The Best Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies for the Holidays

There’s something about the holiday season that feels incomplete without the smell of cookies baking in the oven. For my family, these Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies are a tradition that makes our home feel extra cozy. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips. And when you add a touch of holiday flair, they become the perfect treat to share during this magical time of year.

As a mom, I love recipes like this one—they’re quick, simple, and guaranteed to please everyone. Whether we’re baking them together for a cookie swap or leaving them out for Santa, these cookies always feel special.

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Why These Cookies Are Perfect for You

For the Busy Mom
Life during the holidays is hectic, but this recipe is simple enough to whip up between school runs and gift wrapping.

For the Memory Maker
Baking these cookies with my kids is one of my favorite holiday traditions. They love adding sprinkles and sneaking chocolate chips when they think I’m not looking!

For the Sweet Tooth
Let’s face it—Christmas is all about indulgence, and these cookies hit the spot. They’re loaded with gooey chocolate and just the right amount of sweetness.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup red and green sprinkles (optional, but so festive!)

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What You’ll Need in the Kitchen

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or a trusty whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper (a mom’s best friend for easy cleanup)
• Cooling rack

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How to Make Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making soft, chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it looks a little lumpy.

Step 6: Fold in the Fun
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and festive sprinkles. This is my kids’ favorite step!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. (Or sneak one while they’re still warm—I won’t tell!)

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

1. Soft Butter Works Best: If you forgot to take the butter out of the fridge, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds—but don’t melt it!
2. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
3. Don’t Overbake: The centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.

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Fun Variations to Try

• Peppermint Twist: Swap out some of the chocolate chips for crushed candy canes.
• White Chocolate Wonder: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

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How to Store Your Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature:
Store the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft for up to a week, but honestly, they’re usually gone by day three in my house.

Freeze for Later:
These cookies freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months.

Freezing Dough:
Want fresh cookies on demand? Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake straight from the freezer. Add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

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Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have

Baking these Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies is more than just making dessert—it’s about creating moments. My kids’ excitement as they watch the cookies bake, the warm, chocolatey smell filling the kitchen, and the joy of sharing these treats with friends and family make this recipe a holiday staple in our home.

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Wrapping It Up

These cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—easy, delicious, and full of festive cheer. Whether you’re baking with little helpers or surprising your family with a batch, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more family-friendly recipes. Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays!

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

2. What’s the secret to soft cookies?
The key is brown sugar and slightly underbaking them.

3. Can I make them vegan?
You can! Use plant-based butter, flaxseed eggs, and vegan chocolate chips.

4. How do I make them more festive?
Add red and green sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies after they cool.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for sharing, so go ahead and make a big batch.

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Enjoy baking these cookies with your family and making sweet holiday memories! ❤️