There’s just something magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of cookies wafting through the house, the laughter of family gathered in the kitchen—it’s pure joy! That’s why I’m super excited to share my recipe for easy Christmas treats. These delightful cookies are not only simple to whip up but also a blast to make with your loved ones. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro in no time! I remember the first time I made these cookies with my kids; we had sprinkles everywhere, and it turned into a fun little holiday tradition. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into these festive and delicious treats that everyone will adore!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of colorful sprinkles
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps it blend perfectly with the sugar. And don’t worry about being too precise with your measurements; a little extra sprinkle of joy never hurt anyone! These ingredients come together to create the most delightful cookies that will bring smiles all around.
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Treats
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s get into the fun part—preparing these delightful cookies! Follow my step-by-step guide, and soon you’ll have a batch of delicious treats ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. I usually set the timer for about 10 minutes while I mix everything up, so the oven is nice and hot by the time I’m ready to bake!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, grab your 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon, mix them together until it’s creamy and smooth. This is the secret to fluffy cookies! Make sure your butter is at room temperature; it makes all the difference in how well it combines with the sugar. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend properly, and we don’t want that!
Add Egg and Vanilla
Now, crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen! The egg adds moisture, and the vanilla gives that lovely flavor we all adore. Don’t rush this step; you want everything to be nice and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the baking powder and salt, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Trust me, skipping this can lead to some flat cookies, and we want them to be fluffy little clouds!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, stirring gently until everything is incorporated and smooth. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to stay light and airy. A few lumps are totally fine!
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Next, gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. This means using a spatula to combine them without stirring too vigorously. We want to keep that lovely texture we just created! Plus, you’ll want those chocolate chips to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Prepare Baking Sheet
Now it’s time to get your baking sheet ready! Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. They’ll spread a little while baking, so give them some room to breathe!
Add Sprinkles
If you’re feeling extra festive (and who isn’t during the holidays?), sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top of the dough before baking. It adds a fun pop of color and makes your cookies look even more delightful!
Bake the Cookies
Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a bit different. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial; otherwise, they might crumble! And there you have it—your very own batch of easy Christmas treats, ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking these easy Christmas treats, here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time! I’ve learned a thing or two in my baking adventures, and I want to share them with you.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key! Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. It helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a lovely texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and chewy!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They can go from perfectly golden to overdone in the blink of an eye! Check them at the 10-minute mark, and don’t hesitate to take them out when they’re just set.
- Experiment with Chocolate Chips: Get creative! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips if you want to switch things up. Each type adds a different flavor that can really make your cookies shine!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them firm up and makes them easier to transfer. You’ll thank me later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful easy Christmas treats that everyone will love. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these easy Christmas treats is how versatile they are. You can swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips if you’re feeling adventurous. You could also mix and match—how about half milk chocolate and half peanut butter chips? The options are endless, and each variation brings a unique twist to this classic cookie!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you store them, so they don’t get soggy. If you’d like to keep them for a bit longer, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked warmth. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for these delightful easy Christmas treats. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These treats are not only fun to make but also satisfy that sweet tooth without going overboard. Enjoy them in moderation, and they’ll make your holiday season even sweeter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? You’re going to absolutely love making these easy Christmas treats! First off, they’re super quick to prepare—seriously, you can whip up a batch in just about 27 minutes! That means more time for sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the holiday cheer.
Plus, this recipe is a total blast for the whole family! Whether you’re baking with kids or friends, there’s something magical about creating these delicious cookies together. I can’t tell you how many memories I’ve made with my loved ones in the kitchen, covered in flour and laughter.
And let’s not forget about the taste—these cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness! With a sprinkle of festive colors on top, they also look adorable on any holiday platter. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked! So gather your ingredients, get everyone involved, and let the fun begin. You’ll be spreading holiday joy in no time!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying these delightful easy Christmas treats, pairing them with the right beverages can elevate the experience to a whole new level! I absolutely love serving these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa. The rich chocolatey goodness of the cocoa complements the cookies perfectly, creating a cozy and nostalgic vibe that’s just perfect for the holidays.
If you’re not a hot cocoa fan, a glass of cold milk is another classic choice that never disappoints! The creaminess of the milk balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable. You could also try serving them with a festive peppermint-flavored drink—how fun would that be?
And for an extra special touch, consider setting up a little cookie and drink bar! Let your guests mix and match their favorite cookies with drinks. It’s a fun way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories. So, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to indulge in these scrumptious treats—you won’t regret it!
Equipment List
Before you get started on these easy Christmas treats, it’s helpful to have the right tools on hand. Here’s a simple list of the essential equipment you’ll need to make baking a breeze:
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium-sized mixing bowls will do the trick for combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups: You’ll need both liquid and dry measuring cups to get those ingredient amounts just right.
- Measuring Spoons: Perfect for adding teaspoons of baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Hand Mixer or Whisk: A hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar super easy, but a whisk works just as well if you’re up for a little arm workout!
- Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula is great for folding in chocolate chips and scraping the sides of the bowl.
- Baking Sheet: You’ll need at least one baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: A cookie scoop helps you portion out the dough evenly, but a tablespoon works perfectly too!
- Cooling Rack: This is optional, but it’s super handy for letting your cookies cool evenly after baking.
Having these tools ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable! Now you’re all set to create some delicious holiday memories.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try these easy Christmas treats as I am! Baking is such a wonderful way to bring people together, and I know you’ll create some amazing memories while making these delightful cookies. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative and add your own twist to the recipe!
Once you’ve baked your batch, I’d love to hear how it went! Please leave a comment below sharing your experience, any fun variations you tried, or even just how much your family loved them. Your feedback not only warms my heart but also helps others who are eager to dive into the joy of holiday baking.
So, roll up those sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s fill our kitchens with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, love, and lots of delicious treats!
Easy Christmas Treats: 7 Steps for Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas treats that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sugar and butter until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with additional sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Check cookies regularly to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy christmas treats, holiday cookies, simple dessert recipes
