Christmas NYC Cookies
If you’re a fan of the big, chunky cookies legendary to New York City bakeries, then Christmas NYC Cookies will become your new holiday tradition. These decadent treats blend the iconic chewy and soft texture of NYC cookies with the festive flavors and colors of Christmas.
The Christmas NYC Cookies recipe is all about celebrating the season in every delightful, oversized bite. With ingredients including seasonal sprinkles, high-quality chocolate, and a touch of warming spices, these cookies evoke holiday magic straight from the bustling bakeries of Manhattan.
New York City has long been associated with culinary trends, and their famous cookies have cemented a place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. During the winter months, bakery windows glow with the sight of giant, gooey cookies studded with vibrant candies and deep pools of chocolate.
Home bakers have been adapting these classics with festive spins for the holiday season, bringing joy to family gatherings and cookie exchanges. Whether you’re making them as gifts or to accompany a mug of hot cocoa, Christmas NYC Cookies don’t just look festive—they taste like a special celebration.
Find out why these cookies rank among the best seasonal treats and learn more about NYC’s baking traditions at Serious Eats (https://www.seriouseats.com/best-chocolate-chip-cookies-5224466). Roll up your sleeves and let the scent of fresh-baked cookies fill your home this Christmas!
Ingredients for Christmas NYC Cookies
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, cold
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s or festive candy-coated chocolates
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
Instructions for Making Christmas NYC Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until pale and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&M's, sprinkles, and nuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough into large balls (about 1/4 cup each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Do not flatten the dough balls; this creates the signature thick centers.
- For extra bakery-style look, press a few additional chocolate chips or M&M's and sprinkles on top of the dough balls.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the middle rack for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly underbaked.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Christmas NYC Cookies are a delicious, indulgent treat that packs both flavor and energy. A typical cookie from this recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats due to the flour, buttery base, and sugar content.
Each cookie provides around 5 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat (with about 10 grams being saturated due to both butter and chocolate), and about 45 grams of carbohydrates. These cookies also offer a moderate amount of dietary fiber from the added nuts (if used) and whole ingredients.
The inclusion of chocolate chips and candies does increase the sugar content, so portion size is something to keep in mind, especially for those watching sugar intake. However, they are free from trans fats if high-quality butter is used and can be adapted for specific dietary needs.
While Christmas NYC Cookies are a dessert and should be enjoyed as a special treat, they do provide simple psychological satisfaction and plenty of energy—perfect for sharing during the festive season.
If you wish to learn more about the nutritional breakdown of cookies and make healthier ingredient swaps, check out the resources at Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-cookies).
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Christmas NYC Cookies
Christmas NYC Cookies pair beautifully with a wide range of festive beverages. For traditionalists, a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes complements the rich, sugary flavors. If you prefer coffee, try a cinnamon-spiced latte for a warming contrast to the sweet and decadent cookies.
For adults, mulled wine or a sweet, full-bodied port wine echoes the spices and enhances the chocolate notes. A glass of cold milk remains a classic, allowing both kids and adults to savor the cookies with every dunk.
You can also serve them with herbal teas—peppermint or rooibos are excellent choices that bring out both the spice and chocolate. If you want to create a standout dessert spread, offer a variety of drinks so guests can pick their favorite pairing.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To achieve the perfect Christmas NYC Cookies, a few simple baking strategies can make all the difference. First, use cold butter diced into small cubes; this contributes to the cookies' thick bakery-style centers.
Make sure not to overmix the cookie dough after adding flour, as overworking the dough can create a tougher cookie texture. For extra chewiness, chill the shaped cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before baking.
This step helps slow down the spread in the oven, resulting in thicker cookies. Adding a variety of chocolates—such as chunks as well as chips—creates delightful pockets of melty goodness throughout the cookies.
For a nutty, extra-layered texture, fold in toasted nuts, but ensure your guests do not have nut allergies. Get creative with the add-ins: swap M&M's for peppermint bark pieces, caramel chunks, or dried cranberries for a unique twist. Holiday sprinkles add a burst of seasonal color and crunch.
For those who want to bake ahead, you can freeze portioned dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Finally, a sprinkling of flaky sea salt right after baking truly amplifies the chocolate flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Christmas NYC Cookies can be an event all its own. For a stunning holiday dessert table, arrange cookies on tiered platters, interspersed with fresh holly leaves and festive decorations for a whimsical touch.
Warm the cookies slightly in the oven before serving; melty chocolate and gooey centers make them irresistible. Stack cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful edible gifts—perfect for teachers, neighbors, or as party favors at holiday gatherings.
You can also set up a DIY cookie bar at your holiday party, with a range of add-ons like flavored frostings, more sprinkles, caramel drizzle, and mini marshmallows for extra fun.
For an indulgent dessert, serve Christmas NYC Cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a dash of cinnamon. Kids love cookies and milk arranged by the fireplace for Santa, and these oversized treats are ideal for that classic tradition.
No matter how you serve them, Christmas NYC Cookies bring people together and create lasting holiday memories.
Christmas NYC Cookies Health Benefits
While Christmas NYC Cookies are undeniably indulgent, they also offer some unique health perks when prepared thoughtfully. The nuts included in the recipe provide heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and dietary fiber, all of which help support satiety and overall cardiovascular health.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains antioxidants known as flavonoids, which may promote better circulation and reduced inflammation. By choosing high-quality butter and minimizing trans fats, you can further improve the nutritional profile of your cookies.
For those watching their intake, consider replacing some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a boost of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. You can also try reducing the sugar slightly or swapping in coconut sugar for a lower glycemic impact.
The real health benefit of Christmas NYC Cookies, though, is in the joy and connection they foster during shared moments. For more on the benefits of nuts and dark chocolate in baked goods, visit the American Heart Association’s advice (https://www.heart.org/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/nutrients-in-nuts-and-seeds).
FAQs About Christmas NYC Cookies
Can I make Christmas NYC Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and either refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze portioned dough balls for up to three months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the usual bake time.
How do I store Christmas NYC Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them ultra-soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay chewy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your mix contains xanthan gum for texture and stability.
What if I don’t have M&M’s or holiday sprinkles?
Feel free to substitute any festive candy-coated chocolates or colored chocolate chips. You can also use chopped peppermint bark or add dried cranberries for a seasonal twist.
Are nuts necessary in Christmas NYC Cookies?
Nuts are completely optional in this recipe. You can omit them for a nut-free cookie, or substitute with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for extra crunch without allergens.
Christmas NYC Cookies bring together the magic of holiday baking and the much-loved qualities of NYC’s best cookies: big, gooey, festive, and incredibly satisfying. Their customizable nature makes them the perfect canvas for holiday creativity, welcoming different flavors, colors, and even dietary adaptations. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven, pack them as gifts, or leave them for Santa on Christmas Eve, these cookies will become a beloved tradition for any festive celebration. Embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy the process—the smiles and memories you create will be just as delicious as the cookies themselves.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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3Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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5Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, and walnuts if using. Scoop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
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6Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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