If you dream of that perfect holiday treat—chewy, chocolate-studded, colorful, and bursting with festive spirit—then you simply must try Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe practically feels like Christmas in every bite, thanks to its classic buttery dough filled with a blizzard of chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles. Whether you’re making a batch for a cookie swap or leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies are a joyful, crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their handful of familiar ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. Each element brings its own touch—from the caramel hints in brown sugar to the sparkle of festive sprinkles—turning a classic into something that feels truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Helps the cookies spread just the right amount and keeps them sweet and chewy.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Infuses the dough with depth and a molasses-rich chewiness that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and contribute to a soft, tender cookie.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a beautiful aroma that highlights the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for your cookies, providing structure and the perfect bite.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Offers just the right lift, ensuring your cookies are thick and scrumptious.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the rich chocolate flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty and classic—these are the heart of any chip cookie.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For extra pockets of creamy, sweet goodness.
- Red and green holiday M&M’s (1/2 cup): Adds pops of color and a playful crunch—totally essential for that Christmas look!
- Festive sprinkles (1/4 cup): Sprinkle in as much joy as your heart desires; they make every bite merry and bright.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for the quick transfer—this step is a total holiday time-saver!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Mix until everything is light, fluffy, and looks like sweet, buttery clouds. Don’t rush this step; it creates the best cookie texture and lets the sugars really blend into the butter.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract, letting its aroma fill your kitchen with cozy holiday vibes. This stage makes the dough extra silky and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want fluffy, soft cookies, not tough ones!
Step 5: Stir in the Goodies
Now for the fun part: fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and cheerful red and green M&M’s. Sprinkle in your festive sprinkles and give it all a gentle stir. The dough should look like a holiday celebration in a bowl!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and rise. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and set but the centers are still soft. Watch carefully to keep them perfectly chewy!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes (they’ll continue to set up without getting overbaked), then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. But I promise, these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are worth every second!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a little extra festive sprinkle on top of these cookies right after baking, while they’re still warm. A tiny pinch of flake sea salt or dusting of extra colored sugar will also take them to another level and make your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible on any cookie platter.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine next to a steaming mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows, classic cold milk, or even a cozy peppermint latte. If you’re setting out a holiday dessert table, Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with other treats like fudge, spiced nuts, or fruit tarts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful edible gift, stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag and tie it closed with a sparkly ribbon. They also look fantastic arranged in holiday cookie tins between parchment squares. Or, try serving them warm alongside ice cream for an unforgettable Christmas sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
The cookie dough can be scooped into balls and frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for ready-to-go treats all season long.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm a tray in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The chocolate gets gooey, and the kitchen smells divine—just like when they were first baked!
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips in these cookies?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for semi-sweet and white chocolate, feel free to swap in dark, milk, or even peppermint-flavored chips for extra holiday flair. The important thing is to keep the total chip amount the same for best results.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional, but a 30-minute rest in the fridge will give you thicker cookies with less spread. For a quick batch, you can bake right away—they’ll be a little chewier, but just as delicious.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted. Also, you can chill the dough before baking. Using parchment paper helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, too.
What’s the best way to get that festive look?
Reserve a handful of M&M’s and sprinkles to gently press into the tops of your cookie dough balls right before baking. This ensures every Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie looks picture-perfect and extra colorful.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies will still have all the same festive charm and incredible flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a plate of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies with friends and family. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and a burst of holiday spirit to your season. Give this recipe a whirl, and watch it become a cherished part of your festive traditions!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect festive treat, loaded with chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles. They are easy to make and great for holiday cookie exchanges or leaving out for Santa!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday M&M’s
- 1/4 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
- These are perfect for cookie exchanges or Santa’s plate!
- Use peppermint chips or chopped candy canes for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
