These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies capture the very spirit of the holidays, transforming a classic favorite into something festively irresistible! With a rich, buttery dough brimming with gooey chocolate chips, colorful red and green M&M’s, and sparkly sprinkles, each bite feels like a little party for your taste buds. Whether you’re filling up a cookie platter, gifting a batch to neighbors, or sneaking a treat during a cozy winter movie, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the sweet nostalgia and cheery vibes packed into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the building blocks of these cookies! Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor, texture, or the joyful appearance that makes Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies such a showstopper. Simple pantry staples come together with festive add-ins to create cookies that are everything you love about the holidays.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of chewy, rich cookies—make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor—this is the secret to irresistible chewiness!
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together, keeping your cookies soft and tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds lovely warmth and deepens the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure so your cookies keep that perfect shape instead of spreading too thin.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives your cookies a nice lift for a soft center.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to ensure a perfect rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out all the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The key to pockets of melted chocolate in every single bite.
- Red and green M&M’s (1/2 cup): A pop of color and crunch—these make your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies instantly festive.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Sprinkles add sparkle and playful texture, turning each cookie into a celebration!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures perfectly golden edges every time. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. This little bit of prep work means you’ll be ready for cookie magic without any sticky surprises!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial for that dreamy, tender texture—don’t rush it! Creaming really sets the stage for the best Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time so each gets fully incorporated. This gradual mixing leads to cookies that are richly flavored and perfectly moist. Once the eggs are in, give everything a generous splash of vanilla extract for that comforting, bakery-style aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures your leavening agents are distributed evenly, dodging the dreaded uneven bake. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep it gentle!
Step 5: Fold in the Festive Goodness
It’s time for the best part! Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, and sprinkles until they’re speckled throughout the dough. These goodies don’t just add flavor—they’re what transform these into bona fide Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form even balls of dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to avoid crowding. For bakery-style looks, press a few extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top before they go into the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges—this is when you know they’re perfect.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll keep cooking a bit as they cool, so don’t rush it! Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (or at least until you can resist no longer). Now you’re ready to savor and share your fresh, beautiful Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
To really wow your holiday crowd, add a few extra red and green M&M’s or a pinch of holiday sprinkles on top of each cookie right after baking. For an elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter can make your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies sparkle in the candlelight.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a total treat on their own, but they’re even more delightful with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of cocoa, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re hosting a holiday dessert table, try pairing them with peppermint bark or crispy gingerbread for a full-on festive cookie feast!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies in clear cellophane bags with a pretty ribbon for a perfect edible gift. For parties, arrange them on a bright platter or tiered stand, alternating with candy canes and chocolate truffles. Or, bake mini versions and serve them as a playful topping on holiday milkshakes or ice cream sundaes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies will stay soft and tasty if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Slip in a slice of bread to help retain moisture—it works wonders on keeping your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy and fresh.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment between the layers. Frozen, they’ll keep for up to 3 months—just bring to room temperature when you’re ready for a festive snack, or pop them straight from the freezer into a packed lunch.
Reheating
If you crave that “just-baked” taste, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10 to 12 seconds per cookie) brings your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies back to warm, gooey perfection. For a crispy outside, heat them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes—just watch closely so they don’t overbake.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilling not only saves time but often improves the flavor and texture of your Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.
My cookies came out flat—what happened?
Flat cookies are often caused by butter that’s too soft or even melted. Make sure your butter is just softened, not liquid. Also, double check your baking soda and powder for freshness—old leaveners won’t help your dough rise.
Can I use different chocolate chips or candies?
You can get creative! Swap in white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or use festive seasonal candies if you like. That’s the beauty of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies—they’re infinitely customizable!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. No other changes needed—just enjoy!
Can kids help with this recipe?
Totally! Kids will love measuring, mixing, and especially adding sprinkles and M&M’s. Baking Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fantastic way to create sweet holiday memories together.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies baking in your kitchen—it’s a simple way to fill your home with warmth, laughter, and a little holiday magic. Whether you’re sharing them with family or nibbling away as you watch the snow fall, I hope these cookies become a new holiday classic for you and your loved ones. Happy baking and happiest holidays!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies. Packed with chocolate goodness and colorful M&M’s, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night by the fire.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, press a few additional M&M’s and sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
- These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
