When the holiday season rolls around, nothing beats the warm, festive aroma of baking cookies! These Christmas NYC Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic New York-style cookie, packed with flavors that capture the spirit of the season. Soft, chewy, and studded with festive ingredients, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup holiday-themed sprinkles or M&Ms (for a festive touch)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, nuts (if using), and holiday sprinkles or M&Ms.
Scoop Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per Serving: Approximately 180
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes

How to Serve

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with holiday-themed decorations.
Serve alongside hot cocoa, eggnog, or coffee for a festive treat.
Consider packaging them in festive boxes for gift-giving.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Flavor Variations: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or dried cranberries for a different flavor.
Storing Cookies: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

Peppermint NYC Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking.
Spiced Cookies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen. Scoop onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Cookie scoop or tablespoon

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to use dark, white, or even flavored chocolate chips.

Q2: Can I omit the nuts?
A2: Yes, you can leave out the nuts if you prefer or have nut allergies.

Q3: How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
A3: Avoid overbaking them; they should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q5: What if I don’t have holiday-themed sprinkles?
A5: Any sprinkles or even chocolate chips can work for decorating!

These Christmas NYC Cookies are a festive addition to your holiday baking lineup, sure to spread joy and cheer. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones!