When I first arrived in the U.S., juggling work and family left me little time for complicated baking. These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies quickly became my go-to for a soft, chewy treat made from scratch—all under 30 minutes. They bring festive cheer and warmth to my kitchen even on the busiest days.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Effortlessly Soft and Chewy: Thanks to a simple, no-fail method, these cookies come out perfectly soft every time, no commercial mixes needed.
- Festive and Fun: With red and green sprinkles plus a mix of dark and white chocolate chips, they look as joyful as they taste.
- Reliable Holiday Favorite: Whether for family or holiday guests, this recipe consistently delivers delightful results.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, baking these cookies fits easily into your busy schedule, taking less than half an hour.
The Science of a Perfect Cookie (A Deeper Dive)
Melted Butter vs. Softened Butter
Using melted butter in this recipe creates a chewier cookie by distributing fat more evenly through the dough. This changes the texture from cakey to tender and soft.
The Role of Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture thanks to its molasses content, helping cookies stay soft longer. It also contributes to a deeper flavor and chewiness that granulated sugar alone can’t provide.
Why We Use Cornstarch
While this recipe uses baking soda, cornstarch is often added in other recipes as a secret to tenderness. It helps soften gluten development, making cookies more delicate and tender, which you can try if you want an alternative approach.
Understanding these fundamentals empowers you to tweak and master your cookie baking.
Ingredients For Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft and chewy Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 8 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
Ingredient Notes
Melted salted butter ensures a rich, soft texture and the perfect balance of saltiness. Using both dark and white chocolate chips layers the flavor and adds delightful texture contrasts, making each bite special.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your festive cookies. Make sure to have a clear process photo for each step.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Dump in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined. Dough will be soft.
- Stir in the dark and white chocolate chips and the sprinkles.
- Portion dough into 9 large balls of dough.
- Bake for 11 minutes exactly. Do not overbake. Cookies may look a bit underdone, but they will set up as they cool.
- Let cookies set on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before eating.
- Store, tightly covered, for up to 5 days.
Festive Variations & Mix-In Ideas
Get creative this holiday season by tweaking your cookie mix. Here are some fun festive variations to try:
| Variation Name | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Mocha | Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and substitute chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate chunks. |
| White Chocolate Cranberry | Swap sprinkles for dried cranberries and keep white chocolate chips only. |
| Gingerbread Spice | Add 1 tsp ground ginger and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the dry ingredients. |
| Andes Mint | Replace all chocolate chips with chopped Andes mints and add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract. |
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies may look slightly underdone coming out of the oven, but they set perfectly as they cool on the hot pan.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures all cookies are evenly sized and bake uniformly.
- Press on Extra Toppings: Press a few extra chocolate chips or sprinkles on top of each dough ball before baking for a gorgeous, festive finish.
Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead Dough
You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Chill it tightly covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storing Baked Cookies
Store your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Raw Dough: Portion dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
- Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Gifting Your Christmas Cookies
Nothing spreads holiday joy like gifting homemade cookies. Package your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies in festive tins, clear cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons, or small decorative boxes. These thoughtful touches turn your treats into memorable presents for neighbors, teachers, and friends—perfect for cookie exchanges and memorable holiday gatherings.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Portion dough into 9 large balls and place on a baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Bake for 11 minutes; cookies will look slightly underdone but will set as they cool.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my cookies from spreading too thin?
Chill your dough before baking and make sure to measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method. This helps prevent excess spreading.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles perfectly, giving you twice the delicious cookies without any fuss.
Do I need to make adjustments for high altitude?
For baking above 3,500 feet, increase flour slightly by 1-2 tablespoons and reduce baking soda by 1/8 teaspoon to maintain structure.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be aware the texture may be slightly different but will still be soft and tasty.
Conclusion
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of festive fun and comforting softness, made simple for busy cooks like you and me. They bring warmth to the table without stress—exactly what holiday baking should feel like. I’d love to know what festive mix-ins you used in your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies! Let me know in the comments below, and please don’t forget to leave a rating if you loved them!
