When the holiday season rolls around, your kitchen fills with the enticing scents of spices, sugar, and something sweet baking in the oven. Among the crowd of festive treats, there’s something undeniably special about Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies. These cookies are a delightful marriage of flavors: the rich, creamy butter mingles with the sweetness of sugar and chocolate chips, creating a bite-sized reminder of holiday cheer. The best part? You can enjoy these cookies warm from the oven or as a sweet surprise in gift boxes for your loved ones.
Why We Love This Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies Recipe
Christmas is often a time filled with cherished traditions, and baking cookies is one of the best ways to indulge in family bonding and festive spirit. You’ll adore this Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies recipe because it isn’t just about the delightful taste; it’s about sharing joy with everyone. The cookies embody the spirit of giving and togetherness, perfect for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a quiet evening at home with your loved ones. The balance of chewy chocolate chips and sugar cookie dough creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist, making it a favorite for both young and old alike.
Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
To create these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 package Pillsbury sugar cookies
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to embarking on your cookie-baking adventure. Each component contributes to the warm, inviting flavor adorned with gooey chocolate pieces, making every bite a celebration of sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Creating your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process filled with joyful anticipation.
- Preheat your oven: It’s important to start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Use a mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This process is crucial, as it incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies light and airy.
- Add vanilla and eggs: Next, stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step helps to emulsify the mixture, creating a consistent dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture. It’s essential to stir gently and just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: In this step, you’ll fold in the chocolate chips. This means gently combining them into the dough without overworking it, ensuring they are evenly distributed and remain intact.
- Prepare for baking: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, use a tablespoon to drop mounds of your cookie dough. On top of each mound, place a small piece of the Pillsbury sugar cookie dough. This will create a delightful surprise in each bite.
- Bake and cool: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. When they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Finally, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging.
The smell wafting from your oven will be beyond enticing, drawing everyone into the kitchen to see what delicious creation is in the works. Once those cookies are cool, you’ll be left with a batch of scrumptious festive treats that nobody can refuse.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
When it comes to serving your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies, the options are as delightful as the cookies themselves.
You can present them in a beautiful cookie jar on your countertop, allowing guests to grab one as they mingle during holiday gatherings. Stack them on festive platters, showcasing their warm and inviting colors, perfect for an array of holiday treats.
Consider adding a delicious complement, such as warm milk or a mug of hot cocoa, to enhance your cookie experience. For a special touch, place them in holiday-themed gift boxes to share with neighbors or friends as a sweet seasonal gesture.
These cookies not only taste amazing but can also bright up the presentation of any holiday gathering, making them a delightful treat for everyone involved.
Expert Tips: Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix more thoroughly, leading to a better dough consistency.
- Measure flour accurately: Too much flour can make your cookies dry, so be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t skip chilling: If you have time, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilled dough will be easier to handle and can help with the texture of the finished cookie.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want the edges to be golden and the centers to look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed from the oven.
By following these tips, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that are not only visually appealing but also brimming with delicious flavor.
How to Store Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies fresh and delightful.
To store them, allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. It’s best to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together.
You can keep them at room temperature for about a week; however, if you want to maintain their freshness for longer periods, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will retain their delicious flavor and texture for up to three months when stored this way.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies and allow them to thaw at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Variations of Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
One of the joys of baking is the ability to experiment and create variations of your favorite recipes. Here are a few delightful tweaks you can make to your Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies:
- Add nuts: Enhance the texture by folding in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans alongside the chocolate chips.
- Dried fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a seasonal twist that adds a lovely tartness to each cookie.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the sweet chocolate.
- Frosting: Drizzle melted chocolate or a simple icing over the cooled cookies to elevate their festive charm even further.
These variations allow you to tailor your cookies to suit your taste and those of your guests, making baking even more enjoyable.
FAQ about Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
What makes Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies special?
These cookies blend the classic flavors of sugar cookies and chocolate chips, creating a festive treat that highlights the joy of the Christmas season.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a delightful twist.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened Ensure it is at room temperature.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Measure accurately.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips Use your preferred type.
- 1 package Pillsbury sugar cookies To create delightful surprises in each cookie.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips carefully.
Baking
- On a lined baking sheet, drop mounds of cookie dough, placing a small piece of Pillsbury sugar cookie dough on top of each mound.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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