These classic Christmas cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with semisweet and milk chocolate chips, making them the perfect treat for the holiday season. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can quickly bake up a batch of these delicious cookies to share with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a snack for your next holiday gathering, these Christmas cookies are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can mix in nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Different Chips: Use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a different twist.
Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking for a colorful touch.
Mini Cookies: To make mini cookies, scoop smaller balls of dough and reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt by 1/4 teaspoon.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the dough and bake cookies later.
Can I use all brown sugar instead of a mix of white and brown? You can substitute all brown sugar, but the cookies may be slightly denser. A mix of both gives a balance of texture and flavor.
How do I make these cookies thicker? If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and be sure not to flatten the dough balls.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the cookies chewier? To make the cookies chewier, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Can I use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar? You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, but it will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and color.
Do I need parchment paper to bake these cookies? While parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, you can also bake these cookies directly on a greased baking sheet.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookies are a must-have for the holiday season. With their soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate chips, they’re the perfect treat for any festive occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.