Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will bring joy to your holiday gatherings, you’ve come to the right place! These Pillsbury Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on classic cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of gooey chocolate chip cookies topped with fun sugar cookie shapes creates a playful and delicious dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they’re super easy to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute party preparations!

I can’t wait for you to try these Double Decker Christmas Cookies! They have quickly become a beloved recipe in my household, and I know they’ll bring smiles to your loved ones, too. So let’s get started on this joyful baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love to help with the decorating; it’s a great way to spend time together!
• Festive Flair: These cookies not only taste amazing but also look adorable on any holiday dessert table.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance for stress-free holiday baking.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, there’s plenty to go around at parties or gift-giving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Pillsbury Christmas Cookies is simple with just a few wholesome ingredients. You probably already have some of them in your pantry! 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.

• Add Sprinkles: Top your sugar cookie with colorful sprinkles before baking for extra festive cheer.
• Try Different Shapes: Use other themed cookie shapes if you can’t find the Christmas tree ones; stars or snowflakes work beautifully too!
• Mix in Nuts: If your family enjoys nuts, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans into the chocolate chip cookie dough.
• Swap the Dough: Experiment with different cookie dough brands or flavors like peanut butter for a unique twist!

How to Make Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Portion the Dough

Next, grab your Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and portion it out into 20 pieces, each about 2 tablespoons. Rolling them into balls helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Once you have your dough balls ready, place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Gently press each ball down slightly—this will help them spread during baking while still keeping their shape.

Step 4: Add the Sugar Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Take one uncooked Pillsbury Christmas Tree Shape Sugar Cookie and place it right on top of each chocolate chip cookie dough ball. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes each cookie look adorable!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10-11 minutes until the edges are set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake; we want those chocolate chips melty and delicious! After baking, let them rest on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Now that your beautiful Double Decker Christmas Cookies are ready, gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful treat together. Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours!

Pro Tips for Making Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Baking these festive cookies can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips!

• Choose the Right Baking Sheet: A light-colored baking sheet will help prevent over-browning. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and maintain that perfect soft texture.
• Chill Your Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky, chilling it for about 15-30 minutes can make it easier to handle. This step also helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies around the 9-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Perfectly baked cookies should be golden around the edges and soft in the center.
• Mix Up Your Toppings: Get creative! Instead of just using sugar cookie shapes, consider adding festive sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the sugar cookies before baking. This adds a fun touch and makes them extra special.
• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You might also consider placing a slice of bread in the container; it helps retain moisture!

How to Serve Pillsbury Christmas Cookies

Presenting your delicious Pillsbury Christmas Cookies can be as fun as making them! Here are some imaginative ideas to impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy appearance, perfect for holiday festivities.
• Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie after they come out of the oven for a joyful crunch and extra flair.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweetness perfectly!
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of mixed fruit balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, appealing to both sweet and savory lovers at your gathering.
• Christmas Punch: Serve a festive non-alcoholic punch filled with cranberry juice, ginger ale, and citrus slices for a cheerful beverage option that pairs wonderfully with dessert.

Whether you’re sharing these delightful treats with family or friends, these tips and serving suggestions will surely make your holiday gathering even more special! Merry baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pillsbury Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats throughout the holiday season without all the fuss. Here’s how to store them and keep the joy going!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can last for up to 5 days without losing freshness.
• Add a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• If you want to save some for later, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
• For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you prepare your Pillsbury Christmas Cookies.

Can I use other cookie dough besides Pillsbury Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe features Pillsbury Christmas Cookies, you can experiment with other flavors of sugar cookie dough or even different types of chocolate chip cookie dough for variety.

How do I store Pillsbury Christmas Cookies?

To store your Pillsbury Christmas Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to save them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them!

Are there any alternatives to Pillsbury Christmas Cookie Dough?

Yes! If you prefer homemade options or have dietary restrictions, you can use your favorite sugar cookie recipe instead of Pillsbury Christmas Cookie Dough.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Pillsbury Christmas Cookies are more than just a dessert; they embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season. I hope you find joy in making these sweet treats and sharing them with loved ones. Remember, each bite is a sprinkle of holiday magic. Happy baking!