My Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe

There’s been a lot of talk about Christmas Cookies on my instagram stories lately. As much as I love eating cookies- I really LOVE baking and giving cookies to my family and friends. It’s a life goal of mine to have a specialty, and I think I’m getting pretty close with cookies. I have two recipes that are old favorites and one NEW one that was a MAJOR hit and I will probably use again next year! I know that I’m making these seem like Christmas recipes, but they can really be made all year. My chocolate chip cookie recipe pairs wonderfully with a good book and was one of the few things my grandpa would eat during our last days together, which made me feel so special. There’s just something about a baked good that brings people closer together!

Before I get into all the details of my favorite Christmas Cookies- I want to add that my apron is currently 50% off at secretsnsuch.com! I ordered one for my Mommy, so we can match next year!

I’m not claiming to be a wonderful baker. I’m pretty sub-par in all honesty. Which is why I’m sharing my tips. For all of you wanting to have a “specialty” like me, but struggle with perfectionism- I’m sharing what I’ve learned through LOTS of trial and error!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is my tried and true favorite- I’ve even messed it up a few times and have still gotten rave reviews. Totally honesty here! These are my husband’s favorite!  You can follow the recipe as it is on the website, but my tips are:

1. I like about two cups of chocolate chips for DOUBLING THE RECIPE I’ve done 1 cup milk chocolate and 1 cup dark chocolate and had great results.

2. Yes, the butter needs to be at room temperature- this was the first recipe that I followed exactly and I will never not listen again. Another note on butter- if you only have “salted” butter, don’t add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. It’ll be fine. Also, see my note below on how I problem solve while cooking, ha.

3. Yes, you should chill the dough if it’s warm. You’ll be so happy with the difference it makes!

Note: I’m what I’d call a “whatever chef.” If a recipe calls for fresh ingredients but I only have a dried version- I use what I have. I’ve learned over time what parts of a recipe are important to follow.

Christmas Crackle Cookies

These! I used the wrong recipe this year. The other one was good (see my tips), but I’m pretty sure this is the one I’ve used over the years. I may make some more and will definitely update.

I LOVE these cookies because the powdered sugar reminds me of snow! They’re a little messy but always make for good laughs when someone has powdered sugar left behind after trying to sneak a cookie! I always make some for my niece to give to santa and these are my Grandma

1. I don’t recommend chilling overnight. The other recipe recommended this AND I felt my cookies were a little stale. 2 hours is PERFECT!

2. I tried adding chocolate chips to this recipe- the milk chocolate ones I used made them a smidge too sweet for my taste. If you want to go that route- I’d try dark chocolate.

No Chill Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe is so so special because it was actually shared with me by two local celebrities! Mrs. Vanessa Flores AKA @counselorfancypants shared that Ms. Berta of @bertabuggs and @ccssweets had shared a NO CHILL Gingerbread recipe. I don’t have any notes (other than ‘lightly’ floured is not enough flour- MORE FLOUR!) because I’ve only made it once and they came out perfectly. I made icing, but have really enjoyed eating them without any!

I have really messed up gingerbread cookies before, so trust me when I tell you that this one is GOOD! I will also never forget how it made my way into my recipe book!

Christmas is almost here and there is still time to make cookies for or with family! Make mistakes and laugh along the way! I hope y’all have a very merry Christmas!

Love & Christmas Cookies,

Aly