There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked *classic Christmas cookies* wafting through the house during the holiday season. Every year, I eagerly gather my family in the kitchen, rolling out dough and cutting out festive shapes. It’s one of those cherished traditions that brings back warm memories of my childhood. I remember my mom’s laughter as we tried to decorate each cookie just right, and the taste-test moments that always ended in sweet delight! Whether you’re making them for guests or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are bound to fill your home with joy and holiday spirit.
Ingredients for Classic Christmas Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little powerhouse helps the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth creaming—this adds rich flavor and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from, giving our cookies that classic sugary crunch.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of caramel, making each bite irresistible.
- 2 large eggs: They act as a binding agent and add richness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The aroma of vanilla is essential for that classic cookie flavor—don’t skip it!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference for that melty goodness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): I love adding walnuts or pecans for a little crunch, but feel free to omit if you’re not a nut fan!
How to Prepare Classic Christmas Cookies
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is so important because starting with a hot oven helps our cookies rise beautifully! While that’s warming up, I like to gather all my ingredients on the counter. It makes the whole process much smoother and less chaotic. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for flour while your butter is creaming away!
Mixing the Dough
Now, let’s mix! In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt. In a larger bowl, cream the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently. Finally, fold in the 1 cup of chocolate chips and, if you’re using them, the 1 cup of chopped nuts. This dough should be rich and full of texture!
Baking the Cookies
Time to bake! Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between them because they’ll spread as they bake. Pop those bad boys in the oven and set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit soft—that’s the sweet spot! Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This way, they’ll firm up just right while you’re drooling over that delicious smell filling your kitchen!
Tips for Success with Classic Christmas Cookies
To achieve cookie perfection, make sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding different mix-ins like dried fruit or white chocolate chips for a festive twist! For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You’ll always have a sweet treat ready to go!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my *classic Christmas cookies*, it’s nice to know a bit about what’s in them! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per cookie, based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
These values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every bite of your holiday baking, knowing they’re a delightful treat to share!
FAQ about Classic Christmas Cookies
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. I always prefer butter for that rich taste, but if margarine is what you’ve got, go for it!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need a vegan option or are out of eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Both work well to bind the cookies!
How should I store my cookies?
Keep your classic Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the butter was too soft or you didn’t measure the flour accurately. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes if this happens, it helps them hold their shape better while baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Classic flavors that evoke warm memories of the holiday season.
- Perfectly customizable with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
- A crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to friends and family alike.
- Soft and chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Great for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
- Freezes well, so you can enjoy these treats long after the holidays!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my *classic Christmas cookies*, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve them alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a rich peppermint mocha—there’s just something about that chocolatey goodness that pairs perfectly with the cookies. You could also set up a cozy cookie platter with a selection of festive treats, maybe adding some gingerbread or sugar cookies for variety. Don’t forget to include a side of fresh fruit, like sliced oranges or berries, to balance out the sweetness. And if you’re feeling extra festive, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes everything feel like a holiday celebration! Enjoy every moment and every bite!
Print
Classic Christmas Cookies That Spark Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas cookies recipe for holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring to racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use different mix-ins for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: classic christmas cookies
