Welcome! These Holiday Cookies are a simple crowd-pleaser you can make fast. They bake up soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edge. Read on to learn what you need, how to make them, and tips to keep them fresh for days.
introduction
Holiday Cookies are an easy cookie to make for guests, gifts, or a quick treat at home. The dough mixes fast and uses common pantry items. If you like a nutty or chocolatey cookie, this one gives you both choices with chocolate chips and optional nuts. This recipe fits a busy day because it does not need chilling time or fancy tools. If you want a different nut-flavor note or another chip style, try our Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies for a fun change and more cookie ideas.
You will find clear steps below. The list of ingredients is small and easy to follow. The bake time is short, so you can have fresh cookies in under 20 minutes once the oven is ready. These cookies also make good gifts when wrapped in holiday boxes or tins.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Cookies
You will love these Holiday Cookies because they balance soft dough and crisp edges. The brown sugar gives them a warm, caramel taste while the butter keeps them rich. Chocolate chips add sweet pockets in each bite. If you add nuts, you get a contrast in texture that makes the cookie more interesting.
They are simple to customize. Swap semi-sweet chips for dark or milk chocolate, or use white chips for a different look. You can add spices if you want a holiday twist, like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. They are forgiving to small changes, so new bakers can make a delicious batch with little worry.
These cookies also hold up well for transport. If you layer them in a box with paper, they will keep shape and look. The recipe makes a moderate batch that is easy to double or cut in half. That makes them perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or a few tins of gifts for friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a fast and dependable cookie that still tastes like a treat. It uses common ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The steps are straightforward: mix dry, cream butter and sugars, combine, add chips, bake. No chilling, no special equipment, no strange ingredients.
You can also make this to teach kids baking. The tasks are simple, like measuring, stirring, and scooping spoonfuls onto a pan. They will see a quick reward when the cookies come out warm and sweet. This recipe is also easy to scale if you need more cookies for a party or fewer for small family use.
What You Need for Holiday Cookies
You will need just a few tools and the ingredients listed below. A large bowl, a small bowl, and a couple of spoons work fine. A mixer helps, but you can also stir by hand. A baking sheet and a wire rack will finish the job.
Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack for cooling
These basics are inexpensive and useful for many recipes. If you plan to bake often, a set of good measuring cups and a mixer will save time and help results.
How to Make Holiday Cookies
Follow these clear steps and you will have warm cookies soon. Work in the order below for best texture and even baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mix is light and a bit fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until you have a soft dough.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, if you are using them.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven. Watch for the edges to turn light golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling.
These steps make cookies that are soft inside and slightly crisp at the edge. If you like a chewier cookie, bake at the low end of the time range. For a crisper cookie, add a minute or two, but watch them so they do not overbrown.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
These amounts give a good batch size for sharing. If you need more, double the recipe and bake on multiple sheets, one at a time for best results. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt to keep the flavor balanced.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in flour mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Follow these steps in order and the dough will be smooth and even. Do not overmix after you add the flour; stir just until the flour is in. This keeps the cookies tender.
Best Ways to Serve Holiday Cookies
Serve these cookies warm for the best feel. They go great with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. For a party, place them on a simple plate with a doily or on a tiered tray for a nice look.
For gift boxes, stack cookies with paper layers between each. Use decorative cellophane and a ribbon to make a simple but lovely gift. They also pair well with other small sweets like spiced nuts or peppermint bark for a holiday plate.
If you want a special touch, warm a cookie for a few seconds in the microwave and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a quick dessert.
How to Store Holiday Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place a sheet of paper towel in the bottom to help absorb extra moisture. If you want them soft the next day, add a slice of bread to the container; the bread will help keep the cookies soft.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at low heat.
If you store unbaked dough, shape it into logs and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to two months, then slice and bake as needed. This is a good way to have fresh cookies with little prep later.
Easy Tips to Make Holiday Cookies
- Soften butter at room temperature, but do not let it melt. Soft butter creams better with sugar.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
- Do not overmix after adding flour. Mix until it just comes together.
- Use a cookie scoop for even cookies that bake at the same time.
- Watch the first batch closely so you learn how your oven bakes them. Oven temperatures vary.
- Cool cookies on the pan for a few minutes before moving them. They firm up and move with less breakage.
- If you want a glossy look, press a few extra chips on top right as they come out of the oven.
These small steps can change the result a lot. They help beginners get sure outcomes without fuss.
Try These Variations of Holiday Cookies
You can change this simple base in many ways:
- Swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm spice note.
- Use dried fruit instead of nuts for a chewy bite.
- Add 1/2 cup rolled oats and reduce flour slightly for a rustic texture.
- Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical hint.
For a fruit and spice idea, try a version with apple and warm spice. You can find a related idea in the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies recipe to mix flavors and try new textures.
Common Questions About Holiday Cookies (Minimum 3 FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before scooping.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes. Shape dough into balls or a roll, wrap well, and freeze up to two months. Bake from frozen but add a minute or two to the bake time.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft?
A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a paper towel to keep moisture. Do not refrigerate unless you want them firmer.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: You can, but cut the added salt a little to balance the taste. With salted butter, use 1/4 teaspoon salt instead of 1 teaspoon.
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: This can happen if the butter was too warm, or if you used too much sugar or too little flour. Chill the dough a bit or use slightly less butter next time.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Cookies recipe is simple, fast, and kind to your time. It uses common ingredients that mix up quickly and give a reliable, tasty result. The recipe offers room for change, so you can make it your own with chips, nuts, or spices. It works well for gifts, parties, and quick treats for the family.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather the ingredients, preheat the oven, and you will have cookies ready in a short time. Use the tips above to get even results, and try one of the variations for a new flavor. These cookies are a great base for many holiday baking plans.
Conclusion
If you want more cookie ideas and ways to package cookies for gifts, see this helpful roundup of holiday cookie ideas at the Top 25 Holiday Cookies For Gift Boxes! | Sarah Kieffer.
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Holiday Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Holiday Cookies are a simple crowd-pleaser that are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edge, perfect for gifts or quick treats.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mix is light and a bit fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until you have a soft dough.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, if you are using them.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven. Watch for the edges to turn light golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling.
Notes
These cookies hold up well for transport and can be easily doubled or cut in half. They are best served warm with a glass of milk or coffee.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg