Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these "Easy Christmas Cookies to Give as Gifts"! Imagine the delight on your loved ones' faces when they unwrap a beautifully packaged box of homemade cookies, bursting with rich chocolatey goodness. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up 24 deliciously soft and chewy cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this simple recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s make this holiday season a little sweeter!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, you can package them in decorative boxes or bags to give as gifts. Consider adding a personal touch with a handwritten note or festive ribbon.
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your flour, sugars, and other ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale if you have one!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly and creates a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can even mix in some chopped chocolate bars for a gourmet touch.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without falling apart.
- Personalize Your Gift: When packaging your cookies, consider adding a personal touch with festive ribbons, a handwritten note, or even a small ornament attached to the gift box.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 191kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 28mg
