As the holiday season approaches, there’s a certain excitement that fills the air—especially when it comes to baking. Picture this: the warmth of butter and sugar creaming together in a bowl, the fragrant notes of vanilla wafting through the kitchen, and the joyful crunch of colorful M&M’s brightening each bite. This isn’t just any cookie; these are Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies, a festive twist on the classic chocolate chip delight that will have your family and friends craving more.
I discovered this irresistible recipe one cozy afternoon while searching for a way to elevate our holiday cookie lineup. With its rich blend of semi-sweet and white chocolate, combined with cheerful sprinkles and candies, it’s a treat that promises joy with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are the perfect companion to a cup of cocoa or a glass of milk. Ready to bring a little magic to your baking this season? Let’s dive into making some holiday memories!
Why are Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies a must-try?
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with butter and sugars, these cookies bring back the warmth of home.
Festive Flair: The addition of colorful M&M’s and holiday jimmies makes each cookie a mini celebration!
Double Chocolate Delight: With both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, each bite offers a rich flavor explosion.
Quick Bake Time: Ready in just 11-13 minutes, these cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday treats.
Family Favorite: Watch your loved ones gather around for these sweet treats that are sure to delight!
Need more cookie ideas? Check out my easy holiday cookie variations for some inspiration!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Unsalted butter – ensures a rich flavor; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Light brown sugar – adds moisture and a delightful caramel note; always pack it well for accurate measurement.
• Granulated sugar – balances the flavor with sweetness; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a twist.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall aroma; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Large eggs – bind the ingredients together; room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
For the Dry Ingredients
• All-purpose flour – the base of our cookies; sifted flour can help prevent clumping.
• Kosher salt – balances the sweetness; don’t skip it, as it elevates the flavors.
• Baking soda – ensures the cookies rise perfectly; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
For the Chocolate & Festive Touch
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – provides rich chocolatey goodness; feel free to mix it with dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• White chocolate chips – adds a creamy sweetness; these are a must-have for that double chocolate delight!
• Holiday M&M’s candy – brings color and crunch; keep some extra on hand for decoration.
• Holiday jimmies – sprinkle these on top for added festive charm; they’re perfect for making each cookie look special.
Now you’re all set to make Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies! Happy baking!
How to Make Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
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Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. You’re looking for a fluffy, creamy texture—this is where the magic starts!
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Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in the large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat them into the mixture until everything is well combined; your batter should smell heavenly now!
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Mix dry ingredients: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gently beat just until fully incorporated—don’t over-mix to keep your cookies soft and chewy!
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Fold in chocolates and candies: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, and holiday jimmies. This is where your cookie dough gets its festive flair!
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Scoop cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the lined cookie sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart. They’ll spread a bit while baking, so give them room to puff up nicely.
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Bake cookies: Place your trays in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly browned and the centers still soft—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
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Cool completely: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting game is the hardest part!
Optional: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in individual scoops, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating: To rejuvenate leftover cookies, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a freshly baked taste that’ll remind you of the joy of Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative; there are so many fun ways to customize these festive treats!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the same great taste without dairy.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor!
- Spiced Cookie: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm, holiday spice that’ll fill your kitchen with festive aromas.
- Minty Twist: Substitute holiday M&M’s with peppermint candy bits for a refreshing peppermint flavor that’s pure holiday magic!
- Chewy Texture: For chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, helping them hold their shape and stay thick!
- Choco-Tastic: Use all dark chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate varieties to amplify that chocolatey goodness with every bite.
- Coconut Delight: Add a ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that beautifully complements the chocolate!
What to Serve with Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
There’s nothing quite like a plate of festive cookies to create a delightful holiday atmosphere. Pair them thoughtfully for a memorable celebration.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, warm chocolate perfectly complements the sweet flavors of the cookies, creating the ultimate cozy pairing. Top with mini marshmallows for an extra treat!
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, spiced just right, adds a creamy and festive touch to your cookie enjoyment. The nutmeg flavor harmonizes perfectly with the rich chocolate.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream paired with warm cookies makes for a nostalgic dessert that everyone loves. The contrast of temperatures is simply divine!
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Fruit Platter: Fresh seasonal fruits like oranges and cranberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Their vibrant colors will brighten up your dessert table, too!
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Nutty Biscotti: Complement the soft texture of the cookies with some crunchy biscotti. Dip them in coffee or tea for a delightful flavor explosion.
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Peppermint Bark: The cool minty flavor of peppermint bark enhances the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a festive treat that adds a lovely crunch alongside every bite!
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Sparkling Cider: Serve this non-alcoholic bubbly drink for a joyful toast during your holiday gathering. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with the cookies while adding a festive cheer.
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Gingerbread Treats: Enjoying these alongside Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies creates an appealing array of holiday flavors. The spiced goodness will bring a warm, nostalgic feel to your gathering.
Expert Tips for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
• Butter Temperature Matters: Using butter at room temperature ensures proper creaming with sugars, leading to soft, chewy cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies from becoming tough—this is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Chill the Dough: For even better flavor and slightly thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
• Proper Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; adding a slice of bread will help retain moisture, keeping them soft longer.
With these expert tips, your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are sure to impress during the holiday season!
Make Ahead Options
These Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix it according to the recipe, scoop out the cookies onto a lined baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake. To ensure your cookies remain just as delicious, avoid overmixing and make sure to cool them completely before storing. When it’s time to indulge, pop them in the oven and bake as directed for fresh, festive treats!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely, I recommend using unsalted butter for these cookies. Unsalted butter allows you to better control the overall saltiness of your cookies and ensures a rich flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
How should I store Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them in the same type of container for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Yes! To freeze the dough, scoop individual portions using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then wrap each scoop tightly in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What if my cookies turn out too hard or dry?
Very important! If your cookies end up too hard, it could be due to overmixing the dough or overbaking. To avoid this, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and keep an eye on them while baking. Removing them once the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft is key to achieving that chewy texture.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like gluten (from all-purpose flour), eggs, and dairy (from butter). If you have friends or family with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour, non-dairy butter, and egg substitutes such as flax eggs or applesauce to adapt this recipe. Always check the labels of any added candies for potential allergens too!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies for Holiday Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda until just incorporated.
- Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and jimmies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are lightly browned but centers are soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.