Introduction
There’s something magically festive about the aroma of fresh cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season. These delightful Christmas Crack Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and richly chocolatey goodness that brings joy to every holiday gathering. With their vibrant pops of color from crushed holiday candies, each bite offers a burst of flavor wrapped in a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet treat to enjoy by the fireplace, these cookies are sure to become a loved family tradition!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed Christmas-themed candies (like peppermint or holiday M&Ms)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, a process that takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined — be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the crushed holiday candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each mound for the cookies to spread while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
- 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 to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For extra festiveness, consider incorporating a mix of red and green crushed candies or sprinkles to your cookie dough before baking. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the holiday season. Don’t forget to try experimenting with different types of chocolate chips — milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate can add unique flavors to your cookies!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars properly is key to achieving the light and fluffy texture that makes these cookies so heavenly. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results. When baking, keep an eye on your cookies as oven temperatures can vary; a little extra time can change a perfectly soft cookie into a crunchy one.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg required.
Conclusion
These Christmas Crack Cookies are sure to bring cheer to your kitchen and warmth to your holiday celebrations. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of textures and flavors that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or simply treating yourself, these festive cookies are a delicious reminder of the joy of the holidays. Happy baking!