Ah, holiday baking! There’s just something magical about filling your home with the warm, sweet aromas of freshly baked treats. I can’t help but smile thinking about gathering around the kitchen with family, laughter in the air, and the tantalizing scent of cookies wafting through every corner. This time of year, when we share our favorite baked goods, truly brings people together. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or simply because you want to spread a little joy, this delightful recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, these cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite in your household! So, let’s dive into the fun of holiday baking and create something delicious together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies. I promise, the ingredients are simple and classic, making them easy to whip up in no time!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that perfect structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! Granulated sugar will give our cookies that lovely, crispy edge while keeping the inside chewy.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Using softened butter helps create that fluffy texture when creamed with sugar. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose your favorite! Semi-sweet is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- 2 eggs: These will help bind everything together and add moisture to our cookies. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This magical ingredient adds depth and warmth to the flavor. Trust me, don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Gather these goodies, and we’ll be ready to create some cookie magic together!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and start baking these delicious cookies! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out just right.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, and it takes about 2-3 minutes. After that, crack in the eggs—one at a time—mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract too! It adds such a lovely aroma.
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour, which is essential for that perfect rise. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender and soft!
Once that’s done, fold in the chocolate chips. I love using a spatula for this so I don’t break the chips! Using a cookie scoop or just a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space in between each one. Finally, pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. Wow, the smell will be irresistible!
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor that everyone will adore.
- Perfectly chewy texture with a crispy edge—just divine!
- Festive and fun, making them great for holiday gatherings.
- Quick to whip up, with just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Yields a generous 24 cookies—enough to share or enjoy all week!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your holiday baking goes off without a hitch! First, don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes if you want a firmer texture. This little step helps keep those cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Also, if you’re out of butter, you can substitute with equal parts coconut oil or even applesauce for a fun twist! Just remember, using cold butter will change the texture, so soften it first.
When baking, always keep an eye on your cookies toward the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you overbake, they could become too crunchy. Lastly, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them set perfectly!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to personalize these cookies! For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor. You could also swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different sweetness. Want to spice things up? A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder can elevate the chocolate flavor beautifully. And if you’re a fan of dried fruit, mix in some raisins or cranberries for a delightful chewiness. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to have fun and make these cookies your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat if you love them chewy and soft, but if you prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Trust me, the chocolate will be gooey and irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for each cookie, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
Now that you know what’s in these delightful cookies, you can dive into your holiday baking with confidence!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I get about this holiday baking recipe:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your cookies a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Just keep in mind they may be a little denser.
What if I don’t have eggs?
No worries! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. It’ll keep your cookies moist!
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps a lot! It firms up the butter, preventing excessive spreading in the oven.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Sure thing! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll still get delicious results!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a soft center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Holiday Baking: 5 Irresistible Cookies to Share
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful holiday baking recipe to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with nuts.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Holiday baking