Christmas Trash Cookies

Introduction to Christmas Trash Cookies

The holiday season brings a delightful mix of joy and chaos, doesn’t it? With the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, and prepping, finding time to whip up a festive treat can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Christmas Trash Cookies are here to save the day! These little gems are the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, making them an instant favorite for busy moms and professionals alike. Trust me, they’re quick to make and a surefire way to impress your loved ones without stressing out. Let’s get baking and spread some holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Trash Cookies

If you’re like me, you appreciate anything that simplifies holiday baking. These Christmas Trash Cookies are a breeze to whip up, taking only minutes to prepare. Their irresistible flavor combination keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the versatility means you can customize them to fit your family’s preferences! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these cookies are your stress-free, delicious solution this season.

Ingredients for Christmas Trash Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is where the fun starts! For these Christmas Trash Cookies, you’ll need a delightful mix that creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Unsalted Butter: This is the star ingredient. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
• White Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key, and this sugar gives that classic cookie flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of rich, caramel notes and helps achieve that chewy texture.
• Large Egg: Works as a binder, giving the cookies their structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and aroma. Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough. It holds everything together, ensuring a perfect crumb.
• Baking Powder: This little agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that fluffy texture.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Crushed Potato Chips: This may sound unusual, but they introduce a delightful salty crunch.
• Crushed Pretzels: Another layer of salty goodness that complements the sweetness of the candies.
• M&M’s: These colorful candy-coated chocolates add fun and a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Rolos: Chewy and chocolatey, they bring a delicious caramel surprise to the mix.

Feel free to customize your mix-ins based on what you have on hand or your family’s favorites! All the quantities are noted at the bottom of this article, available for easy printing.

How to Make Christmas Trash Cookies

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to scrub those sheets!

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat these together on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential, as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender. Aim for about 3 to 4 minutes of mixing. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks creamy and airy, just like a fluffy cloud of sweetness!

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack that large egg into the buttery mixture, followed by a generous splash of vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is well incorporated. This mixture gives your cookies their rich flavor and moisture. Remember, don’t overmix at this stage; just combine enough until no streaks remain.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step is crucial! Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that your baking powder gets evenly distributed throughout. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet batter. Stir until just combined, and don’t be alarmed—it will be thick!

Mix in the Fun Ingredients

Now comes the exciting part—adding in the fun ingredients! Gently fold in the crushed potato chips, pretzels, M&M’s, and Rolos. This is where the magic happens, as these add delightful textures and surprising bursts of flavor. It’ll look like a colorful, crunchy dough—just wait until you take a bite!

Portion and Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out cookie balls about the size of two tablespoons. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to give them space to spread. I like to slightly press them down for a more uniform shape. Trust me, they’ll look adorable!

Bake to Perfection

Pop those cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 7 to 9 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden edge, as that’s usually a sign of crunchiness, while the centers stay soft. Don’t forget, they’ll continue to set as they cool!

Cool and Serve

Once baked, pull the sheets out and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This waiting time allows them to firm up a bit. Serve them warm for gooey goodness, or store them in an airtight container for later! Either way, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around!

Tips for Success

• Always use room temperature butter for easy mixing.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking—it’s key for texture!
• Customize mix-ins to include your family’s favorite candies.
• For an extra crunch, consider adding nuts or coconut flakes.
• Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes and even baking.
• Keep a close eye during baking—ovens can vary!
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is essential. Alternatively, you can use any large, deep bowl.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For effortless creaming and mixing. A whisk can also work, but it’ll take more elbow grease!
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need two for this recipe. If you don’t have them, a sturdy platter or dish can do in a pinch.
• Parchment Paper: This is for lining baking sheets. If you’re out, you can use non-stick spray instead.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: This helps with portioning. A regular tablespoon will work too—just keep it consistent!

Variations for Christmas Trash Cookies

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for nut lovers!
• Chocolate Lovers: Substitute Rolos with chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey indulgence. You can never have too much chocolate!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary restrictions. These cookies can easily adapt, and they still taste amazing.
• Seasonal Spices: Consider mixing in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive aroma that screams holiday cheer!
• Fruit Medley: Toss in chopped dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. They add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for a plant-based delight. They’ll be just as tasty!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Trash Cookies

• Pair with Milk: Nothing beats the classic combination of cookies and cold milk for a delightful treat.
• Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece at your holiday gatherings.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Gift Treats: Package them in festive boxes or bags to share with friends and family as sweet gifts.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert!

FAQs about Christmas Trash Cookies

As I’ve shared my love for these Christmas Trash Cookies, I know you might have a few questions about them. Here are some common queries and answers to help you out!

Can I freeze Christmas Trash Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

How can I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This way, they’ll stay soft and delicious. If you like your cookies chewy, avoid refrigeration, as that can change the texture.

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can! It might take a bit more arm work, but you can use a sturdy whisk to cream the butter and sugars by hand. Just ensure the butter is really soft to make things easier!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients?

Don’t fret! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to substitute similar ingredients or use what you have on hand for your mix-ins. The beauty of Christmas Trash Cookies is in their adaptability!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Sure! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape the cookies right before baking, so they come out fresh and warm!

Final Thoughts

As we delve into the holiday season, these Christmas Trash Cookies bring not just joy, but a sprinkle of magic to our busy lives. They capture the essence of family gatherings, the sweet laughter of loved ones, and the thrill of sharing something delicious. Each bite tells a story of spontaneity and creativity, making them a perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them at home, these cookies create warm memories that last. So grab your apron, let the kids help, and infuse your kitchen with love and laughter—your holiday spirit will thank you!

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