Chocolate Christmas Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Chocolate Christmas Cookies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for the holiday season. Topped with festive sprinkles, they bring a delightful chocolatey twist to your cookie platter. Easy to make and sure to impress, they’re a holiday treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted to remove lumps)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Christmas sprinkles (to decorate)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C) and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with baking paper.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until just melted and smooth.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
- Step 4: Stir the melted chocolate into the butter and sugar mixture until well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until blended into a smooth dough.
- Step 6: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 7: Pour ½ cup of Christmas sprinkles onto a plate. Roll the dough between your palms into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the sprinkles to coat well. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two. They will firm up as they cool.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- If you can’t find Christmas sprinkles, try crushed candy canes or colored sugar crystals for a festive touch.
- Make the dough ahead and freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen adding a couple minutes to baking time.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven to regain softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder instead of sifted cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but sifting helps remove lumps and gives a smoother dough. If you don’t sift, try to break up any clumps before mixing.
What if I don’t have a microwave to melt the chocolate chips?
You can melt the chocolate chips gently over a double boiler on the stove. Stir frequently and remove from heat once the chocolate is smooth and melted.
Print
Chocolate Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these rich and festive Chocolate Christmas Cookies, featuring a decadent blend of semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder with a tender, buttery texture. Decorated with colorful Christmas sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted to remove lumps)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Decoration
- Christmas sprinkles (to decorate)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C) and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until just melted and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing thoroughly. Then, add the lightly beaten egg and vanilla extract, stirring well to incorporate all wet ingredients.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just blended to form a cookie dough.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 20 to 30 minutes to firm it up, which will help maintain shape during baking.
- Prepare for Sprinkles: Place about ½ cup of Christmas sprinkles on a plate, ready for decorating the cookie dough balls.
- Shape and Decorate: Using your palms, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the sprinkles, coating them evenly. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the dough for a smooth texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft in the middle when removed from the oven for the best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate chip cookies, festive cookies, cocoa cookies, Christmas sprinkles
