Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

These Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, offering a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich combination of sweet chocolate and crunchy walnuts. With a simple list of ingredients and minimal prep time, this classic recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gifting homemade cookies, or simply indulging in some festive treats, these cookies will surely bring joy to your celebrations.

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Dissolve the baking soda: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in hot water. Add the dissolved baking soda and salt to the batter, mixing well.
5. Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour until the dough comes together, then fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
6. Scoop and bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
8. Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add more spices: For a warm holiday flavor, try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of allspice to the dough.
• Swap the nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with chopped pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, and ensure that the chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
• Other mix-ins: Feel free to add festive mix-ins such as dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even mini marshmallows for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To warm up a cookie, simply microwave it for a few seconds until the chocolate chips start to melt again.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Butter adds richness and flavor, making it the preferred option.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
3. Can I omit the walnuts?
   Yes, if you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like them, you can leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious with just the chocolate chips.
4. Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?
   Absolutely. A hand mixer will work fine for this recipe. Just make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Can I use mini chocolate chips?
   Yes, mini chocolate chips would work wonderfully in these cookies, providing more chocolate in every bite!
6. Why are my cookies flat?
   Cookies may flatten if the dough is too warm or if you use too much butter. Try chilling the dough before baking, and make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake as directed (you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time).
8. Can I make these cookies with brown sugar only?
   Yes, you can use just brown sugar, though using a mix of white and brown sugar gives the cookies a better texture and sweetness balance.
9. Can I bake these cookies without the chocolate chips?
   Yes, you can make plain sugar cookies or use another mix-in, such as raisins or dried fruit, instead of the chocolate chips.
10. How can I make my cookies chewier?
    For chewier cookies, you can slightly under-bake them. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should remain soft.

Conclusion

These Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, with a soft and chewy texture and rich chocolate and walnut flavors that will delight anyone who takes a bite. With simple ingredients and a quick baking process, this recipe is great for busy holiday schedules, making it easy to enjoy homemade cookies without too much fuss. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in a festive snack, these cookies are sure to add warmth and sweetness to your holiday season.

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