Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home during the holiday season. These Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies combine rich, melty chocolate chips with a festive crunch of red and green M&M’s, making them the ultimate treat for holiday gatherings, gifting, or a cozy baking session with family. Perfectly chewy, lightly golden, and irresistibly sweet, these cookies are easy to make and guarantee delightful results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises a batch of cookies so good they’ll disappear as quickly as you can make them.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need. The key to stress-free baking is preparation!

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
• Mix-Ins:
  • 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s (optional but highly recommended for a festive flair)

Essential Tools

• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• A whisk or sifter for dry ingredients
• Hand or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop for portioning dough

With these items in place, you’re ready to embark on a baking adventure that fills your kitchen with festive cheer.

Substitutions and Additions

One of the joys of baking is the opportunity to get creative. Here are some ideas for customizing your cookies:

• Swap the Chocolate Chips: Try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier touch.
• Add a Peppermint Twist: Crush a handful of candy canes and fold them into the dough for a holiday-inspired crunch.
• Nuts for Texture: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful nutty bite that complements the sweet chocolate.
• Festive Sprinkles: Replace the M&M’s with holiday sprinkles for a burst of color and crunch.

Pro Tip: Prefer a slightly healthier option? Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar or add a touch of oat flour to the mix for a subtle nutty undertone.

Why These Ingredients Work

Each ingredient plays a special role in crafting the perfect cookie. The butter provides richness and moisture, while the combination of brown and white sugars ensures a chewy center and lightly crisp edges. The semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the sweetness, and the M&M’s offer not only festive color but also a delightful crunch. When you take your first bite, you'll savor the magic of ingredients working in perfect harmony.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of holiday joy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Before diving into the fun part, it’s crucial to set the stage for success. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Next, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Gather all your ingredients and tools, arranging them within arm’s reach for a smooth process. Soften your butter by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving in short bursts if you’re pressed for time. Double-check your M&M’s and chocolate chips—because who can resist sneaking a few bites?

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to start creating holiday magic!

Mixing the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside—it’s the base for your cookie magic.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is critical for achieving a perfectly chewy texture. Pro Tip: Beat for 2–3 minutes to fully aerate the butter, ensuring a lighter cookie.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the dough emulsify and prevents separation.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing = tough cookies!
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and holiday M&M’s. Make sure the festive colors are evenly distributed for a cheerful, holiday-ready dough.

Forming and Shaping

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Want that picture-perfect festive look? Press a few extra M&M’s gently on top of each dough ball. It’s a simple step that makes your cookies stand out on the holiday dessert table!

Baking and Cooling

Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still appear slightly soft. Don’t overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they firm up just enough to handle without losing their soft, chewy centers. As they cool, the aroma of chocolate and holiday cheer will fill your kitchen, making it almost impossible to wait!

Serving Suggestions

Occasions and Pairings

These Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are versatile treats perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday parties: A surefire crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
• Cookie swaps: Stand out with their vibrant colors and unbeatable flavor.
• Family movie nights: Pair with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or festive mulled wine for the ultimate cozy combo.

For a refreshing twist, enjoy your cookies with a cup of peppermint tea or eggnog, balancing the sweetness with seasonal sips.

Presentation Ideas

Make these cookies the star of your holiday dessert table with creative presentation:

• Arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by candy canes and sprigs of holly.
• Package them in clear treat bags tied with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Layer cookies in a mason jar, alternating with parchment paper, and attach a handwritten recipe tag for a heartfelt touch.

No matter how you serve or share them, these cookies will bring a smile to every face. Their festive flair, paired with their irresistible flavor, makes them the perfect treat to brighten the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you could want in a holiday treat: simple to make, delightfully customizable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is designed with ease in mind, featuring step-by-step instructions that make whipping up a batch fun and stress-free.

The recipe’s versatility is a highlight. You can keep things traditional with semi-sweet chocolate chips or jazz them up with festive red and green M&M’s. Want a little extra crunch? Add nuts or sprinkles! The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these cookies to your family’s tastes or the theme of your holiday gathering.

Beyond their deliciousness, these cookies are a visual delight. The colorful M&M’s make them a showstopper at holiday parties and cookie swaps. And the flavors? Soft, chewy centers, crisp edges, and bursts of rich, melty chocolate in every bite. These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a memory waiting to be made. Gather your loved ones, tie on an apron, and savor the festive magic of baking together!

Recipe FAQ

Baking Tips

Achieving the perfect chewy texture starts with the right techniques:

• Cream your butter and sugar thoroughly: This step incorporates air into the dough, ensuring a light, tender cookie. Beat for at least 2–3 minutes for best results.
• Chill your dough if it feels too soft: Cold dough spreads less, leading to thicker, chewier cookies. A quick 30-minute chill in the fridge can make a big difference.
• Monitor baking times carefully: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown, even if the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.

To prevent spreading:

• Use room-temperature butter that’s softened but not overly melted.
• Make sure your baking sheets are cool before adding another batch of dough.
• Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can break down the gluten and cause spreading.

Troubleshooting

• Undercooked cookies: If the centers are too gooey even after cooling, return them to the oven for an additional 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, try chilling the dough longer next time.
• Overly crispy cookies: Reduce the baking time slightly or check your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Sticky dough: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is firm enough to handle. Sticky dough can also benefit from a quick chill in the fridge.

Serving and Storage FAQ

How do I keep the cookies fresh?

• Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.

Can I freeze these cookies?

• Absolutely! Freeze the dough in scooped portions on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once firm. Or, freeze fully baked cookies and reheat when ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to lock in freshness.
• In the Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container once frozen. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Instructions

For maximum convenience, prepare the dough in advance:

• Scoop the dough into cookie portions, then freeze them unbaked. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Alternatively, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

Related Recipes:

If you loved these Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might also enjoy these sweet treats from Creative Cookery:

1. 1. Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A festive combination of tart cranberries and nutty pistachios.
   2. Easy Peppermint Fudge: A no-bake holiday treat bursting with refreshing peppermint.
   3. Homemade Yeast Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey rolls perfect for Christmas morning.

Conclusion

Baking these Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is more than just making a sweet treat—it’s about creating joyful moments that fill your home with warmth and cheer. From the ease of mixing the dough to the delightful aroma of chocolate and festive M&M’s wafting through your kitchen, this recipe is a celebration of the holiday spirit. Whether you're baking with loved ones, preparing for a cookie swap, or crafting heartfelt gifts, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Even novice bakers can achieve perfect results with step-by-step guidance and helpful tips, while seasoned bakers can enjoy its versatility by adding their own festive twists. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the magic of the holidays—a chewy center, a crisp edge, and the vibrant colors of the season.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your cookies on social media, tag your friends, and spread the holiday joy. Let this recipe become a part of your family’s annual festivities, bringing smiles to faces and warmth to hearts year after year. So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite apron, and bake a batch of memories today—because nothing says “holiday magic” like a plate of freshly baked cookies.

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