Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the smell of pine and the sound of laughter. One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up easy desserts that everyone can enjoy. There’s something special about gathering in the kitchen, donning our aprons, and bringing a bit of holiday cheer into every bite. Trust me, these simple treats aren’t just delicious; they’re a doorway to cherished memories! I remember making these festive cookies with my family, the joy in their eyes as they helped sprinkle crushed peppermint over the dough. So, let’s dive into these Christmas easy desserts that are sure to spread joy and delight this holiday season!
Ingredients for Christmas Easy Desserts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them structure and a soft, chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetness is essential! It balances the flavors and helps your cookies bake up perfectly.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: This adds a rich creaminess and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, bringing everything together for that perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, comforting flavor that screams holiday magic!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little leavening agent to give our cookies a lovely lift while baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors and balance everything out.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These are the stars of the show! They add gooey, melty goodness in every bite.
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies: The festive touch! These candies add a delightful crunch and a burst of holiday flavor.
How to Prepare Christmas Easy Desserts
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for those cookies to bake perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is super important because it incorporates air, making your cookies nice and tender. You want to feel that festive magic already starting!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract to your buttery mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined—this is where the aroma of holiday cheer really starts to fill your kitchen! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix; we’re aiming for soft, fluffy cookies here! The dough should come together beautifully, and you’ll see those lovely bits of butter and sugar still peeking through. That’s how you know it’s going to be delicious!
Fold in Special Additions
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in those chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. Wow, can you smell the holiday spirit? The chocolate chips provide a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the peppermint adds that festive crunch we all love. It’s like a party in your bowl!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to spread. Bake those beauties in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them! You want them to look slightly underbaked in the center because they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. The anticipation is real—your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas easy desserts turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming—this really makes a difference in texture. If you don’t have crushed peppermint candies, you can swap them with chopped nuts or even M&Ms for a fun twist. Looking for a lighter option? Try using half the sugar and adding in some unsweetened applesauce for moisture. Once your cookies are cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy. Trust me, they won’t last long, but you’ll be prepared just in case!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip up these delightful cookies in just about 15 minutes of prep time!
- Festive flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint brings all the holiday cheer to your taste buds!
- Easy to make: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels—no complicated techniques here!
- Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents can join in the fun of making and decorating these treats!
- Perfect for gifting: These cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors during the holiday season!
- Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy dessert later—just thaw and enjoy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided are estimates and should not be considered precise. Always check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns.
FAQ About Christmas Easy Desserts
Can I substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you’re out of peppermint candies, feel free to swap them for chopped nuts or dried cranberries. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
How can I make these cookies healthier? You can reduce the sugar by half and replace it with unsweetened applesauce for moisture. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose can add some fiber!
What are some variations I can try? Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a spiced twist, or even substitute the peppermint for orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas easy desserts fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag—perfect for enjoying later. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a deliciously soft treat again!
Print
Christmas Easy Desserts That Spread Holiday Joy for All
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and festive desserts for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try substituting chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different flavor.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas easy desserts
