As the holiday season descends upon us, it brings with it the comforting aroma of baked treats wafting through the kitchen. There’s something undeniably delightful about the sound of cookies baking; it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. While rummaging through my pantry for a festive recipe, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.
These Chocolate Chip M&M cookies are not just your average cookie; they’re loaded with the rich flavors of semi-sweet and white chocolate, coupled with vibrant bursts of holiday-colored M&Ms. They offer that perfect crunch on the edges while remaining chewy in the center, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to add some festive cheer to your weekday routine, these cookies are the answer to your Christmas cookie cravings! Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let’s get started!
Why are Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible flavor: The delightful combo of semi-sweet and white chocolate offers a rich, decadent taste that delights all palates.
Festive colors: Bursting with vibrant holiday M&Ms and sprinkles, these cookies bring cheer to any occasion.
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time!
Chewy and crunchy: Enjoy the perfect texture balance with each bite—crispy edges and a soft, chewy center.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for holiday parties or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress and disappear quickly!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to make a festive delight!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened for a creamy texture that binds the dough.
• Light brown sugar – 1 ½ cups, packed to add that rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup, for a touch of sweetness that balances the richness.
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, to infuse a warm, aromatic essence into the cookies.
• Large eggs – 2, essential for moisture and binding the ingredients together.
• All-purpose flour – 3 cups, the backbone of your cookie dough for structure.
• Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon, to enhance all the delicious flavors in each bite.
• Baking soda – 1 ½ teaspoons, ensuring your cookies rise to perfection.
For the Chocolates & Candies
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup, providing that classic chocolate flavor we love.
• White chocolate chips – 1 cup, for a creamy contrast that adds sweetness.
• Holiday (red/green) M&M’s candy – 1 cup, giving a festive pop of color and crunch.
• Holiday (red/green) jimmies – ¼ cup, to sprinkle a joyful touch on top for extra cheer.
Dive into the making of Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies, and let the festive spirit fill your kitchen!
How to Make Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for your festive cookies.
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Blend ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars. Beat them together for about 2 minutes until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Add dry ingredients: Gently mix in the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda into your creamy mixture. Beat JUST until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
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Fold in goodies: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, and jimmies. This step adds color and festive flair to your cookie dough!
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Scoop and space: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake to perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. Look for a lightly browned edge, while the center remains soft. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Sprinkle extra holiday jimmies on top before they cool for added festive fun!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with these delightful cookie tweaks that will make your baking experience even more enjoyable!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor. The combination of chocolate and nuts creates a cozy, comforting taste.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies perfect for plant-based eaters. You’ll still achieve that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth that enhances the sweetness. This unexpected twist can bring your holiday cookies to a whole new level of flavor.
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Oatmeal Upgrade: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for a chewy texture and added nutrition. Oatmeal cookies are classic and can be nostalgic, bringing warmth and comfort to every bite.
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Fruity Fusion: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy burst and beautiful color. This addition brightens up the flavor profile, making each cookie pop with holiday cheer.
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Double Chocolate: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cookie base. These cookies are for true chocolate lovers, offering a decadently dark delight.
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Christmas Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of gingerbread spice blend for a festive touch that’ll remind you of holiday gatherings. The warming spices create an inviting aroma as your cookies bake.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe and delicious treat for gluten-sensitive friends. Enjoy your cookies without compromises on texture or flavor!
Expert Tips for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Use softened butter for a creamy dough. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies, so make sure it’s at room temperature.
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Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies chewy instead of delightfully soft and tender.
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Spacing Matters: Ensure your cookie dough mounds are about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread perfectly without merging into each other.
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Check for Doneness: Look for lightly browned edges when baking. Pull them out while the center is still soft for that classic chewy texture in your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.
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Cooling Tips: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps them set properly.
What to Serve with Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these delightful cookies that pair beautifully with other festive treats and drinks!
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Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of chocolate cookies and adds a rich creaminess.
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Egg Nog: The spiced, creamy flavor of egg nog makes for a cozy drink alongside these festive cookies, capturing the essence of the season.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a richer beverage with their cookies.
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Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the ultimate holiday comfort by dipping your cookies in velvety hot chocolate for an extra treat.
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Fruit Tart: The lightness and acidity of a fresh fruit tart can offset the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
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Peppermint Mocha: For a festive touch, serve these cookies with a peppermint mocha, combining chocolate and mint flavors that scream holiday festivities.
Pairing these festive flavors with your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies not only complements their rich taste but also enhances the overall holiday experience!
How to Store and Freeze Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: To keep them fresh a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Indulge in the warm, festive flavors of your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful treats while saving precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto parchment-lined sheets and add an extra minute to the baking time as needed. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 3 months—just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. To serve, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delicious as when you baked them fresh!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! When selecting eggs, opt for ones that are fresh—check the expiration date on the carton. For butter, it should be softened but not melted, giving the dough a creamy texture. The sugars should also be fresh; light brown sugar should feel moist and clump slightly, while granulated sugar should be dry and free-flowing.
What’s the best way to store Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
To maintain the delightful chewy texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just ensure they’re sealed well so they don’t dry out.
Can I freeze these cookies for later? If so, how?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until they’re firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough turns out sticky, it could be due to using too much butter or not enough flour. To fix it, simply chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up. You can also sprinkle in a little extra flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Indeed! Make sure to check for allergies, especially with the chocolate chips and M&M’s, as they may contain allergens like nuts. If you’re baking for pets or have specific dietary restrictions, consider alternatives such as dairy-free chocolate chips or nut-free candies. Always read ingredient labels if you’re unsure!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies with a Colorful Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently mix in the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&M's, and jimmies.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are lightly browned and the center is soft. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.