1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- This step helps create the soft and chewy texture of the cookies by thoroughly incorporating the eggs.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the cookies dense.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Candies
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and about 3/4 cup of the red and green chocolate candies, reserving some for pressing onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This gives the cookies a festive appearance.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly press a few additional chocolate candies and sprinkles onto the top of each dough ball to ensure a festive, colorful appearance once baked.
7. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake; they’ll firm up as they cool, creating the perfect chewy texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs help the ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a softer cookie.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t Skip the Extra Toppings: Adding candies and sprinkles on top before baking gives the cookies that festive look and ensures a fun, holiday feel.
Decorating Ideas for Extra Festive Cookies
- Dip in White Chocolate: Once the cookies have cooled, dip half in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with holiday-themed nonpareils or colored sugar.
- Drizzle with Icing: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar icing over the cookies for an extra-sweet touch.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For a sweet-and-salty twist, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. For unbaked dough, scoop into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Why These Cookies Make the Perfect Holiday Treat
These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies capture the magic of the season with their classic flavor and holiday decor. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie spread! Whether for a cookie swap, a party, or a family dessert, these cookies will spread holiday cheer in every bite.