These classic Christmas cookies are a holiday favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, buttery richness, and chocolatey goodness. With a soft, chewy texture and golden edges, these cookies are simple to make and guaranteed to spread festive cheer at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for family or for a holiday cookie exchange, these delicious cookies will be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter with both sugars. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Reduce the speed to low, and add the salt, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop heaping tablespoon-size balls of dough about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Types: Use all semisweet chocolate chips, all milk chocolate, or a mix of both for a different taste. White chocolate chips also make a great addition for variety.
Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar to the tops of the cookies before baking to give them a holiday touch.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer? Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon, though it may take a little longer to achieve the fluffy texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, if using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from being too salty.
Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then store the balls in an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.
Can I use only one type of chocolate? Absolutely! You can use just semisweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies smaller or larger? Yes, you can adjust the size of the dough balls. Just keep in mind that the baking time will vary: smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger ones may take longer.
Can I add other holiday-themed decorations? Yes, you can add colored sugars or drizzle with melted chocolate for a festive touch.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking? No, chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe, but it can help if you prefer thicker cookies or need to prepare the dough ahead of time.
How can I make the cookies chewier? To make the cookies chewier, slightly underbake them, removing them from the oven when they’re just golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make the cookies dairy-free. There are many great options available at most grocery stores.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookies are the ultimate festive treat, combining a rich, buttery flavor with gooey chocolate chips. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a great addition to your holiday baking tradition. Whether you’re baking with family, bringing them to a cookie exchange, or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies will surely bring joy to all who taste them.