Creating a festive Christmas cookie box is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Last year, my son Jake and I baked a dozen different cookies for our neighborhood cookie exchange, and we had so much fun decorating them together. This Christmas cookie box is filled with 12 crowd-pleasers that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a fun family activity that brings everyone together.
- You can customize the cookies based on your favorites.
- They make great gifts for friends and neighbors.
Pure Comfort
There’s something magical about sharing homemade cookies during the holidays. The aroma of freshly baked treats fills your home, and each bite feels like a warm hug from family traditions.
What You Need
- 2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g) – Sifted for better texture.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – Leavening agent for fluffy cookies.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g) – Can substitute with margarine.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – For sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar, packed (220 g) – Adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 2 large eggs – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
- 2 cups 2 cups chocolate chips (340 g) – Can substitute with nuts for a different texture.
- 1 cup 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) (120 g) – Pecans or walnuts work well.
- 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g) – For dusting or icing.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 42 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Cookies can be baked a week in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to incorporate air into the flour, making your cookies light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is pale and has a smooth texture. This step is crucial for the right cookie consistency.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be creamy and well combined, with a lovely vanilla aroma wafting through your kitchen.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using. The dough will be studded with chocolate and crunchy bits. This is where the fun begins, as you can customize your cookie mix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread while baking, so give them room to grow.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to move without breaking.
Make It Perfect
- For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles on top before baking.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought cookie dough for a quick solution.
- Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
Mix It Up
- Substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits for a fruity twist.
- Try adding peppermint extract for a holiday flavor.
- Use almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Perfect Partners
- Pair these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
- They also go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them a week in advance and store them in an airtight container.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg as a substitute.
What’s the best way to package a cookie gift box?
Use a decorative box lined with tissue paper, and layer cookies with parchment to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
Creating a Christmas cookie box filled with these 12 crowd-pleasers is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Whether for a cookie exchange or as a gift, these treats will surely bring joy to everyone who receives them. So gather your loved ones, bake up a storm, and enjoy the sweet moments together!
Create a Festive Christmas Cookie Box with 12 Crowd-Pleasers
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Main
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for better texture
- 1 tsp baking powder Leavening agent for fluffy cookies
- 1/2 tsp salt Balances sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar For sweetness
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed Adds moisture and flavor
- 2 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing
- 2 tsp vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor
- 2 cups chocolate chips Can substitute with nuts for a different texture
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Pecans or walnuts work well
- 1 cup powdered sugar For dusting or icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack.