The holiday season is all about spreading joy, and what better way to do that than with a DIY cookie gift basket? I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, and I baked a mountain of cookies to share with our neighbors. We had flour everywhere and laughter filling the air. Creating a Christmas cookie box gift is not only fun but also a heartfelt way to share your love with friends and family.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a fun activity to do with family or friends.
- You can customize it to fit anyone’s taste.
- It brings a personal touch to holiday gifting.
Pure Comfort
There’s something so comforting about cookies, especially during the holidays. The smell of freshly baked treats fills the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet surprise?
What You Need
- 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g) – Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g) – Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) – Brown sugar can add a richer flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup packed brown sugar (220 g) – Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- 2 2 large eggs – Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative.
- 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract – Use almond extract for a different flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – Baking powder can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt – Omit if using salted butter.
- 2 cups 2 cups chocolate chips (340 g) – Try using white chocolate or nuts for variety.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 32 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients to make the process smoother.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a pale yellow and has a soft texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly glossy, which means it’s ready for the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few flour streaks are okay!
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough should be thick and sticky, perfect for scooping onto your baking sheets.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and keeps them from breaking.
- After the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble your DIY cookie gift basket. Arrange the cookies in a festive box, adding some colorful tissue paper for flair.
- Finally, tie the box with a ribbon and add a personal note. Your DIY cookie gift basket is now ready to spread holiday cheer!
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, try adding different mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts.
- If you want to make the cookies extra special, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking.
- Always let your cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their texture.
Mix It Up
- Swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor.
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Include a small jar of homemade hot fudge sauce for an indulgent gift.
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FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.
How do I make my cookie gift basket look festive?
Use colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, and even add some holiday-themed decorations to the box.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY cookie gift basket is a delightful way to share the joy of the season. With a little creativity and love, you can craft a memorable gift that will surely bring smiles. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and spread some holiday cheer with your Christmas cookie box gift!
DIY Christmas Cookie Box Ideas for Festive Holiday Gifting
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar can add a richer flavor.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar both work.
- 2 large eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract Use almond extract for a different flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda Baking powder can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 tsp salt Omit if using salted butter.
- 2 cups chocolate chips Try using white chocolate or nuts for variety.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F and gather all ingredients.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Assemble cookies in a festive box with colorful tissue paper and tie with a ribbon to complete your gift basket.