If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat that captures all the magic of the season, look no further than this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful blend of gooey semisweet and white chocolate chips, punctuated by cheery red and green M&M’s or sprinkles for that unmistakable holiday flair. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet chocolate, and playful crunch, making these cookies a staple at holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and cozy winter nights at home. Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, this is a recipe you’ll want to make year after year!

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from creating the perfect chewy texture to infusing bursts of festive color and flavor in every bite.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies, ensuring they hold their shape yet remain tender.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly, achieving that soft, pillowy center.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
Large eggs: Bind the dough and give the cookies a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Create gooey chocolate pockets in every bite.
White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness and beautiful contrast to the classic chocolate chips.
Red and green holiday M&M’s or sprinkles: Bring a pop of festive color and a little extra crunch—perfect for holiday cheer!

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this step done first means you’re ready to go as soon as your dough is mixed!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures you don’t end up with any pockets of baking soda or salt in your finished cookies—just a smooth, even crumb every time.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that classic chewy texture and ensures every cookie bakes up perfectly golden.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of cozy, holiday warmth.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see the last streak of flour disappear.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and the holiday M&M’s or sprinkles. This is where the Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe really comes alive—each scoop of dough is a snowstorm of festive color and flavor!

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For extra festive flair, press a few more M&M’s on top of each dough ball. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest lets them finish baking and firms them up just enough to handle—then they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly show-stopping platter, dust your cookies with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. A few extra holiday sprinkles on top add sparkle and make these cookies look like they’ve come straight from Santa’s workshop!

Side Dishes

Pair these festive cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even some mulled cider for a cozy treat. If you’re hosting a holiday dessert bar, serve them alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread, or spiced nuts for a spread that’s sure to delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming edible gifts. Or, stack them on a tiered cake stand at your holiday party. Want to make things extra special? Arrange cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree and decorate with extra M&M’s as “ornaments.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days—if they last that long! For the best flavor, add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

The dough for this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies—just layer them between sheets of parchment and store in an airtight container for up to three months.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-baked warmth back, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm a batch in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. You’ll revive that gooey chocolate and fill your kitchen with holiday aromas all over again!

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While semisweet and white chocolate chips are classic for this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, feel free to swap in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a fun twist.

Do I have to use M&M’s, or can I use just sprinkles?

You can definitely use just red and green sprinkles if you prefer, or mix them with other festive candy pieces for more color and crunch. The choice is yours—make it merry!

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, and it’s a great idea! Chilling the dough for up to 24 hours helps the flavors meld and results in a thicker, chewier cookie. Just cover the bowl and refrigerate, then bake as directed.

What makes these cookies perfect for Christmas?

Between the festive colors, rich chocolate, and the universal joy of cookies, this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings together everything we love about holiday baking. They’re fun, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious!

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and don’t skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm. Lining your baking sheets with parchment also helps keep the cookies from spreading too thin.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a fresh batch of these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with friends and family—the smiles, the laughter, and the sweet memories baked right in. Give this recipe a try and watch your holiday celebrations become even sweeter!

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, featuring a delightful mix of semisweet and white chocolate chips, plus colorful red and green M&M’s or sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup red and green holiday M&M’s or sprinkles

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and red and green holiday M&M’s or sprinkles to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
Shape and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

For extra festive presentation, press a few additional M&M’s on top of each dough ball before baking.
Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours to develop a thicker, chewier cookie texture.

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