We’ve always been fans of holiday treats that combine nostalgia with a satisfying crunch, and our Chewy Noel Recipe delivers just that. This delightful bar cookie hails from classic festive traditions, boasting a perfect chewy texture that’ll have you reaching for seconds every time.
What makes it special is its simple yet irresistible blend of flavors, ideal for cozy gatherings or gifting. We’re confident you’ll love how easy it is to whip up in your own kitchen, making it a go-to for the season.
Ingredients
As we prepare our Chewy Noel Recipe, a beloved holiday treat known for its chewy texture and festive charm, we start with a carefully selected list of ingredients. These are ordered as they are typically used in the mixing process, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light texture, this forms the base of our dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Combined with the flour for leavening, helping achieve that signature chew.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Added to the dry mix to enhance flavors without overpowering.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Softened at room temperature for easy creaming, providing richness and moisture.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Measured and packed firmly for a deep, caramel-like sweetness that contributes to the chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Beaten lightly before adding, to bind the dough effectively.
Add-Ins and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure variety for authentic flavor, stirred in after the wet ingredients.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet type for a festive touch, folded in last to maintain their shape.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Toasted lightly for extra crunch, incorporated with the chocolate chips for a nutty contrast.
This combination ensures our Chewy Noel Recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Chewy Noel Recipe seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a selection of essential tools that make mixing, shaping, and baking straightforward and efficient. Let’s outline the key equipment, organized by their role in the process for optimal workflow.
- Mixing Bowls: We use two medium-sized mixing bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and baking soda, and another for wet ingredients such as butter and sugar—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s success, so we recommend a set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and spoons (for baking soda and salt) to ensure precise quantities that contribute to the perfect chewy texture.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming the butter and sugar or blending the dough, we opt for an electric hand mixer for speed and consistency, though a sturdy whisk works if we’re aiming for a more hands-on approach.
- Baking Sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet is essential for evenly baking our Chewy Noel cookies; we line it with parchment paper to promote even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: We find a silicone spatula ideal for folding in chocolate chips and walnuts, as it helps maintain the dough’s chewiness without over-mixing.
- Oven Mitts and Cooling Rack: Safety first—we use oven mitts to handle hot trays, and a wire cooling rack to let the cookies set properly, preserving their signature crunch and flavor.
By having these tools ready, we ensure our Chewy Noel Recipe turns out flawlessly every time.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through crafting our irresistible Chewy Noel cookies with precision and ease.
Prep
Before we begin mixing, let’s prepare our components to ensure a smooth process and optimal texture. Start by sifting the dry ingredients—2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt—into a medium bowl to remove lumps and aerate for even distribution. This step enhances the dough’s lightness and chewiness. Next, soften 1 cup of unsalted butter by leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwaving briefly on low power. Lightly beat 1 large egg in a small bowl and measure out 1 cup of packed brown sugar along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, roughly chop 1 cup of walnuts and have 1 cup of chocolate chips ready, as these add nutty crunch and melty sweetness to every bite.
Mix and Shape
We now combine our prepared ingredients to form the dough, focusing on a thorough blend for that signature chewy consistency. In one bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, then mix in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated—the aroma will be irresistibly sweet and buttery. In another bowl, gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. This prevents toughness and preserves the cookies’ soft center. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor bursts. Once mixed, use a spoon or your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake
With our dough ready, we transfer it to the oven for baking, aiming for golden edges and a perfectly chewy interior. Preheat your oven to 350°F and ensure the baking sheet is positioned in the center rack for even heat distribution. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching closely as they spread and turn lightly golden around the edges—overbaking can lead to crispiness instead of our desired chew. Remove the sheet from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone, as they will continue to set while cooling.
Cool and Store
After baking, we cool the cookies to lock in their moist, chewy texture and prepare them for storage. Immediately transfer the hot cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack using oven mitts, allowing them to cool for at least 5 minutes—the scent of warm chocolate and nuts will fill your kitchen. Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months in a sealed bag for later enjoyment. Proper cooling prevents sogginess and maintains freshness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chewy Noel Recipe with you as it’s become a holiday staple in our kitchens. It’s more than just a treat—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
As we wrap up, we’re confident you’ll enjoy baking these cookies and making them your own. Give it a try and let us know how yours turn out—we’re sure they’ll be a hit this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chewy Noel Recipe?
The Chewy Noel Recipe is a delightful holiday cookie that blends nostalgia with a satisfying crunch, featuring a chewy texture perfect for festive gatherings and gifting. It’s praised for its simple, delicious flavor from ingredients like brown sugar and chocolate chips, making it an easy treat for the holiday season.
What ingredients are needed for Chewy Noel cookies?
The recipe requires dry ingredients like sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt for the base. Wet ingredients include softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and a lightly beaten egg for richness and chewiness. Flavor enhancers such as vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts add taste and texture, creating a balanced holiday delight.
What equipment do I need to make Chewy Noel cookies?
You’ll need two medium mixing bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, an electric mixer or whisk for blending, a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even baking, a silicone spatula for mixing, oven mitts for safety, and a cooling rack to maintain crunch and flavor.
How do I prepare the Chewy Noel Recipe?
Start by sifting dry ingredients and softening butter. Mix wet ingredients first, then combine with dry ones without overworking the dough. Shape into balls and bake at 350°F until edges are golden but centers are slightly underdone. Cool on a rack and store in an airtight container for freshness, with options for freezing.
How should I store Chewy Noel cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and chewy. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I make substitutions in the Chewy Noel Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chopped nuts with seeds for allergies or use dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones for a twist. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative if needed, but maintain the brown sugar for chewiness. Always test small batches to ensure the texture and flavor remain balanced.
What are some tips for the best Chewy Noel cookies?
To achieve perfect chewiness, avoid overmixing the dough and bake just until edges are golden. Use softened butter for easy blending, and let cookies cool on a rack to set. For enhanced flavor, chill the dough before baking. Measure ingredients accurately and store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for holiday sharing.