Santa’s Favorite Cookies

A little holiday cheer in every bite — colorful, chewy, and studded with chocolate.

introduction

These Santa’s Favorite Cookies are a festive take on the classic drop cookie: buttery dough packed with chocolate chips, bright sprinkles, and M&Ms for a playful crunch. They bake up golden at the edges and tender in the center, making them perfect for cookie plates, classroom treats, or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

why make this recipe

• Quick to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Kid-friendly for mixing, rolling, and decorating.
• A great make-ahead cookie for holiday parties or gifting.
• Balanced sweetness with familiar textures (soft center, slightly crisp edge).

how to make Santa’s Favorite Cookies

This recipe uses a straightforward creamed-butter method. Cream the butter and sugars until light, add eggs and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients followed by the mix-ins. Scoop onto baking sheets and bake just until the edges turn golden — that keeps the centers soft. Chill the dough briefly if you want thicker cookies, or bake immediately for a slightly flatter, chewier result.

Ingredients :

1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sprinkles, 1/2 cup M&Ms

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.
5. Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, and M&Ms.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
8. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

how to serve Santa’s Favorite Cookies

Serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee. Arrange on a festive platter for parties or place a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gifting.

how to store Santa’s Favorite Cookies

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Flash-freeze baked cookies on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• If cookies soften, refresh by baking 2–3 minutes in a 325°F (160°C) oven.

tips to make Santa’s Favorite Cookies

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smoother creaming and consistent texture.
• Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense cookies.
• For uniformly sized cookies, use a tablespoon scoop.
• Do not overbake; remove when edges are golden and centers still look slightly soft.
• If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough 20–30 minutes before baking.

variation (if any)

• Swap sprinkles for chopped nuts, toffee bits, or dried cranberries.
• Use white chocolate chips and red M&Ms for a more Christmas-color-focused cookie.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or orange zest for a warm holiday twist.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from chilled or thawed dough (add a minute or two of bake time if still cold).

Q: Can I substitute margarine or salted butter?
A: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If using salted butter, omit added salt or reduce it. Margarine may alter texture and flavor.

Q: How do I keep cookies soft longer?
A: Store with a slice of bread in the airtight container — the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay soft.

Conclusion

For the original recipe and additional tips, see Santa’s Favorite Cookies – Crazy for Crust.