These chocolate chip christmas cookies are the perfect treat to leave out for Santa. At the heart of this recipe is my go-to cookie recipe that I perfected over 5 years ago. To give this cookie some christmas flare, I added some christmas m&m's and christmas sprinkles.

Why you'll love these Christmas cookies

They’re a festive twist on a classic favorite, perfect for the holiday season.
The combination of melty chocolate chips and seasonal decorations makes them fun and delicious.
They’re easy to bake and a great activity to enjoy with family and friends.
Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
They offer a comforting, nostalgic flavor that everyone loves during the holidays.

Ingredients needed for these Christmas chocolate chip cookies

Unsalted butter
Packed light brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Pure vanilla extract
Instant vanilla pudding mix
Baking soda
Corn starch
Kosher salt
Dark 60% cocoa chocolate chips
Sugar Crystals
Christmas M&M's
Christmas sprinkles

Instructions for these chocolate dipped christmas cookies

Place butter into a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl and heat until deep golden brown. Remove heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Place browned butter and little bits from the pan into a stand mixer along with the brown and granulated sugar. Beat to combine then add egg and vanilla beating to combine. Add your flour, pudding mix, baking soda, corn starch, salt and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 cup of Christmas themed m&m's. Fold the cookie dough until combined.
Using a cookie scoop or your ¼ cup dry measuring cup, scoop out the cookie dough and place the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Place the cookies in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
Make sure the cookies are 2 inches apart on a parchment lines baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow to cool

Decorating the cookies

While the cookies are cooling, temper your chocolate. Microwave ⅔ cups of dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and reaching about 115°F
Add the remaining ⅓ chocolate chips to the melted chocolate, stirring constantly until smooth.
Hold each cookie by its edge and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off.
Place the dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle some Christmas sprinkles.
Refrigerate the cookies for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Check out these other Christmas recipes

FAQ for making these Christmas cookies

How do I avoid burning the chocolate in the microwave? Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted.

Can I use any type of chocolate for dipping? Yes, you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate. Just ensure it's properly melted or tempered for a smooth finish.

How do I keep the chocolate from being too thick on the cookies? Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookies on parchment paper to set.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after dipping? It’s recommended to chill the cookies for 10-15 minutes to help the chocolate set.

How do I store dipped cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If it's warm, refrigeration is best.

Can I use different toppings besides sprinkles? Absolutely! Try crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or festive sugar crystals for variety.

Variations and substitutions for chocolate dipped Christmas cookies

Variations:

Chocolate Types: Swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate for dipping.
Toppings: Use festive toppings like crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or holiday-colored sanding sugar.
Flavored Chocolate: Add a hint of mint, orange, or cinnamon extract to the melted chocolate for a seasonal twist.

Substitutions:

Flour: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Butter: Substitute coconut oil or dairy-free margarine for a dairy-free option.
Vegan Chocolate: Use dairy-free chocolate for dipping.

Storage for these chocolate dipped Christmas cookies

Using your ice cream scoop, scoop out your cookie dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Chill the scooped cookie dough balls in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Remove the cookie dough from the freezer and place the cold cookie dough balls into a freezer safe zip-top bag.
Place the freeze cookie dough for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to bake the cookies, bake them for two minutes longer since the dough is frozen.
While baking, proceed with the cookie decoration instructions.

Storage for baked cookies

To store chocolate-dipped Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: If in a warm environment, refrigerate the cookies to prevent the chocolate from melting. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

Why you'll love these Christmas cookies

Ingredients needed for these Christmas chocolate chip cookies