Xmas Treat + 30 minutes
Short introduction
Xmas Treat is a festive and delicious cookie recipe that brings the warmth of the holiday season right to your kitchen. With chocolate chips and nuts mixed into a buttery dough, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering or enjoy them at home, they are sure to spread Christmas cheer.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love these Xmas Treat cookies because they are simple to make and bursting with flavor! The combination of chocolate and nuts creates a delightful texture that your taste buds will adore. Plus, they make a great gift! Package them up in a festive box, and you have a thoughtful present for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions & key variations
- Butter: You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- Sugar: Feel free to replace white sugar with brown sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
- Nuts: If you have nut allergies, you can simply leave the nuts out or substitute them with seeds.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips can be used depending on your preference.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a light texture.
Step 3: Mix in the dry ingredients
Stir in the flour, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. Be careful not to over mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Prepare the baking sheets
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Bake the cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Step 6: Cool the cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them set properly.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar.
- Texture: For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this can lead to tough cookies. Also, don’t let them bake too long, or they will be dry.
How to serve
Xmas Treat cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or coffee for a cozy snack. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
Storage & reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. However, the texture may be a bit denser.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are light golden brown. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can mix in dried fruits, coconut, or even different types of chocolate for variety.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.
5. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help firm it up before baking.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Each cookie has approximately 150 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins coming from nuts and chocolate. Adjust the portions according to your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Xmas Treat cookies are a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions. They are easy to make, adaptable to various tastes, and sure to bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them. So why not gather your ingredients and start baking today? Share these festive delights with loved ones and enjoy the holiday spirit together!
Links to related recipes
Xmas Treat Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter Make sure the butter is at room temperature.
- 1 cup sugar You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- 2 cups flour All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour can be used.
- 1 cup chocolate chips Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips can be used.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) Nuts can be omitted or substituted with seeds if allergic.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract until well combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.