Best Simple Christmas Cookie

Nothing says cozy holidays quite like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. This recipe for “Best Simple Christmas Cookie” is a delightful treat that will fill your home with warmth and cheer. Perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are an absolute must for the festive season. Let’s dive into the joy of baking these delicious treats!

**Best Simple Christmas Cookie**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Festive sprinkles for decoration

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.

5. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. **Fold in Chocolate and Nuts:** Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

7. **Form Dough Balls:** Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.

8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.

9. **Add Sprinkles:** While the cookies are still warm, gently press festive sprinkles onto the tops for a touch of holiday magic.

10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy the best simple Christmas cookie with your loved ones!

These Best Simple Christmas Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at holiday gatherings or simply as a delightful homemade treat to enjoy during the festive season. So, gather your loved ones, turn on some holiday music, and get baking to create sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!