Introduction
Thick NYC Christmas Cookies are a holiday favorite that combine rich, chewy texture with bold flavors, perfect for spreading festive cheer. These cookies bring a delightful combination of sweetness and spice, with a thick, satisfying bite that makes each one feel like a special treat. The dough is packed with a mix of classic ingredients like butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, resulting in a cookie that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
What I love most about these cookies is their heartiness. Unlike thin, crisp cookies, these are thick and substantial, so you feel like you’re really getting something indulgent. The perfect balance of flavor and texture makes them stand out during the holiday season. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg hits just right, and the occasional sprinkle of festive sprinkles or drizzle of chocolate adds a fun and visually appealing touch.
Baking these cookies brings the holiday spirit into the home. The aroma of the spices wafts through the house as they bake, filling the air with comfort and warmth. I recall the first time I baked them in a small New York apartment during a cold December, and the scent alone made the whole place feel like a holiday wonderland. They make the perfect gift, holiday party offering, or a cozy treat to share with family by the tree.
You can easily make them your own by adding chopped nuts or swapping in different holiday spices, and they’re just as good the next day—if they last that long! This recipe will quickly become a beloved part of your seasonal baking tradition.
Perfect For:
- Christmas parties and family gatherings
- Cookie swaps
- Holiday gift-giving
- Festive dessert-making
- Sweet treats to enjoy by the fire
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Giant & Thick: These cookies are indulgent and thick with just the right balance of chewy inside and crispy edges.
- Festive and Delicious: The dough is packed with holiday spices and sweet chocolate chips, making these cookies perfect for Christmas.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly and stress-free.
- Decorate to Impress: You can easily personalize these cookies with festive decorations, from sprinkles to colored sugar.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies make the perfect homemade Christmas gift when packaged in beautiful boxes or bags.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: About 12-16 giant cookies
Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per cookie (depending on size)
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 45g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 3g, Calcium: 5% DV
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ cup red and green Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decoration)
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Using unsalted butter provides the perfect texture and richness for thick cookies.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A combination that helps create the perfect chewy consistency.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour creates the perfect base for thick, sturdy cookies.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle holiday spice to the dough.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet and white chocolate chips add sweetness and balance the spices, creating an indulgent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips and, if using, the white chocolate chips. For extra festive flair, fold in Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their thick shape while baking.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Form the Cookie Dough: Scoop out large tablespoons of dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and roll into balls. For extra thick cookies, you can press the dough balls slightly so they bake evenly and rise more.
- Space the Cookies: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft and slightly underbaked.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
- At a Holiday Party: These giant cookies are perfect for serving at a Christmas gathering or cookie exchange.
- Christmas Treat Tray: Add these thick and indulgent cookies to your holiday dessert table alongside other festive treats like pies or gingerbread.
- Holiday Gift: Package these giant cookies in a cute festive tin or gift box for an adorable, homemade holiday gift.
- As a Cozy Snack: Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a delicious and indulgent treat to enjoy on a chilly winter day.
- Perfect for Kids: Kids will love the size and festive nature of these cookies, making them ideal for cookie decorating with little ones.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the cookie dough before baking is essential to achieve thick, chewy cookies. It also helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. For a soft, chewy texture, remove them from the oven while they’re still slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after they’re removed.
- Add Your Favorite Mix-ins: You can add nuts like walnuts, or pecans, or switch up the chocolate chips for other types (e.g., milk or dark chocolate) for variations.
- Make Them Even Larger: For oversized NYC-style cookies, scoop about ¼ cup of dough per cookie for a giant treat. Just bake a little longer to accommodate the larger size.
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a Christmas-inspired twist on the classic.
- Peppermint Chocolate: Add a dash of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a cool, minty flavor to your cookies.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a gingerbread-inspired cookie.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Substitute some or all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for added crunch and flavor.
- Caramel Swirl: Add soft caramel chunks or drizzle the cookies with homemade caramel sauce for a luxurious and sweet touch.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing the Cookie Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop out dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a sealed plastic bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes for frozen dough.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: If you want to make cookies in advance, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before serving.
Special Equipment
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack for cooling cookies evenly after baking.
- Cookie Scoops: For evenly portioned dough and uniform cookies every time.
- Mixing Bowls: Large enough to hold the dough and the mixing process.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: An electric mixer speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugar for a lighter dough.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead recipe.
How can I get my cookies even thicker?
Ensure that your dough is chilled, and you’re using large portions for each cookie. Pressing the dough slightly before baking will also help with thickness.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Cookies that spread too much may need a longer chill time or slightly more flour to achieve the right consistency.
Can I use a hand mixer for the dough?
Yes, a hand mixer will work, though a stand mixer can make the process quicker and easier, especially for the creaming step.
Conclusion
Thick NYC Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, offering a deliciously rich flavor with a perfect balance of softness and chewiness. These cookies combine the comfort of traditional flavors with a generous, thick bite that makes them irresistible. Whether you prefer them loaded with chocolate chips or dotted with festive sprinkles, these cookies bring the spirit of the season to life.
Not only are these cookies easy to prepare, but they also invite creativity. Feel free to mix in your favorite holiday add-ins like candy canes, cranberries, or chopped nuts for an extra special touch. Best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or as a treat for holiday gatherings, Thick NYC Christmas Cookies are guaranteed to delight guests of all ages.
Bake a batch today and let the irresistible aroma of holiday cookies fill your home! Don’t forget to share your baking success with me on Instagram—tag me so we can all enjoy your festive masterpiece. Happy holidays and happy baking!