Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies
Have you ever had that moment when the festive spirit hits you, and you just *have* to bake something delicious? For me, that exhilarating feeling usually strikes right around the first snowfall. There’s something about the holidays that sends me straight to the kitchen, whipping up all sorts of goodies. One of my absolute favorites is this recipe for Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies. They are a delightful mix of sweet and savory, with a crunch that makes them irresistible.
I remember the first time I made these cookies – the kids went bonkers as they caught sight of those colorful M&M’s and festive sprinkles. We had a snow day, and with nowhere to go, we turned the whole house into a mini bakery. By the end of the day, we were covered in flour, sugar, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of cookie dough – and our hearts were filled with holiday cheer. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create some sweet memories together with these delicious Christmas cookies!
What’s in Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies?
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our cookie dough and adds that rich, creamy flavor.
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar gives the cookies a lovely caramel undertone and moist texture.
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar: A little extra sweetness to balance out the other ingredients.
– 2 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and keep our cookies nice and fluffy.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because what’s baking without the warm hug of vanilla?
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This makes up the bulk of our dough, giving the cookies structure.
– 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little helper gets our cookies rising to their lovely, fluffy selves.
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavener that helps give our cookies that perfect soft crumb.
– 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt will enhance all the flavors, especially the sweet ones!
– 1 cup M&M’s (mixed colors): These colorful candies will provide bites of cheer and sweetness!
– 1 cup crushed pretzels: Adding a savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet elements.
– 1 cup crushed potato chips: Trust me, this is the secret weapon for that delightful crunch!
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Smooth and creamy, they add an extra layer of sweetness.
– 1/2 cup festive rainbow sprinkles: Because who can resist a little color during the holidays?
Is Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves here. These cookies are a dessert with a delightful twist, and while they might not be the healthiest option out there, they do offer some fun benefits! For instance, the butter provides some essential fats, and the eggs are a good source of protein. It’s also great to share joy and warmth through baking, which is good for the soul, if not the waistline!
On the flip side, with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all those delightful chocolate chips, these cookies are definitely a treat! They should be enjoyed in moderation. If you’re watching sugar intake, you might want to consider scaling back on the sweet elements. And hey, you could swap out some of the white chocolate chips for healthier options like dark chocolate or even dried fruit if you’re looking for a little healthier alternative!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup M&M’s (mixed colors)
– 1 cup crushed pretzels
– 1 cup crushed potato chips
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup festive rainbow sprinkles
How to Make Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. We want our cookies to come off easily after baking!
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Seriously, this step is where the magic begins!
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending until just combined. Don’t go overboard; we want fluffy cookies, not dense boulders!
5. Gently fold in the M&M’s, crushed pretzels, potato chips, white chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix. Each scoop will be a world of flavor!
6. Scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These little guys will spread out as they bake, so make friends with the empty space!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The scent will have you dance in the kitchen!
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist the urge to eat them all at once!
Sweet Treat Suggestions
– These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week – if they last that long!
– Want to jazz them up? Feel free to customize the mix-ins! Consider adding crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, or even some toffee bits for that extra crunch.
– For a more festive flair, sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top of the cookies immediately after removing them from the oven for that “wow” factor!
I hope you give this recipe a whirl; it’s truly a delight to make and share! Share your cookie creation stories or any unique twists you tried in the comments! Happy baking, my friends!
