When the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a wonderland of warmth and cheer. One whiff of melting butter and sweet chocolate chips brings instant nostalgia, reminding me of baking marathons with my family. This year, I’m excited to share a festive delight that has become a staple on my holiday cookie platter: Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.
A delightful mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips harmonizes with vibrant holiday M&M’s, creating a treat that’s not just visually appealing but utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply craving a little festive magic in your life, these cookies hit the mark with their perfect blend of flavor and fun. They’re quick and simple to make, allowing you to spread joy without the holiday stress.
So, let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, just as it has in mine!
Why will you love Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Joyful baking experience: Whipping up these cookies is a fun way to celebrate the season with loved ones.
Festive flavor explosion: The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, paired with M&M’s, creates a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
Quick and easy: With a straightforward recipe that takes just 11-13 minutes to bake, you can enjoy warm cookies fresh out of the oven without the hassle.
Perfect for gatherings: These cookies add a festive touch to any holiday party or cookie exchange, making them a hit with family and friends.
Visually stunning: The vibrant colors of the holiday M&M’s and jimmies create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
A beloved tradition: Sharing these cookies will instantly become a heartwarming holiday ritual for you and your family!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Ingredients
• Gather your festive ingredients to create a delightful treat that will become a holiday tradition!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened for a rich, creamy texture.
- Light brown sugar – 1 ½ cups, packed to ensure a moist, chewy cookie.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup, for a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Large eggs – 2, to bind ingredients and create a soft crumb.
- All-purpose flour – 3 cups, the foundation for your cookies.
- Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Baking soda – 1 ½ teaspoons, giving your cookies that delightful rise.
For the Chocolate and Candy Mix
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup, providing that classic chocolate flavor.
- White chocolate chips – 1 cup, adding a creamy contrast to the semi-sweet.
- Holiday M&M’s – 1 cup, for festive pops of color and crunch.
- Holiday jimmies – ¼ cup, to sprinkle joy and make your cookies visually stunning.
Make sure to indulge in these Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies, perfect for spreading holiday cheer!
How to Make Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
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Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for about 2 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well mixed.
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Incorporate the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda into the mixture, beating JUST until fully combined—over mixing can lead to tough cookies. Then, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, and jimmies.
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Scoop the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, placing the mounds onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.
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Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. Once done, remove them from the oven, allowing to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy bakers eager to prepare in advance! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead by following the initial mixing steps and then refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This prevents the dough from spreading too much during baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto lined baking sheets and proceed with the baking instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if the dough is particularly cold. You’ll enjoy soft, freshly baked cookies that are just as delicious as if they were made on the spot, saving you precious time during the holiday rush!
How to Store and Freeze Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing the festive flavors to shine while maintaining their chewiness.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps keep them moist while enhancing the chocolate flavors.
Freezer: Freeze these delectable Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these variations that will add unique twists to your festive cookie-making experience!
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a satisfying crunch and delightful flavor contrast.
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Minty Fresh: Substitute holiday M&M’s with mint chocolate M&M’s for a refreshing peppermint twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
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Spiced Version: Incorporate 1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dough for a warm seasonal flavor that will fill your home with holiday cheer.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping them deliciously soft.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to create a scrumptious vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
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Chunky Style: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chunks instead of chips for a bigger chocolate surprise in every bite, enhancing the gooey factor!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising burst of heat that complements the sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a little adventure!
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Holiday Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles instead of jimmies for a fun, party-like feel and a festive pop of color that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
What to Serve with Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Indulging in freshly baked cookies is even better when paired with delightful complements that enhance the experience.
- Milk Shooters: A classic combo, ice-cold milk perfectly balances the sweetness, making each bite feel nostalgic.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Rich hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and whipped cream creates a cozy pairing for these festive treats.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruit adds a bright, tart contrast to the sweet cookies, making a balanced dessert platter.
- Gingerbread Ice Cream: Creamy, spiced ice cream elevates the holiday spirit, bringing together contrasting textures in a fun and festive way.
- Nutty Snack Mix: A savory mix of nuts and dried fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cookies, providing a satisfying crunch and flavor variety.
- Caramel Dipping Sauce: Warm caramel sauce offers sticky indulgence for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors of chocolate and M&M’s.
These pairings not only elevate your cookie experience but also invite warmth and joy into your holiday gatherings!
Expert Tips for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened for easier blending, creating a smooth batter and better cookie texture.
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Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour can lead to dense cookies.
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Mixing Method is Key: Beat the dough just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough textures; we want soft and chewy cookies.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): For a thicker cookie, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading while baking.
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Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure an even bake, making clean-up a breeze.
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Test for Doneness: Look for lightly browned edges with soft centers. Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven, so avoid over-baking.
By following these tips, you’ll create Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies that are sure to delight everyone this holiday season!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness for the butter?
Absolutely! Use unsalted butter that’s just softened—melted or overly soft butter won’t blend well and can lead to greasy cookies. Ideal butter should be cool to the touch yet easily pressable with your finger.
How should I store my cookies after baking?
For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their delightful chewiness and keeps all the festive flavors intact. If they last longer (which is rare!), they can be refrigerated for up to a week, but be sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Can I freeze Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Of course! To freeze your cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! Just remember to label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread excessively, it’s likely due to dough that’s too warm or not enough flour. To fix this, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you find they’re still spreading too much, add a bit more flour—start by incrementally adding a tablespoon at a time.
Are these cookies safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
I often recommend caution! These cookies contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar that may not be safe for pets. For allergies, always check ingredient labels—particularly for the M&M’s and chocolate chips—as they can contain various allergens like nuts or dairy. If you’re unsure, opt for allergy-friendly chocolate chips and candies.
How can I ensure my cookies are chewy and not dry?
To achieve that delightful chewiness, here are a few essential steps: Use fresh ingredients, particularly your baking soda. Measurements matter, so be careful not to pack flour. Once you mix in the dry ingredients, stop mixing just when combined. Overmixing can introduce air and dryness. Finally, bake just until the edges turn lightly golden—remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies: A Festive Delight to Bake!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well mixed.
- Incorporate the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda into the mixture, beating just until combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M's, and jimmies.
- Scoop the dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, placing the mounds onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.