Get ready to transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with these irresistible cookies that promise to be the star of every festive gathering! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, chocolatey masterpiece that combines the warmth of traditional baking with a modern twist. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these Holiday Baking Inspirations Cookies will have everyone begging for your secret recipe and coming back for more!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 37 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 24 cookies
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 brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips and, if desired, 1 cup of chopped nuts using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This will ensure a chewy texture.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Holiday Baking Inspirations Cookies with family and friends, or store them in an airtight container for later!
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- For extra richness, toast the nuts before adding them to the dough.
- Check your cookies a minute before the recommended baking time - ovens can vary.
- Let cookies cool completely to develop their full flavor and texture.
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries or different types of chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
