“`html
Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies
Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! These Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies are a delightful mash-up of everything magical about the holiday season. Honestly, I could eat them all day—who knew sweet and salty could get along so wonderfully? I first made these cookies at a family Christmas gathering a few years ago, and they were an instant hit. I’ve since been dubbed the “cookie queen” of the family, which, let’s be real, is a pretty fun title!
What I love most about this recipe is its whimsical nature. You’ve got the festive colors of M&M’s, the crunch of pretzels, and a bit of that nostalgic potato chip flavor that reminds me of summer picnics. Add in some sprinkles, and you’ve got a cookie that radiates holiday joy!
What’s in Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies?
– 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of any good cookie! I usually opt for unbleached flour; it feels a bit more “natural” and has a lovely texture.
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies spread and rise ever so slightly.
– 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors, and just like in life, balance is key!
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: I recommend using high-quality butter—your cookies will taste so much better!
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: The combo of sugars adds sweetness and that delightful chewy texture we all crave.
– 1 large egg: This binds everything together and gives the cookies a lovely richness.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Go for pure vanilla extract when you can; it brings an incredible flavor that really shines through!
– 1 cup M&M’s: Use a mixture of colors to brighten up your cookies—who doesn’t love a rainbow?
– 1 cup pretzel pieces (small): The salty crunch is essential! It’s the ultimate sweet-salty combo.
– 1 cup potato chips, crushed: This might sound crazy, but trust me—it’s phenomenal! The saltiness makes every bite exciting.
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, right?
– 1/4 cup festive rainbow sprinkles: These added sprinkles bring joy and a touch of whimsy to the party!
Is Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits and considerations of these delightful cookies! Sure, they’re a treat, but here’s a fun fact: many of the ingredients can have their perks. For instance, pretzel pieces and potato chips give a nice crunch and some fiber, while M&M’s offer simple carbs for a quick energy boost during those long holiday gatherings. The butter adds richness and flavor, and if you use a high-quality one, you might just be getting some vitamins, too!
However, balance is key. These cookies are definitely a sweet indulgence, so it’s wise to enjoy them in moderation. They’re not a health food, but they’re perfect for sharing, celebrating, and making memories with loved ones. Just remember that while they can be part of a balanced diet, they shouldn’t replace your greens!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&M’s (various colors)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces (small)
- 1 cup potato chips, crushed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup festive rainbow sprinkles
How to Make Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies?
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet 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, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the M&M’s, pretzel pieces, crushed potato chips, white chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft.
- Cool: 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.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a few extra rainbow sprinkles on top while the cookies are still warm for a festive touch.
Sweet Tips and Twists
– These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Good luck with that, though—my family can devour them in days!
– Feel free to substitute different types of chips or candies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Want to try peanut butter chips? Go for it!
– For a crunchy twist, add some crushed nuts—almonds or pecans would work wonderfully!
So, dive into the holiday spirit, grab your apron, and whip up these Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, I promise these cookies will bring smiles and possibly some sticky fingers. Happy baking, and enjoy every crumb!
“`
