Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something truly magical about filling your home with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. A Christmas cookie platter isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful centerpiece that brings everyone together. I still remember my grandmother’s kitchen bustling with laughter and the sounds of cookie cutters clinking as we shaped our festive treats. Each year, we’d gather around, each of us bringing our favorite recipes, sharing stories, and creating new memories. Those colorful cookies, adorned with sprinkles and chocolate chips, were always the highlight of our holiday gatherings. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of uniting family and friends over a platter that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your festive cookie masterpiece:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup assorted sprinkles for that festive touch
Make sure your butter is softened well; it’ll help create that delightful creamy texture in your dough! If you want to get creative, feel free to swap out some of the chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts. The possibilities are endless, and each choice brings its own festive flair to your cookie platter!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting your festive cookies ready is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful batch of cookies in no time:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the get-go!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in two or three increments, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your cookies tender!
- Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and those vibrant sprinkles. You want to see them peeking through the dough!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for that perfect chewy texture!
And just like that, you’re on your way to creating a delightful Christmas cookie platter that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 32 minutes!
- Vibrant colors from sprinkles make your cookie platter pop!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a sweet treat.
- Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
- A delightful combination of soft and chewy textures that everyone loves.
Tips for Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, keep an eye on the baking time—if you prefer softer cookies, pull them out of the oven when they’re just barely set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that delicious chewy texture.
Also, don’t forget to let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little step helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.
For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough in balls and bake them fresh whenever the craving hits! Just add a minute or two to the baking time if you’re baking from frozen. Trust me, these tips will keep your Christmas cookie platter looking and tasting amazing!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up and personalize your Christmas cookie platter, there are so many fun variations to try! For a delightful twist, consider swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips—each option brings a unique flavor to the table!
You can also get creative with the sprinkles. Try using themed sprinkles like candy canes or snowflakes for a festive flair, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent touch. If you love a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy surprise.
Feeling adventurous? Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit. The beauty of these cookies is that they’re versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty! Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week—perfect for those late-night snacking cravings!
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I know!), you can freeze them for longer storage. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Need a warm cookie fix? Pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness. Just be careful not to overheat—nobody wants a cookie that’s more like a rock! With these tips, your Christmas cookie platter will remain a delightful treat, ready to share or savor whenever you like!
Nutritional Information
As you dive into making these delightful cookies, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general idea of what to expect per cookie:
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re perfect for sharing on your Christmas cookie platter, but remember, it’s all about balance. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get about these festive cookies, so let’s dive in!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can definitely substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser. But hey, a little extra fiber never hurts!
What if I don’t have any sprinkles?
No worries! You can skip the sprinkles or substitute with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even some crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. The cookies will still be delicious!
How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them with parchment paper in between layers!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’ll still get that delicious cookie experience without the gluten. Just make sure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
With these tips, you’re all set to whip up your very own Christmas cookie platter and enjoy every moment of baking this season!
Christmas Cookie Platter: Create 7 Joyful Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A colorful assortment of festive cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit.
- Adjust baking time for softer cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookie platter