. For more budget-friendly holiday recipes, take a look at these comforting casserole dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to 72 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Cookies typically spread too much if the butter is too soft or melted. Make sure to use room temperature butter and chill the dough if it becomes too soft. Also, ensure your baking sheets are cool between batches.
Can these cookies be shipped as gifts?
Yes! These cookies ship well when packed carefully in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. For best results, ship them during cooler weather and use expedited shipping to maintain freshness.
