Oh, friends, gather ’round as I share with you a little lane side story about my love affair with THICK NYC CHRISTMAS COOKIES! These glorious cookies were born from a wonderfully chilly December day in New York City—the kind where the streets sparkle with twinkling lights and the air is kissed with the aroma of pine and cinnamon. I stumbled upon this cookie recipe while exploring cozy bakeries in the West Village, where the scent of warm vanilla and melting chocolate enveloped me like a soft, snug blanket.
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As I took my first bite of that thick, chewy goodness, my heart danced! The way the cookies are crisp on the edges yet gooey in the center is pure magic. Ever since that day, I’ve made it my mission to replicate that delightful experience at home, and trust me, this recipe will steal your heart too! Picture yourself in a warm kitchen, the smell of nutty brown butter wafting through the air, and sprinkle the joy of sweet holiday flavors into your life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: No fancy equipment necessary—just good ol’ mixing bowls!
- Quick to Make: Perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Indulgingly Flavorful: A blend of warm spices and rich chocolate that’ll make your taste buds sing!
- Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are a guaranteed hit, whether you’re sharing them at a party or keeping them all to yourself!
- Customizable: Make them your own with different flavors and add-ins!
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies! Always make sure to spoon and level your flour for the best results.
1 tsp Baking Soda: This little guy helps the cookies rise and gives them that soft-baked texture we crave.
½ tsp Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors (think of it as a hug for your taste buds).
1 stick (½ cup) Unsalted Butter: Browned for nutty flavor! Keep an eye on it while you melt—it should smell toasty but not burnt.
1 cup Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel taste which melds perfectly with the spices.
½ cup Granulated Sugar: This helps give that slight crispiness on the outside. Sweetness overload? Never!
1 tsp Vanilla Extract: The secret to that warm, cozy aroma wafting through your kitchen.
2 large Eggs: These bind everything beautifully, plus they add richness.
2 cups Chocolate Chips: You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate—whatever your heart desires!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will help the cookies release easily, ensuring no precious morsels go to waste!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Take a moment to breathe in the comforting scent of fresh flour. Set it aside like the trusty friend it is!
Step 3: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s golden brown and smelling nutty. This is the moment you want to gather your loved ones—they’ll be flocking to the kitchen from miles away!
Step 4: Mix It Up
In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth. Oh, the smell is divine! Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing well until it all comes together beautifully.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—no body wants tough cookies!
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate
Stir in those luscious chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed. Let your inner child rejoice!
Step 7: Bake ‘Em Up!
Scoop thick dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are soft. Trust me, the smell will be heavenly.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up a bit, but don’t be shy—enjoy a warm one straight from the oven!
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: They mix better and give a richer texture.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: It adds fantastic flavor and depth!
- Use Quality Chocolate Chips: They make all the difference. Treat yourself!
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour for thicker cookies.
Flavor Variations
- Spices: Add ½ tsp of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spiced flavor.
- Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Fruits: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely festive twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a pretty plate dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea. They look delightful stacked high, with a festive sprig of holly or even a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the dough ahead of time! Just cover it well and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—though with these cookies, they usually disappear much faster!
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (a miracle in itself), how about crumbling them on top of yogurt or blending them into a milkshake? Divine creativity in motion!
Freezing
Yes, these cookies can be frozen! Let them cool completely, then wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag—thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for a few hours before indulging.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. You could also use the microwave for a quick reheat—about 10-15 seconds should do the trick. But keep an eye on them to avoid cookie mush!
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While you can use oil, it might change the texture. Butter gives that lovely rich taste we all love in cookies!
What’s the best way to measure flour?
Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents overpacking and ensures perfect cookies!
Can I use different sized chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mini chips or chunks will work beautifully, just remember to adjust the baking time if necessary.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend—easy peasy!
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our time together, I truly hope you’ll bring these THICK NYC CHRISTMAS COOKIES into your cherished holiday traditions. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about baking cookies that fill your kitchen with love and delightful aroma. So gather your ingredients, turn on some cozy tunes, and create these delicious memories both for yourself and your loved ones. Happy baking, sweet friends! ❤️
Thick NYC Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it is golden brown and nutty in aroma.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop thick dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are soft.
- Allow to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.