Name: Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅔ cups all purpose white flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup Christmas red/green/white mix sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 45 reviews

There’s something magical about the holidays, and for me, it usually starts in the kitchen with warm, buttery treats fresh from the oven. This Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is my go-to for spreading that festive cheer because it strikes the perfect balance between chewy, gooey, and just sweet enough. Plus, those festive sprinkles add a playful holiday twist that’ll make you want to bake these again and again. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your seasonal cookie lineup!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweetness: Combining brown and white sugar brings depth of flavor with just the right amount of caramel notes.
Melted Butter Magic: Using melted butter creates cookies that are chewy with crispy edges — the ultimate texture combo.
Festive Touch: The Christmas sprinkles not only look delightful but lend just a tiny crunch to every bite.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time means you can whip these up between wrapping gifts or while watching holiday movies.

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, festive holiday cookies, easy Christmas treats, homemade holiday cookies, Christmas baking ideas - The image shows seven round cookies cooling on a black wire rack. Each cookie has a thick, soft texture with little ridges and bumps on the surface. The cookies are a light brown color with many colorful red, green, and blue sprinkles mixed inside, along with small white and dark brown chocolate chips spread evenly throughout. The wire rack sits on a wooden surface, creating a warm and cozy feeling. The cookies look freshly baked with slightly golden edges and a slightly shiny top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together like a well-rehearsed choir — each bringing a unique part that makes the final cookie sing. I always recommend grabbing good-quality vanilla and fresh spices; fresh cinnamon makes a surprisingly big difference in flavor.

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, festive holiday cookies, easy Christmas treats, homemade holiday cookies, Christmas baking ideas - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose white flour, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of white sugar, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of baking soda, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of white chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of red, green, and white flat confetti Christmas sprinkles, and a stick of salted butter partially melted, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: Melting it adds moisture and helps create that chewy cookie texture I love.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that balances the sweetness.
White Sugar: Gives that subtle crunch and helps cookies spread evenly.
Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Heightens the overall flavor and adds warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: Your cookie’s structure – don’t substitute with self-rising flour here.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, holiday spice note — but feel free to start with less if you’re new to cinnamon in cookies.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies their perfect rise and spread.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For that classic rich chocolate burst.
White Chocolate Chips: They bring a creamy sweetness that plays beautifully against the semi-sweet chips.
Christmas Red/Green/White Sprinkles: Flat confetti sprinkles work best for texture, adding the festive colors you want without a hard crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about letting your cookie personality shine — whether you secretly wish for more chocolate or want to dial up the holiday spice. I often swap the white chocolate chips for festive peppermint chunks during the holidays for extra merriment!

Variation: Adding crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles gave my cookies a minty crunch that guests adored last Christmas.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the butter for coconut oil and the eggs for flax eggs for a dairy-free version that still holds up well.
Spice Level: If you love cinnamon, I’ve tried it with double the amount, and it’s so cozy — just make sure to balance it out with the sugar.
Texture Twist: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts if you want some extra bite and crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace & Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. I always prep my ingredients before I start mixing, so everything’s within arm’s reach — it keeps me from rushing and dropping half the sprinkles on the floor!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. I like using a fork here because it breaks up any clumps without overworking the flour. This combo infuses your cookie with just enough flavor and gives it that perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir your melted butter with both sugars until they’re blended well. The mix will look glossy and beautiful, almost cake-batter-like. Beat in the egg fully, then add the vanilla extract. For me, this step is the sweet spot because you can already smell how delicious it’s going to be.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold in your dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing flour can toughen cookies, so stop when you see no more dry patches. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir in your chocolate chips and sprinkles — this is where the visual magic really happens.

Step 5: Scoop, Bake & Cool

Use a 2-tablespoon scoop or scoop tips to place cookie dough mounds on the parchment, spacing them evenly for about 16 cookies. Bake for exactly 11 minutes; the edges will be golden but centers look soft. This is my favorite part — don’t rush! Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes finishes the cooking gently, so they stay soft and chewy. If you prefer a firmer cookie, add an extra minute to the bake time.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Melted Butter Temperature: Don’t overheat your butter in the microwave; lukewarm to slightly warm works best for proper mixing.
Mixing Technique: Use gentle folding instead of vigorous stirring when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
Cookie Size Matters: I’ve found that 2-tablespoon scoops yield that perfect chewy center and slightly crispy edge every time.
Cooling Time: Don’t skip resting cookies on the sheet after baking; it firms them up without drying them out.

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a few extra sprinkles after baking to boost that festive vibe. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch that friends always ask about.

Side Dishes

Pair these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo. For parties, I also like serving them alongside spiced cider or creamy eggnog to keep the seasonal spirit flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite traditions is arranging these cookies in a festive tin layered with colorful tissue paper or wrapping stacks with ribbon tied in a bow. They also make charming edible gifts when placed in mason jars layered with sprinkles and chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they usually stay soft for about 3 to 4 days this way. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

To make life easier, I often freeze dough balls on a baking sheet before popping them into a freezer bag. That way, I can bake fresh cookies whenever I want with no mess, just adding about 2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their softness, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel — this trick works wonders for reviving that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe without cinnamon?

Absolutely! The cinnamon adds a warm holiday flavor, but if you or your family prefer plain chocolate chip cookies, simply omit it. The cookies will still be delicious — just classic chocolate chip goodness with a festive twist from the sprinkles.
How do I prevent my Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too hot or completely melted to liquid form — it should be melted but still slightly cool when you mix. Also, chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can help keep the shape. And don’t overload your baking sheet; spacing cookies properly prevents merging.
Can I substitute the sprinkles with nuts or other decorations?

Yes! While sprinkles bring festive color and a mild crunch, you can use chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even crushed peppermint candies for a different texture and flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the quantity so the dough isn’t overloaded.
How long does the dough keep in the fridge?

The dough can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, scoop and bake the cookies fresh. This helps develop flavor and is perfect if you want to prepare ahead for holiday baking marathons.

Final Thoughts

I honestly look forward to making this Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe every holiday season — it feels like a warm hug in cookie form. The joyful colors, the cozy cinnamon, and that irresistibly chewy texture always bring my family together around the kitchen table. If you’re seeking a cookie that’s both easy to make and sure to impress, give this recipe a go — I promise it’ll become part of your Christmas tradition too!