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These festive Christmas chocolate chip cookies transform ordinary cookie platters into holiday magic with their perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges. Ready in just 60 minutes, this easy cookie recipe combines classic chocolate chips with colorful Christmas candies for an irresistible holiday treat. Whether baking for a cookie exchange or just for fun, these Christmas cookies deliver crowd pleasing flavor and nostalgic aroma every time.
I first created these Christmas chocolate chip cookies for a neighborhood cookie exchange, hoping to capture the spirit of the holidays with familiar flavors and a touch of whimsy. The combination of melted butter and cornstarch gives each cookie an unbelievably soft texture, while the pops of red and green M&Ms make every batch look merry and bright. Over the years, these cookies have become a beloved tradition, eagerly requested by family and friends every December.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Crucial for structure; measure by fluffing, spooning, and leveling for perfect texture. You can substitute a 1 to 1 gluten free blend if needed.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right rise for soft, golden cookies. Make sure it's fresh for best results.
- Cornstarch (1 1/2 teaspoons): The secret to soft, tender centers that stay chewy for days. Potato starch works in a pinch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the overall sweetness; don’t skip for best flavor balance.
- Butter, melted (3/4 cup): Creates extra chewiness and depth of flavor. Use unsalted for better control, or plant based butter for dairy free cookies.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds caramel like notes and moisture. Packed firmly for accurate measuring.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes to crispy edges and structure; you may reduce to 1/3 cup for lower sugar.
- Egg plus 1 egg yolk: The additional yolk ensures richness and that perfect chewy texture. Room temperature is best for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Use pure vanilla for the most aromatic, festive cookie flavor; almond extract is a fun twist.
- Semi sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Classic choice for balance, but you can use dark or milk chocolate for a different taste.
- Christmas M&Ms (1/2 cup): The signature holiday touch, adding color and extra crunch; swap in any holiday colored candies for other occasions.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures each bite has an even crumb and bakes uniformly, setting the stage for perfect cookies every time.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium with a hand or stand mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly lighter. Fully creaming gives cookies their signature chewy texture and slightly caramelized flavor.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Mix in the whole egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract for about 1 minute, until the mixture looks lighter and fluffy. Scrape the bowl to make sure all ingredients are incorporated and provide a rich, festive flavor throughout.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Slowly add the combined dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low just until the flour is absorbed. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks remain to avoid tough cookies caused by overmixing.
- Fold in Festive Mix Ins:
- With a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and most of the Christmas M&Ms, reserving a few tablespoons for pressing on top later. This adds color and ensures even distribution of chocolate in every cookie.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover dough tightly and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling prevents spreading, intensifies flavor, and makes scooping much easier for neat, bakery style cookies.
- Portion and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and space 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved M&Ms and chips onto each before baking for best presentation.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the center rack for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked. This step ensures chewy centers that finish setting as they cool. Avoid overbaking for softer cookies.
- Cool Properly:
- Let cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This rest helps them finish baking and develop the perfect texture, resulting in cookies that hold together without drying out.
I discovered the power of cornstarch in cookies quite by accident while adapting my grandmother's secret recipe for holiday get togethers. The result was the perfect soft batch cookie, and the whole family noticed how much longer they stayed fresh. Now, a double batch is always on my to do list before Christmas gatherings, because everyone wants to take a few home!
Smart Swaps and Variations
If you need dairy free Christmas cookies, simply use plant based butter or coconut oil in equal measure for a similar texture and flavor. For gluten free cookies, substitute a quality 1 to 1 flour blend, and if your blend lacks xanthan gum, mix in 1/4 teaspoon for structure. For new holiday flavors, add peppermint or almond extract, swap in white chocolate chips with cranberries, or toss in chopped toasted walnuts for extra crunch and sophistication.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keep cookies soft for days by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. For longer keeping, freeze cooled cookies on a sheet and transfer to freezer bags with parchment layers; they'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Reheat cookies for fresh baked flavor by microwaving for 10 to 15 seconds, or bake dough balls straight from the freezer, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
What to Serve with Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas chocolate chip cookies pair perfectly with mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy winter treat. Serve alongside a glass of cold milk for classic enjoyment, or as part of a holiday cookie platter featuring gingerbread, sugar cookies, and spiced treats. Include these cookies in homemade gift baskets or get creative by making ice cream sandwiches with peppermint or vanilla ice cream for a memorable holiday dessert.
Nutritional Benefits
Each Christmas chocolate chip cookie has about 215 calories, making it a festive but portion controlled holiday treat when enjoyed mindfully. Eggs in the recipe add protein and nutrients like choline, while using semi sweet chocolate provides a small boost of antioxidants from cocoa. For those seeking to reduce sugar, cut the granulated sugar by a third for slightly less sweet but still delicious results, and pair cookies with nutrient dense sides for balance.
Recipe Success Tips
If your cookies spread more than desired, double check that the dough was adequately chilled and the melted butter had cooled before mixing. For a perfect round shape, use a cookie cutter to gently corral the edges while still warm. To keep the candies colorful and visible, reserve some to press onto each cookie just after baking. Stack dough balls two high for extra thick bakery style cookies, and always test baking soda freshness by checking for fizz in vinegar.
These Christmas chocolate chip cookies have brought so much joy to our family gatherings and quickly became the highlight of our holiday season. I hope their cheerful appearance and delicious flavor bring festive cheer to your celebrations and inspire new traditions in your own kitchen.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture for several days.
- → Can I substitute the M&Ms?
Yes, use regular chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried cherries for a unique twist.
- → Should the butter be melted or softened?
Melted butter gives these cookies a soft, chewy texture for optimal results.
- → Why add cornstarch to cookie dough?
Cornstarch creates a softer, thicker texture, making the cookies extra tender.
- → How long can I store baked cookies?
Baked cookies last up to a week at room temperature or can be frozen for a month.