Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with these delicious Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies! Perfect for a festive treat or gift for loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt.
- Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts.
- Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
- Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
Popular questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
- Are walnuts necessary for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture may slightly differ.
Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet if you prefer a sweeter taste.
No, walnuts are optional and can be omitted if you have nut allergies or prefer not to use them.
Helpful tips:
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some red and green sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm holiday flavor.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Expert Secrets:
- To achieve the perfect chewy texture, slightly under-bake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Experiment with different mix-ins such as dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or white chocolate chips for unique variations.
- Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats or larger cookies for a more indulgent dessert.