Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, you’ve found it with these Pillsbury Christmas Cookies! These Double Decker Christmas Cookies are not just eye-catching but also packed with the classic flavors we all love. Picture this: a warm chocolate chip cookie topped with a charming sugar cookie shaped like a Christmas tree. It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes that will brighten up any gathering.

This recipe is a holiday favorite in my family, especially during busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up. Just gather your loved ones around, and let’s get started on making some sweet memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: With store-bought dough, you can enjoy homemade cookies without the fuss of measuring and mixing.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the fun shapes and delicious flavors, making them perfect for everyone.
• Festive Appeal: These cookies are not only tasty but also bring a cheerful spirit to your holiday table.
• Quick Bake Time: In just about 10 minutes, you can have warm cookies ready to share with friends and family.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough ahead of time so you can pop them in the oven whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to baking, simple and wholesome ingredients make all the difference. For these delightful Pillsbury Christmas Cookies, you’ll need just two types of dough that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 1 36 oz Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• 1 package Pillsbury Christmas Tree Shape Sugar Cookie Dough

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your cookie toppings or add extra flavors. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Sprinkles: Top your sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles before baking for an extra festive touch!
• Try Different Shapes: Use other cookie shapes from Pillsbury like stars or gingerbread men for variety.
• Mix in Nuts: For an added crunch, mix in some chopped nuts into the chocolate chip cookie dough.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chunks for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Portion the Dough

Next, scoop out 20 portions of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, each about 2 tablespoons in size. Rolling them into balls helps create those irresistible chewy centers we all love!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Place each dough ball on an ungreased cookie sheet and gently press down to flatten slightly. This helps them bake evenly while keeping that lovely soft texture inside. You may need two cookie sheets since you have quite a few delicious treats!

Step 4: Top with Sugar Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Carefully place one uncooked Pillsbury Christmas Tree Shape Sugar Cookie on top of each chocolate chip cookie ball. This layering creates a delightful surprise when biting into each cookie.

Step 5: Bake!

Pop those trays into the oven and bake for about 10-11 minutes or until the edges of your chocolate chip cookies are set but still soft in the center. Once done, let them rest on the cookie sheet for five minutes before moving them to a cooling rack—this helps them firm up just right.

Step 6: Enjoy!

And there you have it! After they’ve cooled down just a bit (if you can wait), dig in and enjoy these festive delights! Merry Christmas!

Pro Tips for Making Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Baking is all about joy and creativity, so here are some tips to make your festive cookie-making experience even better!

• Use parchment paper: Lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper ensures that your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze while also helping the cookies bake evenly.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the chocolate chip cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies, resulting in a chewier bite.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. Removing them just as they start to turn golden brown will keep them soft and gooey on the inside.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top of the sugar cookies before baking for an extra holiday touch that delights both the eyes and taste buds.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread inside can help maintain moisture and softness.

How to Serve Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Serving these delightful double-decker cookies is all about presentation and pairing them with fun accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect that makes these cookies look even more festive.
• Drizzle with chocolate: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top of the cookies for added richness and a fancy touch.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Serve these cookies with warm cups of rich hot cocoa. The creamy chocolatey drink complements the sweet flavors perfectly and warms up your holiday gatherings.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Mix berries, kiwi, and oranges for a burst of color and flavor.
• Ice cream: Pair these cookies with scoops of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy pairing that enhances the flavors of your festive treat while offering guests a comforting option alongside their sweets.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your Pillsbury Christmas Cookies will surely steal the show at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pillsbury Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats without the hassle on busy days! Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For optimal freshness, consume within 3-5 days.
• If layered, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Alternatively, use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making these delightful cookies!

Can I use different cookie dough for Pillsbury Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the sugar cookie dough for any other Pillsbury cookie flavor you love. Just keep the baking times similar!

How do Pillsbury Christmas Cookies compare to homemade ones?

Pillsbury Christmas Cookies offer convenience and consistent results, making them ideal for busy bakers. They’re just as festive and delicious!

Can I decorate Pillsbury Christmas Cookies?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, feel free to add icing, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings to personalize your festive treats.

How many servings do these Pillsbury Christmas Cookies yield?

This recipe yields approximately 20 servings, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying throughout the season!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your holiday season. These Pillsbury Christmas Cookies are not only easy to make but also bring a touch of festivity that everyone will love. Enjoy creating these delightful treats with your loved ones, and don’t forget to share your experiences! Happy baking!