There’s something about baking that instantly fills a room with warmth, especially during the holiday season. These Chocolate Chip Cookie Christmas treats are exactly that kind of magic—soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, they’re crowned with red and green sprinkles that seem to brighten even the coldest December day.
I remember the first time I made these. The kitchen smelled like vanilla and butter, and the sound of the mixer was almost hypnotic. I was halfway through decorating the cookies with festive sanding sugar when my phone buzzed—distracting me just enough to miss one cookie that got a little too much green sugar. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real and festive, just like the holidays themselves. That little imperfection made me smile every time I looked at the tray, reminding me that joy is found in the small, imperfect moments.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth but holds just enough shape to pick up easily.
- Loaded with semisweet chocolate chips that offer a perfect balance of sweet and rich.
- Festive red and green sanding sugar adds a cheerful crunch and holiday spirit—though it can get a bit messy if you’re not careful.
- Quick to prepare, making it a great last-minute treat for unexpected guests or a cozy night in.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort and celebration.
If you’re worried about the cookies spreading too much or losing their festive look, don’t sweat it. These cookies hold together nicely, and any minor mishaps during decorating just add character.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Christmas
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Chocolate Chip Cookie Christmas treats. Soft, chewy cookies loaded with chocolate chips and decorated with red and green sprinkles to bring Christmas cheer to your dessert table.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup red sanding sugar
1/2 cup green sanding sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle the top of each cookie dough ball with red and green sanding sugar to create a festive Christmas look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
When it comes to kitchen gear, you don’t need anything fancy—just a sturdy mixing bowl and a good baking sheet. I usually use parchment paper to keep things easy and cleanup quicker. These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa, especially on a quiet evening by the fire.
For a little twist, I’ve sometimes swapped half the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or added a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. I haven’t tested these variations thoroughly, but they’re worth a try if you like experimenting. You could also swap the colored sanding sugar for crushed peppermint candies to add a minty kick and extra crunch.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, they freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Do the cookies stay soft after cooling? They do! The centers remain tender, which is part of their charm.
Can I make them without the colored sugar? Absolutely, though the festive look is part of the fun. Plain chocolate chip cookies work just as well.
Ready to brighten your holiday season? Grab your mixing bowl and dive into this simple, joyful recipe that’s just waiting to become part of your family traditions.