Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition! These chocolate Christmas cookies offer the ultimate chocolate indulgence. They are the perfect festive holiday treat, guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer to your kitchen. You’ll love their soft, chewy texture and delightfully rich flavor. Get ready to bring joy to any celebration with these incredible cookies.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Christmas Cookies
These chocolate Christmas cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: Enjoy a deep, satisfying chocolate taste in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Create impressive results using common pantry staples.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, or a cozy evening treat.
- Perfect for Gifting: Share homemade goodness with friends and family.
- Easy, Fun Decorating Options: Customize with sprinkles, glazes, or festive designs.
Ingredients
To create these delightful chocolate Christmas cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Always use fresh, good-quality items for the best results. Measuring accurately is key to perfect cookies.
- For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg plus 1 large yolk
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3/8 cup cocoa powder
- 4-8 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Decorations (Optional):
- Sprinkles
- Colored sugar
- Jimmies
Notes & Substitutions
Measure flour accurately by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off. Research indicates that espresso powder can enhance the perceived richness of chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste, making it a valuable addition to chocolate desserts. Make sure to firmly pack the brown sugar for the correct measurement. Adjust the amount of milk for the glaze to achieve your desired consistency – a thicker glaze will set more firmly. Feel free to customize decorations to match any holiday or occasion.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes baking these chocolate Christmas cookies a breeze.
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (medium & large)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (2 tablespoon)
- Wire cooling rack
- Rimmed baking sheet (for glazing)
Instructions
Baking delicious chocolate Christmas cookies is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. Remember, accuracy and patience are your best friends in the kitchen.
Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Allow the butter to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for cookie texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled butter with the dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined. An electric mixer can speed this up.
- Mix in the large egg and the large egg yolk, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is lightened. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to form uniform balls of dough. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Do not overbake; these cookies stay soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
- While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. Sift the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder together into a medium bowl. This prevents lumps.
- Whisk in 4 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until smooth.
- Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a pourable but not too thin consistency. It should slowly drizzle off your whisk.
- Place the completely cooled cookies on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This catches any excess glaze.
- Spoon the prepared glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze drip down the sides.
- Immediately decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or jimmies before the glaze sets. The glaze hardens quickly.
- Allow the glaze to fully set, which may take 30-60 minutes, before stacking or storing your delicious chocolate Christmas cookies.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect chocolate Christmas cookies is simple with a few key tricks. Don’t overmix your cookie dough; mixing just until combined keeps them tender. Ensure your melted butter is completely cooled to prevent a greasy dough and maintain structure. Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking and a professional look. Proper spacing prevents spreading and keeps your cookies from merging on the baking sheet. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for consistent browning. To achieve a perfect glaze consistency, add milk very slowly, tablespoon by tablespoon. Always cool cookies completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or becoming sticky. Allow the glaze to fully set to prevent sticky cookies after glazing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delightful chocolate Christmas cookies are incredibly versatile for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa.
- Offer them alongside coffee or your favorite tea for a perfect pairing.
- Add these beautiful cookies to your holiday dessert platters.
- Pair them with a festive, spiked hot chocolate for an adult treat.
Storage Instructions
- Store baked chocolate Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For optimal food safety and to extend freshness, storing baked goods with eggs at room temperature is generally safe due to low water activity.
- Refrigerate glazed cookies for extended freshness, up to a week.
- Freeze baked, unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for convenience. Thaw slightly before baking.
- Always ensure frozen cookies are completely thawed before serving or glazing.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the cookie dough for extra texture.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Use different extracts, such as peppermint for a festive twist or almond for a subtle nutty note.
- Try a rich cream cheese frosting or a decadent chocolate ganache instead of the glaze.
- Infuse holiday spices like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for warmth.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these homemade chocolate Christmas cookies as part of a balanced treat. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and precise measurements.
| Component | Amount (per cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 |
| Total Fat | 8-10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-6g |
| Cholesterol | 30-35mg |
| Sodium | 70-80mg |
| Total Carb. | 25-30g |
| Sugars | 18-22g |
| Protein | 2-3g |
Note: This information does not include optional decorations like sprinkles, which will add minimal additional calories and sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can these cookies be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze both baked, unglazed cookies and unbaked cookie dough balls. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Is espresso powder essential for flavor?
- While not strictly essential, espresso powder significantly enhances the deep chocolate flavor. It makes these chocolate Christmas cookies taste richer without imparting a coffee flavor.
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- These cookies stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Glazed cookies can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Why did my cookies spread too much?
- Cookies often spread too much if the butter was too warm or if there was too much liquid in the dough. Ensure butter is cool and accurately measure all ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of sugar?
- Dark brown sugar provides moisture and chewiness, but you could use light brown sugar for a slightly different texture. Avoid granulated sugar in place of brown sugar for this recipe.
Conclusion
These decadent chocolate Christmas cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with a perfectly soft and chewy texture, makes them the ideal addition to any holiday table. We encourage all home bakers, from beginners to seasoned pros, to try this simple recipe. Share your baking experience with us and enjoy the delicious results of these easy-to-make cookies!
Decadent Chocolate Christmas Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Whisk
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg plus 1 large yolk
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3/8 cup cocoa
- 4-8 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- sprinkles, colored sugar, jimmies for decoration
Instructions
Cookies
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the large egg and egg yolk, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, along with the vanilla extract, whisking until a smooth, pourable glaze with your desired consistency is achieved.
- Dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the glaze, or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over them.
- Immediately decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or jimmies before the glaze sets. Let the glaze set completely before storing.