If you are looking to fill your holiday season with warmth, sweetness, and a bit of festive sparkle, this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is the one to try. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie packed with rich chocolate chips and bright holiday sprinkles that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas. Each cookie delivers that cozy homemade feeling, making them an absolute must-have for your holiday gatherings or as a delightful gift for friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these cookies are approachable and incredibly rewarding to make.

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and just the right amount of festive. Each ingredient has a role to play, whether it’s the creamy butter for richness, the sugars for sweetness and texture, or the sprinkles that bring holiday cheer with every bite.

¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a deep caramel flavor and moisture to keep cookies chewy.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a soft crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, cozy flavor that complements the chocolate.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): The star ingredient that adds bursts of chocolate in every bite.
½ cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, or multicolored): Gives a festive look and a fun little crunch that screams Christmas.

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Space

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray easily without sticking. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies looking picture-perfect.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air, helping your cookies achieve that beloved soft and tender texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully absorbed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds an irresistible aroma and depth to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so be gentle.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles

This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and your chosen holiday sprinkles. This step distributes the chocolaty goodness and festive colors evenly throughout the dough for a perfect bite every time.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Use rounded tablespoons to drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges turn a light golden brown, but the centers still look soft. This ensures that perfect chewy texture paired with a slightly crisp edge.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing touch helps them set beautifully without breaking apart.

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, lightly dust your cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over them. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top can also elevate the holiday vibes and add a refreshing twist.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a glass of cold milk. They also sit wonderfully alongside spiced cider, offering a sweet contrast to the cozy spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also stack them on a pretty plate wrapped in cellophane with a red ribbon for a stunning holiday centerpiece or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft and perfect for up to a week, making them an easy snack to enjoy later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies. For dough, portion it out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag; this way you can bake fresh cookies anytime. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies after storage or freezing, heat them briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, melty texture that makes these Christmas cookies so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, each will work wonderfully. You can even mix them up for varied flavor notes in every bite.

Are the holiday sprinkles necessary?

Sprinkles add a fun festive look and a slight crunch, but if you don’t have them, your cookies will still be delicious without. You can even experiment with crushed nuts or dried fruit for a different twist.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking can work. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture right.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

The key is not to overbake and to include both brown sugar and butter for moisture. Also, allowing them to cool on the baking sheet briefly helps them set without drying out.

Can I double the recipe? How does baking time change?

Doubling the recipe is easy! Just bake the cookies in batches so they aren’t overcrowded. Baking times stay about the same, but keep an eye on the ovens as every oven heats a bit differently.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade treats during the holidays, and this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly captures that spirit. It’s easy, satisfying, and full of festive cheer baked right into every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, fill your kitchen with that warm holiday aroma, and create sweet memories with your loved ones!