Few things embody the spirit of the holidays like a warm, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven cookie. This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe takes the nostalgic charm of classic cookies and dresses them up in festive sprinkles, red-and-green candies, and rich chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for Santa, hosting a holiday party, or gifting edible joy to friends and family, this recipe guarantees irresistible flavor and that picture-perfect holiday touch.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cookies are more than just dessert—they’re tradition, comfort, and togetherness in every bite. Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of butter, sugar, and melted chocolate while snow falls (or not!) outside. That’s the kind of holiday memory we all crave, and this recipe delivers it every single time.
👉 Ready to create cookies that are both timeless and festive? This guide will give you everything you need—from expert baking tips to storage advice—so your batch turns out bakery-quality every time.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Festive & fun – Sprinkles and red-green candies transform the classic cookie into a holiday masterpiece.
Easy ingredients – No fancy items needed; just pantry staples.
Kid-friendly – Perfect for family baking sessions and decorating fun.
Customizable – Adapt with white chocolate, nuts, or peppermint bits.
Perfect texture – Crispy edges, chewy centers, gooey chocolate pockets.
Holiday-ready – Great for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or gifting.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and bake as needed.
Santa-approved – The ultimate cookie plate addition on Christmas Eve.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its familiar yet festive ingredients. Each element plays a role in texture, taste, or holiday flair.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure so cookies stay soft but don’t collapse.
Baking soda – A touch of lift ensures a chewy middle and crisp edges.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened) – The foundation of rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar – Creates crispy edges.
Brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and caramel-like depth for chewiness.
Large eggs – Bind everything together and help create that glossy dough.
Vanilla extract – The hidden hero that boosts all flavors.
Semisweet chocolate chips – The classic base for nostalgia and indulgence.
Red & green candy-coated chocolates (M&M’s) – Adds festive crunch and color.
Holiday sprinkles – Decorative sparkle that screams Christmas cheer.
👉 Substitutions & Variations:
Swap white chocolate chips for a snowy look.
Use peppermint extract for a minty Christmas twist.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for nut lovers.
Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make the Best Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1 – Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes leavening agents and prevents clumps.
Step 3 – Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This process incorporates air for that dreamy texture.
Step 4 – Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. The dough will look creamy and slightly glossy—perfect for binding.
Step 5 – Combine Dry & Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined; overmixing = tough cookies.
Step 6 – Add Mix-Ins
Fold in semisweet chocolate chips, red & green candies, and sprinkles. Each bite should get a little of everything.
Step 7 – Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft.
Step 8 – Cool & Enjoy
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. This helps them set while staying chewy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies
How do I make these cookies soft and chewy?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar, avoid overbaking, and let cookies rest on the sheet after baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes.
Can I make these cookies ahead for a party?
Absolutely. Bake 2–3 days in advance, store in airtight tins, and refresh with 10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Likely too much butter or warm dough. Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to control spread.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with Hot Cocoa Bombs (see related recipe: Hot Cocoa Bombs)
Serve on a Christmas dessert platter with Pavlova Trifle or Baileys Cheesecake Trifle
Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts
Leave out for Santa with a cold glass of milk 🎅
Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
Calories: 210
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 28g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 115mg
Values vary by size and mix-ins.
Storage & Leftovers
Room temperature: Store in airtight tins up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 10 days.
Freezer (baked): Wrap in foil + freezer bag, keeps 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave 10–15 seconds for fresh-from-the-oven softness.
FAQs About Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Yes, it creates a snowy, festive vibe. Great with cranberries too.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: Optional, but chilling enhances flavor and prevents overspreading.
Q: Can kids help with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Let them add sprinkles and candies—it’s part of the fun.
Q: What’s the difference between holiday and regular chocolate chip cookies?
A: Holiday versions use colorful mix-ins, sprinkles, and festive flavors (like peppermint).
Variations
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies – Add crushed candy canes.
Snowy White Chocolate Cookies – White chips + silver sprinkles.
Nutty Noel Cookies – Pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies – Use GF flour blends.
Vegan Christmas Cookies – Swap butter for vegan margarine, eggs for flaxseed.
Conclusion
This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a gift wrapped in sweet flavor. With chewy centers, melty chocolate, and holiday sparkle, they’re guaranteed to spread cheer at every table.
✨ Bake them once, and you’ll want them to be part of your annual holiday baking ritual. Share, gift, or savor them warm with family—it’s the kind of recipe that makes Christmas unforgettable.
👉 If you loved this, explore more festive bakes on Recipes Nana and share your cookie creations on social media with #RecipesNana!