Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

Alright, these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies? They’re classic, cozy, and all dressed up for the holidays. Soft and chewy in the center with golden edges, loaded with melty chocolate chips—and topped with red and green sprinkles or festive M&Ms for that extra holiday sparkle.

I made them during a snowy December weekend, and the whole house smelled like pure comfort. They taste just like the cookies you remember from childhood, but with a little holiday magic mixed in.

They’re super easy to make and perfect for cookie swaps, gift tins, or Santa’s plate on Christmas Eve. Just mix, scoop, and bake. Let’s make a warm, festive batch together—you’re gonna want to keep these on repeat all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for the Holidays: The colorful M&Ms give them a cheerful, seasonal look—no extra decorating required.
• Soft, Chewy Texture That Lasts: The melted butter, extra egg yolk, and cornstarch work together to create cookies that stay tender for days.
• No Mixer Needed: The dough comes together easily by hand. That means fewer dishes and more time enjoying the results.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies—so you’re never far from fresh, warm cookies.
• Customizable: You can tweak the chocolate chips, M&Ms, or add-ins to fit your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

These cookies combine the reliability of a time-tested base recipe with the flexibility and fun of festive add-ins.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (helps control spreading and enhances flavor)
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour, including chilling

Yields: About 24 cookies—enough for a small party or several snack sessions
Skill Level: Easy—no special techniques required. This recipe is well-suited for beginners, families baking with kids, or anyone who wants a low-fuss holiday treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

To keep things simple, you only need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: One large for the wet ingredients and one medium for the dry.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements. A kitchen scale is helpful but not required.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To mix the dough—gentle but thorough.
• Baking Sheets: Two standard size, so you can rotate and bake more at once.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• Cookie Scoop (optional): Helps ensure even-sized cookies that bake consistently.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies completely so they don’t overbake on the hot tray.

Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient does, so you understand why it’s included—not just how much you need:

• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour – This forms the structure of your cookie. Measured correctly (spoon and level method), it ensures your cookies aren’t dry or cakey.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Gives the cookies their light puff and golden-brown edges.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch – A secret weapon for keeping the centers soft without making the cookies fragile.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Essential to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted – Using melted butter creates a chewier texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
• ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture. It also promotes caramelization during baking.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Helps create a slightly crisp edge and balances the molasses notes from the brown sugar.
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk – The extra yolk adds richness and chew. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor. Don’t skip it.
• ½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melty pockets of chocolate make every bite decadent without overwhelming sweetness.
• ½ cup Christmas M&Ms – The stars of the show. They add crunch, color, and a touch of nostalgia.

Tip: You can press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball just before baking for a polished, bakery-style look.

Variations for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

This base dough is incredibly versatile. Try these optional variations:

• Add Crushed Candy Canes: Mix ¼ cup into the dough or sprinkle on top for a peppermint crunch.
• Use White or Dark Chocolate: Switch the chips to white chocolate for contrast or dark for a less sweet version.
• Swap the M&Ms: Peanut M&Ms or mint-flavored ones work great if you want more variety.
• Add Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts introduce a nutty richness and texture.
• Make it a Cookie Bar: Press the dough into a parchment-lined baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes. Slice into squares once cooled.

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly dispersed throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, pour in your melted (but slightly cooled) butter. Add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the mixture until smooth and slightly thick—about 1 to 2 minutes.

Next, crack in the egg and add the egg yolk. Stir until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This step helps bind the dough and creates flavor depth.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the bowl of wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to fold it in slowly. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough.

Once the dough is just coming together, fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed, but again, don’t overwork the dough.

4. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flour hydrate and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can chill the dough for up to 2 days if needed.

5. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls, about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each.

For a more festive look, gently press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips onto the tops of each dough ball before baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden, while the centers will still appear soft—that’s what you want. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

7. Cool Completely

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents overbaking and helps preserve the chewy texture.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These cookies are beautiful as-is, but you can make them extra festive with these simple ideas:

• Serve with a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for a reason.
• Stack and Wrap for Gifts: Wrap in cellophane or place in a holiday tin with ribbon for homemade gifts.
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting gives a snow-dusted effect.
• Arrange on a Holiday Platter: Pair with sugar cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint bark for a party-ready tray.

These cookies are great warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature—even a few days later.

How to Store Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.
• Freeze Dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen—add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or stack between sheets of parchment. They keep well for 2–3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Measure Flour Correctly

Use the spoon and level method. Scooping flour directly from the bag packs it down and can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough

Chilling prevents overspreading and helps deepen the flavor. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Use Room Temperature Eggs

Cold eggs can cause the melted butter to seize, leading to uneven dough. Let your egg and yolk sit out for 15–20 minutes before mixing.

Press Extra Toppings on Top

Right before baking, press a few chocolate chips and M&Ms onto each dough ball. This makes your cookies look more festive and bakery-style.

Watch for Doneness

The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool, staying soft inside.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories	180
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	80mg
Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	<1g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and cookie size.

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping if it becomes too firm.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

There could be a few reasons:

• The dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
• The butter was too warm when mixed.
• Too little flour was added. Always measure carefully using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to just a pinch. Salted butter will slightly change the flavor balance.

Are these cookies nut-free?

Yes, the base recipe is nut-free. However, always check your chocolate chips and M&M packaging for allergen info if making for someone with allergies.

Conclusion

These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies strike the perfect balance between classic and festive. They’re easy to make, full of cozy chocolate flavor, and brightened with pops of colorful holiday candies. Whether you’re baking with your kids, sharing a tray at a holiday party, or packaging them up as thoughtful gifts, these cookies deliver every time.

Keep a batch of dough in your freezer, and you’ll always be just minutes away from a fresh, warm, homemade holiday treat.