When it comes to holiday cheer, nothing beats the smell of fresh cookies wafting through the house. I remember one Christmas when my son Jake and I decided to bake a mountain of cookies for our neighborhood exchange. We ended up with flour everywhere, but those were the best homemade Christmas cookies we ever made! These cookies are perfect for cheap Christmas baking and will wow your friends at any cookie exchange.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re easy to make and require simple ingredients.
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings.
- You can customize them with your favorite flavors.
- They bring back warm memories and create new ones.
Pure Comfort
There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holidays. The laughter, the flour-covered faces, and the sweet aroma filling the kitchen create a cozy atmosphere. These cookies are not just treats; they’re a way to connect with family and friends, making every bite a little piece of joy.
What You Need
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Baking powder can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Kosher salt works well too.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – Margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Almond extract can add a unique twist.
- 2 large eggs – Flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.
- 2 cups chocolate chips – Try white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variety.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 10-12 minutes | Total: 30-32 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warmth will make your kitchen feel inviting as you get ready to bake.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. The smell of flour will fill the air as you combine the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, and you’ll see the mixture turn a pale yellow.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. The batter should look smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, and don’t overdo it; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The sight of those chips peeking through the dough is mouthwatering!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The aroma will have everyone gathering around!
- Enjoy your cookies fresh or store them for later. They make great gifts too!
Make It Perfect
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Keep an eye on the cookies; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.
- Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Mix It Up
- Add peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Mix in crushed candy canes for a holiday crunch.
- Use different flavored chips like peanut butter or caramel.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a glass of cold milk.
- Pair with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Enjoy alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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FAQs
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw before baking.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute.
How long do baked cookies last?
Baked cookies can last about a week in an airtight container.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Conclusion
These best homemade Christmas cookies are sure to be a hit at your next cookie exchange. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find that cheap Christmas baking can be both fun and delicious. So grab your apron and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Best Homemade Christmas Cookies for Easy Exchanges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy your cookies fresh or store them for later.