If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet treat to brighten your holiday season, look no further than these Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas! These cookies are loaded with melty chocolate chips, pops of red and green candy, and a buttery, soft texture that instantly brings a smile to every face. Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace, packing gift tins, or sharing with neighbors, each bite captures the magic and warmth of Christmas. Get ready to make a batch (or three) of the merriest cookies your friends and family have ever tasted!

Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these cookies is simple: classic ingredients with a holiday twist. Each one plays a special part, from the rich butter base to the festive candies that make every bite a celebration. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas truly irresistible.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of a chewy, rich cookie, giving a creamy texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps with that perfectly crisp edge.
Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors with a cozy, aromatic touch.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The structural backbone, keeping cookies sturdy yet soft.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise and helps each cookie spread just right.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of classic chocolate in every bite.
White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): A creamy, sweet contrast that makes the cookies extra festive.
Red and Green Holiday M&Ms or Sprinkles (1/2 cup): Adds cheerful color and a delightful crunch—perfect for Christmas flair.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a nutty, toasty crunch that pairs beautifully with chocolate (skip these for a nut-free version).

How to Make Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—having the right temperature is key for golden, perfectly baked cookies! Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies slide right off, and you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to clean up.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this step creates the foundation for chewy, flavorful cookies. Don’t rush—creaming well ensures the best texture!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie aroma. This is where the dough starts to look and smell irresistible!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures your leavening and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any uneven bites.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. This helps keep your Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate, Candies, and Nuts

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, red and green M&Ms or sprinkles, and nuts (if using). Each stir is another step closer to holiday joy—make sure those festive add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief waiting period is the hardest part, but it ensures that your Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas hold their shape and texture!

How to Serve Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas

Garnishes

For that extra holiday sparkle, sprinkle a few more red and green M&Ms or festive sprinkles on top of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also a whimsical touch, making your cookies look like they’ve been kissed by a winter snowfall.

Side Dishes

Pair your Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a frothy latte. For a full dessert spread, serve alongside peppermint bark, sugared cranberries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real holiday treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon for a gorgeous homemade gift. Arrange them on a holiday-themed platter for a cookie exchange, or place a few in cellophane bags with a handwritten tag. However you present them, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip in a slice of bread to help maintain moisture—your cookies will stay delightful for up to five days.

Freezing

These cookies are perfect for making ahead! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for a couple of minutes. The chocolate will get wonderfully gooey again, and your kitchen will fill with that irresistible holiday aroma.

FAQs

Can I make Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas without nuts?

Absolutely! Just leave out the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version. The cookies will still be rich, chewy, and full of festive flavor.

Can I use different colored candies for other holidays?

Yes! Swap in pastel candies for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or any color combination to match your celebration. The base recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

What’s the best way to get thick, bakery-style cookies?

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking—this helps the cookies hold their shape and gives you that thick, chewy texture everyone loves.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. These cookies are a hit at parties, cookie swaps, and family gatherings, so don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for that perfect chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a little extra magic to your holiday baking, these Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas are sure to become a new family tradition. Bake up a batch, share them with those you love, and let the sweet, nostalgic flavors bring everyone together for a truly merry celebration!

Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Merry Christmas Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate the holiday season with these Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful blend of classic chocolate chips, white chocolate, and colorful holiday M&Ms or sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and packed with holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or cozying up with a cup of cocoa.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-Ins

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup red and green holiday M&Ms or sprinkles
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a rich flavor base.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in Add-Ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and nuts if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
Portion Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Swap in festive sprinkles or colored sugar replacements to customize holiday flair.
These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American