Festive Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

These festive cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. They combine rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy white chocolate chunks, and colorful red and green candy-coated chocolates (or sprinkles), making them perfect for Christmas, parties, or simply when you want a cheerful treat. The cookies are soft in the center with slightly crisp edges, offering both flavor and a festive look.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (180 g) white chocolate chunks
• 1 cup (180 g) red and green candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s) or festive sprinkles
• (Optional) ½ cup (80 g) crushed peppermint candy for extra holiday flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Mix dry ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

1. Cream butter and sugars

• In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

1. Add eggs and vanilla

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

1. Combine wet and dry

• Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined (do not overmix).

1. Fold in mix-ins

• Gently fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, and festive candies.

1. Shape the cookies

• Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

1. Bake

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Short History

Chocolate chip cookies were first created by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn. Over time, bakers have added variations—nuts, candies, and seasonal flavors. These festive cookies are a modern holiday twist, bringing together the joy of traditional chocolate chips with colorful candy pieces and creamy white chocolate.

Benefits

• Mood booster: Chocolate contains compounds that may enhance happiness.
• Festive appeal: Bright red and green candies make them perfect for celebrations.
• Versatile: Great for gifts, parties, or a cozy family night.
• Customizable: Can be made gluten-free or with peppermint for a refreshing taste.

Variations

• Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes for a refreshing crunch.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in walnuts or pecans.
• Double Chocolate: Use cocoa powder in the dough for chocolate-based cookies.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbs: 28 g
• Sugar: 17 g
• Protein: 2 g

Conclusion

These festive holiday chocolate chip cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also for the eyes and spirit. They’re soft, chewy, chocolatey, and colorful—making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch for your loved ones, share them at gatherings, or keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell