Nothing says Christmas like a batch of warm, freshly baked cookies. These Christmas chocolate chip cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with gooey chocolate chips and festive holiday sprinkles.
They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, gifting tins, or leaving out for Santa. Best of all, this recipe is simple, reliable, and delivers bakery-style cookies every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Soft and chewy texture
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Festive holiday look
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Easy one-bowl dough
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Perfect for gifting and cookie swaps
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Freezer-friendly dough
Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups chocolate chips
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½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking soda
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Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles.
5. Scoop the Dough
Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
For extra festive cookies, press a few additional chocolate chips and sprinkles on top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes
until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Soft & Chewy Cookies
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Don’t overbake – the centers should be soft
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Use more brown sugar than white sugar for chewiness
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Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies
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Use room-temperature butter for better texture
Flavor Variations
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add crushed candy canes and a drop of peppermint extract.
Double Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.
White Chocolate Cranberry Version
Use white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Christmas M&M Cookies
Swap some chocolate chips for red and green M&Ms.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
To Freeze Dough:
Scoop cookie dough balls and freeze. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F adding 1–2 extra minutes.
To Store Baked Cookies:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Perfect for Holiday Gifting
These cookies are great for:
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Cookie tins
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Holiday dessert platters
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Edible gifts
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School parties
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Christmas Eve treats
Wrap them in festive boxes or cellophane bags with ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter may be too warm or dough not chilled.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, festive, and full of holiday joy. With gooey chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, they’re the perfect treat for baking with family, sharing with friends, or enjoying by the fireplace.