Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

There is just something about this time of year. The kitchen is warm, the oven is on, holiday music is playing, and family recipes are being made the same way they have been for years. These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are one of those recipes in my house — simple, classic, and absolutely perfect every single time.

They’re soft in the center, lightly golden on the edges, and finished with festive sprinkles that make them feel extra special for the holidays. I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to get the texture just right, and I’m sharing all my tips so yours turn out just as good. You can find the top 10 holiday desserts here!

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Melissa Jo

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

5 from 1 vote

There is just something about this time of year. The kitchen is warm, the oven is on, holiday music is playing, and family recipes are being made the same way they have been for years. These Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are one of those recipes in my house — simple, classic, and absolutely perfect every single time.

They’re soft in the center, lightly golden on the edges, and finished with festive sprinkles that make them feel extra special for the holidays. I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to get the texture just right, and I’m sharing all my tips so yours turn out just as good. You can find the top 10 holiday desserts here!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  

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• 1½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened but still cool
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar lightly packed (fresh and soft)
• 1 large egg
• ½ tablespoon Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips I use Nestlé Toll House

Optional Add-Ins

• Crushed M&M’s
• An additional ½ cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey cookies
• Holiday sprinkles I used Wilton “Under the Christmas Tree” Sprinkle Mix

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Cookie Scooper
• 1 Cooling Rack
• 1 Cookie Sheets

Method

 

Preheat the Oven

1. TIP: Preheat your oven 30 minutes before baking. A fully heated oven helps cookies rise properly and bake evenly.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (silicone is ideal if you have them).

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. TIP: I don’t add salt because I use salted butter.
3. If you’re using unsalted butter, add ¼ teaspoon salt here.
4. Set aside.

Cream the Butter & Sugars

1. TIP: Butter should be softened but still cool. Butter that’s too warm will cause cookies to spread and bake flat.
2. In a large bowl, add butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer:
4. Start on low speed
5. Gradually increase to high
6. Mix for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy

Add Egg & Vanilla

1. Crack the egg into a small bowl and lightly break it up (no need to whisk).
2. Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture.
3. Mix on medium speed just until incorporated, about 30 seconds.

Add Dry Ingredients

1. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
2. Mix on low speed just until combined and no dry flour remains.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

1. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
2. TIP: I prefer more cookie than chocolate, but feel free to add more chips or crushed M&M’s if that’s your thing.

Scoop & Decorate

1. Using a cookie scoop, scoop heaping scoops of dough.
2. Lightly roll in your hands to smooth, then dip just the tops of the cookies into a bowl of holiday sprinkles.
3. Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.

Bake

1. Bake at 350°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on your oven.
2. I usually pull mine around 10 minutes, when the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
3. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

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