why make this recipe
Holiday cookies are a festive treat enjoyed by many during the holiday season. They fill your home with delightful aromas and bring family and friends together. Making holiday cookies is not just about the delicious flavor; it’s also about the joy of baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones.
how to make Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
- Bake 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
how to serve Holiday Cookies
Holiday cookies are best served warm, fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. They can be placed on a festive platter and decorated with seasonal touches, like sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends.
how to store Holiday Cookies
To keep your holiday cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for several months.
tips to make Holiday Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for more flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies soft.
- Experiment with adding different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
variation
You can add dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, instead of nuts or mix in different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate, for variety.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, you can substitute white sugar with more brown sugar, but it may change the texture slightly.Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months before baking.Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from too much butter or not enough flour. Make sure you measure your ingredients accurately.
Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened, not melted.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar Use high-quality sugar for better flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix-ins
- 2 cups chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate chips for more flavor.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can be substituted.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips and optional nuts.
Baking
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.