Welcome to the wonderful world of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about the scents of sugar and butter filling your kitchen during this festive season. I absolutely love making these *easy Christmas treats* because they’re not just simple—they’re also bursting with flavor and joy! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of warm, gooey cookies out of the oven, especially when you sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles. It brings back so many memories of baking with my family as a kid, and I can’t wait to share that joy with you. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or just indulging yourself, these treats are bound to bring smiles all around. Let’s dive in and spread some holiday cheer together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Treats
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when our cookies are ready to go in. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part—just a couple of minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it’ll give our cookies that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix! Add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Gently mix everything together until just combined—don’t overdo it! You want to see a few flour streaks still in there, which is totally okay. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy, so we’re on the right track!
Add Chocolate Chips
Oh, the best part is here—let’s fold in those chocolate chips! Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently incorporate them into the dough. This part is all about maintaining that fluffy texture we worked so hard for, so be careful not to stir too vigorously. You want to keep those chips evenly distributed throughout the dough for maximum chocolatey goodness!
Prepare for Baking
Now we’re getting really close! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet, giving them some space—about 2 inches apart should do the trick. Now for the fun part: sprinkle those colorful sprinkles on top of each dough ball! It’s like giving your cookies a little holiday cheer before they even hit the oven.
Baking Time
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft—that’s how we want them! Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, the aroma will be divine, and you’ll want to wait just a bit before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—these cookies come together in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for kids to help with; they’ll love mixing and decorating!
- Deliciously soft and chewy with a lovely chocolatey burst in every bite.
- Colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Great for gift giving—package them up in a cute box or tin and spread the joy!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile! You can easily swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re on your way to baking these delightful *easy Christmas treats*, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream better with the sugar, leading to a lighter cookie. Cold butter won’t mix well and can lead to dense cookies—no thanks!
- Chill the Dough: If you want to prevent your cookies from spreading too much, pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. It helps them hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies! They might look a bit underbaked when you pull them out, but they’ll set as they cool. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should last about a week, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone before then!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins! Nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate can add a fun twist to your treats.
- Oven Thermometer: If you often have trouble with baking, consider getting an oven thermometer. Oven temperatures can vary quite a bit, and this little gadget can help ensure you’re baking at just the right temp!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up some amazing cookies that’ll make your holiday season even sweeter!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information: it can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can provide some typical values, they’re not set in stone! For one of these delightful cookies, you can expect around 120 calories, with 8g of sugar, and about 7g of fat. Each cookie also has about 50mg of sodium and 1g of protein. Remember, these are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your own ingredients. Happy baking and enjoy every bite without worrying too much about the numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I store these cookies, and how long do they last?
Absolutely! Just pop them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! I often find they disappear much faster, especially if I have family over.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
Great question! You can totally switch things up! Try using chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Oh, I love this! You can add holiday-themed sprinkles, use colored sugar, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top after they’ve cooled. Another fun idea is to shape the dough into holiday-themed cutouts—just make sure to adjust the baking time a bit!
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. It’s perfect for last-minute holiday treats!
What if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm butter or not enough flour. You can try chilling the dough before baking or adding a little more flour next time. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Serving Suggestions
These *easy Christmas treats* are not just delicious on their own; they also make a fantastic addition to any holiday spread! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your cookie game:
- Serve with Hot Cocoa: Imagine cozying up with a warm mug of hot chocolate and a plate of these cookies. You can even add a sprinkle of peppermint or marshmallows to your cocoa for that extra festive touch!
- Pair with Coffee: A nice cup of coffee or espresso is the perfect match for these sweet treats. The rich flavors of the coffee balance out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread men, and festive fudge. It makes for an eye-catching centerpiece!
- Gift Giving: These cookies are also perfect for gifting! Package them in cute holiday tins or boxes, and tie them up with a festive ribbon. Your friends and family will appreciate the sweet gesture!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, try making ice cream sandwiches! Just take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
- Decorate for the Occasion: You can also get creative with decorating! Use icing or melted chocolate to draw festive designs on the cookies, or add edible glitter for some sparkle. It’s a fun activity, especially if you have little ones helping out!
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer and delight everyone who tries them. Enjoy the season and happy snacking!
Print
Easy Christmas Treats: 5 Ways to Spark Joy This Season
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar in a bowl.
- Add flour and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts.
- Perfect for gift giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy christmas treats
