Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like homemade treats wrapped with love! Every December, my kitchen turns into Santa’s workshop as I whip up batches of these easy Christmas treats for gifts. They’re my go-to present for neighbors, teachers, and coworkers because let’s face it – who doesn’t love cookies? I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it until it’s just right. The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already. These simple cookies pack big flavor and spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank. Trust me, your recipients will taste the difference between store-bought and these fresh-from-your-oven goodies!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
Oh, where do I even start? These cookies are my holiday lifesaver! Here’s why you’ll adore them too:
- Quick as a reindeer: From bowl to oven in 15 minutes flat—perfect for last-minute gifting emergencies!
- Budget-friendly magic: Uses pantry staples so you can save your cash for eggnog and tinsel.
- Totally customizable: Swap nuts for pretzels, white chocolate for dark—make each batch unique.
- Gift-giving gold: Package them cute and watch faces light up brighter than Christmas tree lights.
Seriously, these little cookies solve all my holiday stress in one buttery bite.
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
Here’s your shopping list for cookie magic! Every ingredient plays a special role in creating these holiday delights. I’ve learned the hard way—measure carefully and use the good stuff. Your taste buds (and gift recipients) will thank you!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled—don’t pack it!)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown gives the best caramel flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (real butter only—this is Christmas!)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (imitation vanilla? Not in Santa’s kitchen!)
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I mix semi-sweet and white for festive contrast)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans—toast them first for extra crunch)
See? Nothing fancy—just honest ingredients that create holiday magic together. Now let’s get mixing!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these trusty kitchen helpers – you probably have most already! I use my grandma’s old mixing bowls (sentimental bonus), a sturdy baking sheet, and reliable measuring cups. That’s it – no fancy gadgets needed for these easy Christmas treats!
How to Make Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
Alright, let’s make some holiday magic happen! I’ve made these cookies so many times I could do it in my sleep – but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each simple step. Before you know it, your kitchen will smell like Santa’s bakery!
Step 1: Prep the Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (no sneaky shortcuts here – temperature matters!). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. I like to sift them through my fingers to break up any sugar lumps – it’s oddly satisfying!
Now, pour in that glorious melted butter and vanilla. Pro tip: let your butter cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs (been there, done that – not fun). Mix just until the dough comes together. It should look a bit shaggy at this point – perfect!
Step 2: Add Mix-Ins
Here’s where the fun begins! Gently fold in those chocolate chips and toasted nuts. I use a rubber spatula and pretend I’m turning pages in a book – keeps everything light and fluffy. Overmixing is the enemy here! The dough should be chunky with goodies peeking out everywhere.
If the dough feels too sticky (sometimes happens with humid weather), pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. But honestly? I usually can’t wait and just flour my hands a bit extra – works like a charm!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Line your baking sheet with parchment (lifesaver for easy cleanup!) and scoop tablespoon-sized balls about 2 inches apart. These cookies like their personal space! Bake for exactly 12 minutes – set a timer because they go from golden to overdone in seconds.
The secret? Pull them out when the edges are just turning golden but centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll keep cooking on the hot tray. Let them cool completely before packaging – I know it’s hard to resist, but trust me, they firm up beautifully!
Tips for Perfect Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
After years of baking these cookies (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Chill sticky dough: If your dough feels too soft, 15 minutes in the fridge makes it perfectly scoopable.
- Parchment is magic: No sticking, even burning, and cleanup takes seconds – worth every penny!
- Oven thermometer check: Ovens lie! A $5 thermometer ensures your 350°F is really 350°F. Checking your oven temperature is crucial for consistent baking results.
- Cool completely: I know it’s tempting, but wait until they’re fully cooled before packaging – they’ll stay crispier longer.
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll be the cookie-giving champion of your neighborhood!
Packaging Ideas for Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts
Now for the fun part – dressing up your cookies to spread holiday cheer! Over the years, I’ve tried every packaging trick in the book. My favorite? Those adorable holiday tins from the dollar store – stack cookies with parchment between layers and tie with twine. Cellophane bags with curling ribbon make quick work of teacher gifts (add a handmade tag!). For something extra special, layer cookies in mason jars with fabric lids – they look so charming sitting on a kitchen counter. Pro tip: slip a sheet of wax paper between cookies to prevent sticking during delivery. Honestly, any container becomes festive with a sprig of holly and a handwritten note!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Here’s the scoop on keeping your Christmas treats fresh as snow! Store cooled cookies in airtight containers at room temperature – they’ll stay perfect for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For longer storage, freeze them in single layers between wax paper – they’ll keep their holiday magic for a whole month! Just thaw at room temperature when gift-giving time comes. Pro tip: Write the thaw date on the container so you remember which batch is which! For best results when freezing baked goods, ensure they are stored in truly airtight containers.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious cookie! Remember, nutritional values vary based on ingredients/brands – this is just an estimate per cookie to help with your holiday planning:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Not bad for such a festive treat, right? Now go enjoy that cookie guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour for these Christmas treats?
Absolutely! I’ve successfully made these with 1:1 gluten-free flour blends. Just be sure to add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it – this helps the cookies hold together beautifully. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still make wonderful holiday gifts!
How long do these cookies stay fresh when gifting?
Packaged properly in airtight containers, these treats stay fresh at room temperature for about 5 days – perfect for holiday gifting! If you’re mailing them, I recommend sending them within 2 days of baking and including a small slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
I know butter can be pricey, but trust me – it makes all the difference in these Christmas cookies! Margarine tends to make them spread too thin and lose that rich flavor. If you must substitute, try half butter, half high-quality shortening for better results. For more insight on baking substitutes, checking out King Arthur Baking’s substitution guide can be very helpful.
What other mix-ins work well besides chocolate chips?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For festive variations, I love using crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, or even chopped-up holiday M&Ms. Last year I did a batch with white chocolate and chopped pistachios – they looked like little Christmas trees! Just keep the total add-ins to about 1 1/2 cups so the dough holds together.
Made these easy Christmas treats for gifts? Tag us in your photos – we’d love to see your holiday creations!
Print
5 Irresistible Easy Christmas Treats for Gifts Everyone Craves
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious Christmas treats you can make as gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet
- Bake for 12 minutes
- Cool completely before packaging
Notes
- Store in airtight containers
- Makes great teacher gifts
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: easy christmas cookies, homemade gifts, holiday baking