Ingredients
Scale
For the Base Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-Ins (Choose Your Favorites!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/2 cup mini pretzels, broken into small pieces
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks
- Festive sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
2. Add Mix-Ins
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins (chocolate chips, candy canes, nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, etc.). Avoid overmixing.
3. Shape and Chill
- Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
4. Bake
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
5. Cool and Decorate
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles while the cookies are still warm.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rotate the Pan: Ensures even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Customize the Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap or add your favorite ingredients like toffee bits, marshmallows, or gingerbread chunks.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
