A Warm Holiday Welcome

Welcome, cookie lovers! The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a batch of Christmas NYC Cookies? These delightful treats are sure to fill your home with the sweet aroma of holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe will bring a touch of joy to your celebrations!

Christmas NYC Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re a festive staple that embodies the spirit of the holidays. With their chewy texture and sweet blend of chocolate and colorful candies, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Originating from the bustling streets of New York City, these cookies combine traditional flavors with a fun holiday twist, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

I remember the first time I baked these cookies with my family during the festive season. The laughter we shared while decorating them with sprinkles and M&Ms created memories that I cherish. They’re not just cookies; they’re a celebration of togetherness!

Ingredients

To prepare these comforting Christmas NYC Cookies, you’ll need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (can substitute with dairy-free butter for a vegan option)
1 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar as a healthier alternative)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (you can use flax eggs for a vegan version)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (dark chocolate or dairy-free chocolate for dietary restrictions)
1 cup M&Ms or festive candy pieces

These ingredients come together to create a deliciously rich cookie with chocolatey goodness in every bite. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits!

How to Make Christmas NYC Cookies

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Christmas NYC Cookies:

Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using either a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.
Fold in Chocolate and Candies
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and festive M&Ms until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the Dough
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly soft.
Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy the heavenly smell wafting through your home while you wait for these cookies to cool!

Helpful Tips

If you want to take your Christmas NYC Cookies to the next level, consider these helpful tips:

For added flavor, you can incorporate a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough.
Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should come out when the edges are just golden.
For a bit of holiday spice, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Cooking Tips

Enhance your baking experience with these additional cooking tips:

Use a Stand Mixer: A stand mixer can make creaming the butter and sugars much easier and faster.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips; the richness of the chocolate really shines through in these cookies.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Christmas NYC Cookies, the possibilities are endless. You can pair these cookies with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a warm cup of coffee. For an attractive presentation, arrange them on a festive plate and garnish with a few extra M&Ms or sprigs of holly for a cheerful touch. You could also box them up as delightful homemade gifts for your loved ones during the holiday season!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief overview of the nutritional information for one serving of these delicious cookies:

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 250
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 120mg
Potassium: 90mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 5%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

These cookies bring not just joy, but small amounts of beneficial nutrients from the eggs and chocolate. Just keep in mind they are a treat best enjoyed in moderation!

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate:

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks.

Reheat:

If you enjoy warm cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven preheated to 300°F until just warmed through.

Feel free to get creative with any leftovers! Crumble some cookies over ice cream for a delicious dessert or mix them into a batter for another baked treat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I swap the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even carob chips depending on your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Expect slight changes in texture.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make these cookies healthier, try substituting half the butter with applesauce or using whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Related Recipes

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Conclusion

We hope this Christmas NYC Cookies recipe has inspired you to get into the holiday spirit! Don’t hesitate to share your own feedback, variations, or experiences while making this delightful treat. Enjoy baking and indulging in the festive flavors of Christmas! Happy Holidays!