Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until blended. Don’t overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for that perfect golden brown color.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
- Finally, get creative with decorations using colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter to make these cookies truly shine.
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your serving game, consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. For a delightful presentation, arrange the cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle additional edible glitter on top before entertaining guests. They can also make great gifts—just package them in a cute holiday tin for a sweet surprise!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To ensure your cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you anticipate having leftovers (which is rare with these delicious treats!), you can also freeze them. To freeze, simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing. It should be soft but not melted.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so even if they seem a little soft when you pull them out of the oven, they’ll be perfect after cooling.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a hint of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist or incorporate chopped nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different taste experience. If you’re in the mood for something even sweeter, drizzle caramel or chocolate over the top for a gourmet touch.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
Typically, the prep time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 10-15 minutes for baking, making these cookies a quick option for holiday baking!
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute in this recipe, but using unsalted butter usually yields better flavor and texture.
What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
Enjoy baking these Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies, and make sure to spread the joy with friends and family!
Winter Wonderland Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until blended. Don’t overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for that perfect golden brown color.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
- Get creative with decorations using colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter to make these cookies truly shine.
