Christmas Trash Cookies

Introduction to Christmas Trash Cookies

Ah, the magic of the holiday season! It’s that time of year when we gather with loved ones, and nothing brings joy quite like baking together. Christmas Trash Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re a delightful blend of sweet and salty treats that can make any busy day feel festive. Packed with colorful M&M’s, crunchy pretzels, and even potato chips, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties or a cozy family night. Plus, they are quick to whip up, making them an ideal solution for those chaotic days leading up to Christmas.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Trash Cookies

These Christmas Trash Cookies are a joy to make, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. They combine sweet and salty flavors, which creates a mouthwatering experience that appeals to everyone. Not to mention, they come together in just under 30 minutes! Whether you’re short on time or just want something fun and festive, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They’re sure to bring smiles to every gathering!

Ingredients in Christmas Trash Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating your delicious Christmas Trash Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:

• Unsalted butter: Softened to create that perfect fluffy texture. It adds richness to the cookies.
• Granulated and light brown sugars: These sugars provide sweetness and help achieve a lovely chewy center.
• Egg: A single large egg binds everything together and adds moisture to the mix.
• Vanilla extract: This flavor enhancer gives your cookies a wonderful aroma that screams home-baked goodness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough. It gives the cookies structure and stability.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise to a perfectly soft height.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch! It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Crushed potato chips: These add a delightful crunch and a touch of saltiness. You can even experiment with flavored chips!
• Crushed pretzels: A fantastic combination of crunch and salt. They bring an extra layer of texture and taste.
• M&M’s: These colorful candies not only provide sweetness but also make the cookies festive and fun.
• Rolos: Chocolate caramel surprises inside each cookie make them undeniably decadent.

Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! You can customize your cookies with different candies or even swap out ingredients if you prefer something else. Specific measurements are at the bottom of the article, so don’t forget to check there before you get started!

How to Make Christmas Trash Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Your journey to crafting delightful Christmas Trash Cookies begins with preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential as it prevents the cookies from sticking! Having everything ready upfront allows you to work smoothly. Trust me; it makes the whole baking process so much easier and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Now, let’s create that marvelous cookie dough! In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The fluffiness of the mixture is crucial; it locks in air and leads to a tender, delightful cookie. So take your time, and get it just right!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are creamed, it’s time to add in your egg and vanilla extract. Beat them in until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. Just a tip: make sure the egg is at room temperature! This helps you achieve that lovely, cohesive batter we all adore.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is smooth and well combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we don’t want that! A gentle hand is key to achieving the perfect cookie base.

Step 5: Incorporate Fun Mix-Ins

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in crushed potato chips, pretzels, M&M’s, and Rolos. This is where your creativity shines! Each ingredient adds its unique texture and flavor to the cookies. You can go wild here and even add your favorite candies. Embrace the holiday spirit as you customize your cookie mix!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. This is crucial as the cookies will spread a little during baking. You might want to flatten them slightly; this ensures they bake evenly and gives you that perfect cookie shape everyone loves.

Step 7: Baking Perfection

Time to pop those beautiful cookies in the oven! Bake them for about 7-9 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them because every oven is a little different. The centers might look slightly underdone, but they’ll continue to cook even after you remove them. This is what gives us that soft, chewy texture!

Step 8: Cooling Down

After removing the cookies from the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This resting time is important; it allows the cookies to firm up a bit. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack. Cooling them evenly helps preserve that lovely texture and flavor. Patience is key here—you’ll thank yourself later!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened for easy creaming. This creates a wonderfully fluffy dough!
• Keep an eye on your baking time; every oven can vary.
• Mix the dry ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Let your cookies cool before storing them to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with mix-ins for a fun twist! Use your favorite snacks.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: A few of different sizes will do; alternatively, you can use one bowl if you clean between uses.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Either works well for mixing your dough, but a good old-fashioned whisk can also succeed!
• Baking sheets: If you don’t have parchment paper, greasing the sheets works as a decent alternative.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For uniform cookie sizes, but you can use your hands instead.
• Cooling rack: This is essential, but a plate will work if you don’t have one on hand.

Variations on Christmas Trash Cookies

• For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
• Try using dairy-free butter to make these cookies suitable for a dairy-free diet.
• Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Consider swapping Rolos for chocolate-covered caramel candies for a different twist.
• Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity touch that complements the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Trash Cookies

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
• For a festive touch, arrange cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with sprigs of holly or fresh mint.
• Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Include these cookies in holiday gift bags along with a handwritten recipe card for that personal touch.

FAQs about Christmas Trash Cookies

Can I make Christmas Trash Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can either bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container, or freeze the unbaked dough for up to two months. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I substitute the potato chips with something else?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the potato chips for other crunchy snacks like corn chips or even caramel popcorn. Get creative with whatever you have on hand!

What are some good mix-ins for these cookies?

The beauty of Christmas Trash Cookies is their versatility. Consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or different candies like peanut butter cups. Make them your own!

How do I store my Christmas Trash Cookies?

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

No worries! You can substitute it with a gluten-free baking blend or even oat flour. Just remember that different flours yield different textures, so your results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Allowing your creativity to shine through with Christmas Trash Cookies adds a wonderful twist to holiday baking. Each bite bursts with sweet and salty flavors, bringing pure joy and comfort. There’s something delightful in the chaotic mix of ingredients that mirrors the holiday spirit—it’s all about blending personalities, flavors, and memories together. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them with family at home, these cookies embody festive warmth. So roll up your sleeves, gather the kids, and bake joy into every batch. After all, nothing makes the season brighter than cookies made with love!

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