Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies
Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies are the festive treat you never knew you needed! These delightful cookies blend rich buttery flavors with the satisfying crunch of pretzels and potato chips. With colorful M&M’s, creamy white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of festive fun, this recipe embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, holiday gathering, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, they bring a unique blend of flavors and textures that make every bite a joy!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of these Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile and appeal to all ages, making them a perfect choice for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night in. Budget-friendly, this recipe uses common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, plus a few fun additions to elevate your cookie game.
“I had my doubts about the pretzels and chips, but these cookies turned out amazing! Sweet and salty perfection! They disappeared faster than I could have imagined.” – A delighted home baker
The combination of textures—from the chewiness of the cookie to the crunch of the pretzels and chips—creates a memorable holiday treat that stands out from traditional cookie offerings. Not to mention, they are a great option for gift-giving in decorative tins or boxes during the festive season!
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making these Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies is a breeze and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s a quick look at how the process flows:
- Cream together your butters and sugars for a light and fluffy mixture.
- Incorporate the eggs and vanilla for richness.
- Mix the dry ingredients separately before combining them into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the fun stuff—pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Bake until golden and let cool for that perfect texture.
With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies that are sure to be a hit!
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your festive cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Feel free to substitute the M&M’s with another type of candy or use vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these straightforward directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture.
- Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles until evenly combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to make a grander presentation, consider serving them on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat or a warm cup of cocoa to cozy up during the holidays. You can even create cookie gift boxes adorned with ribbons to share with friends and family!
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Always handle food safely and be cautious with storage times to ensure freshness!
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the best results, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix your dough once you add the flour; this can make the cookies tough.
- If you’re in a hurry, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help shape.
- Experiment with different types of candy or nuts for unique flavor combinations!
Creative Twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations you might try:
- Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Common Questions
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to a week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for eggs if I want an egg-free version?
You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as a substitute.
Now you’re all set to bake these delightful Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies! Enjoy the heartwarming aromas and delicious flavors that will surely make your holidays even sweeter.
Sweet and Salty Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed mixture.
- Gently fold in the crushed pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles until evenly combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
