Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the red and green holiday M&Ms or festive sprinkles.
Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using rounded tablespoons, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden brown edges while the centers remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Try pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. For a festive touch, stack them high on a decorative platter and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant dessert presentation. You could even package them in holiday-themed boxes for delightful gifts that friends and family will appreciate.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to a week—if they last that long! For longer storage, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Shape the cookie dough into rounds and freeze them in a single layer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag, and you can pull them out to bake fresh cookies whenever you like. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
To prevent overbaking, take the cookies out when the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Feel free to experiment with different chip flavors, like peanut butter or white chocolate, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Creative Twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try incorporating some different flavors into your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies? Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for chunks of white chocolate or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. You could also throw in some crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday flavor or replace half of the flour with oats for a chewy texture!

FAQs

How long do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe; however, if you prefer a firmer dough, you can chill it for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure that it’s a 1-to-1 substitute for best results.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life, just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.