There’s a certain magic in the air during the holiday season, especially when the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the house. Last year, as I rushed around preparing for Christmas, I had a delightful revelation when I combined two classics into one—Chocolate Chip and M&M’s Cookies, which I now affectionately call “Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.” When I took that first bite, the crunch of M&M’s mingled with the rich, gooey chocolate chips, and I couldn’t help but think about how these colorful treats would bring joy not only to Santa but to everyone gathered around the table.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday gathering or simply savoring them on a cozy evening in, these cookies are a festive twist on a beloved classic. With a blend of sweet, buttery goodness and vibrant pops of color, they bring an irresistible cheerfulness to any dessert spread. So, put on your holiday apron, and let’s dive into a recipe that brings warmth and joy, one delicious cookie at a time!
Why will you love Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: These cookies uniquely blend rich chocolate and vibrant M&M’s for a delightful taste sensation.
Festive Fun: Bright red and green colors make them an eye-catching addition to any holiday event.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for baking with the kids, creating unforgettable holiday memories in the kitchen.
Quick to Make: Ready in just over 11 minutes, ideal for last-minute holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
Endless Versatility: Swap M&M’s for seasonal candies or nuts, personalizing each batch for your taste.
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
• Light brown sugar – Packed to add rich sweetness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar – Balances the flavor and contributes to a nice crunch.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
• Large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
• All-purpose flour – The base for our cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Kosher salt – A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise, creating that perfect chewy texture.
For the Mix-ins
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds rich chocolatey flavor, creating a decadent bite.
• White chocolate chips – Provides a creamy contrast to the dark chocolate.
• Holiday M&M’s – Bright festive colors and crunch make these cookies extra special during the holidays.
• Holiday jimmies – A delightful sprinkle for finishing touches, adding visual appeal to Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies.
How to Make Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick!
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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 fully blended and fluffy. This step creates a lovely base for delightful sweetness.
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Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well mixed. The mixture will become smooth and glossy—just what we want for these scrumptious cookies!
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Combine the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix JUST until combined. Be careful not to overbeat; we want tender cookies, after all!
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Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, Holiday M&M’s, and sprinkles. This is where the fun begins as you add pops of color and flavor to your dough!
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Scoop using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, placing the dough onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This ensures plenty of room for spreading while baking.
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Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft and chewy. This little trick ensures every bite is a heavenly experience.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while still warm, making them easier to handle.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
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 5 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week; just let them sit at room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F for a couple of minutes.
What to Serve with Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies?
Let the sweetness of fresh-baked cookies inspire delicious pairings that will take your holiday gatherings to the next level.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, chocolatey delight of hot cocoa complements the cookies’ sweetness and adds warmth to festive evenings.
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Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, this holiday classic pairs perfectly, enhancing the festive spirit with every sip of indulgence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures—warm, gooey, and creamy in each bite.
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Nutty Candied Pecans: The crunch and sweetness of these pecans offer a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, creating a balanced flavor experience.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant, fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing element, cleansing the palate and bringing brightness to the dessert table.
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Holiday Spice Tea: This soothing, spiced tea is the perfect companion, accentuating the warm flavors in your cookies while keeping the winter chill away.
Let your cookie enjoyment be a festive occasion this holiday season, as you explore these delightful pairings that create warmth, flavor, and lasting memories!
Make Ahead Options
These Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, especially for those busy holiday weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and shaping the dough balls. Just place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. To bake, simply take them out, add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold, and enjoy the fresh-baked aroma permeating your kitchen. For longer storage, you can freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for delicious, homemade cookies that keep their delightful texture and flavor!
Expert Tips for Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy blending, leading to a creamier dough.
Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid a dense texture.
Uniform Scooping: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes; this helps them bake evenly for that perfect golden edge and chewy center.
Cool on Sheets: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring; this makes handling easier and keeps them intact.
Storage Smart: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—perfect for saving Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies for later!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and get creative with these festive cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. The combination of nuts and chocolate is classic and comforting.
- Peppermint Twist: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies or a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor. This twist adds a burst of seasonal cheer!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version. The cookies will still be deliciously rich and satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Blend in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add warmth and a little heat. This unexpected twist brings an adventurous note to your holiday favorites.
- Chewy Texture: Replace half the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a chewier cookie with a lovely texture. You’ll find it adds a delightful heartiness.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Swap out the jimmies for colorful sprinkles that fit any theme or season to keep the fun going. A little sprinkle always brightens up a cookie platter!
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate. These fruity bits add a burst of color and surprise!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chocolate chips?
Absolutely! When selecting chocolate chips, look for high-quality brands that use real chocolate rather than imitation. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for a classic cookie flavor, while white chocolate adds creaminess. Check the packaging for a smooth texture and a rich aroma—if they smell good, they’ll taste delicious!
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture. For longer storage, refrigerate them in the same airtight container for up to 1 week; let them warm to room temperature before devouring!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them slightly in the microwave or oven.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to softened butter or insufficient flour. For the next batch, ensure your butter is at room temperature—not melted—and measure your flour properly. Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep them from spreading too thinly.
Are these cookies safe for dogs?
Great question! While your furry friend might be curious about the aroma, it’s best to keep these cookies away from dogs. Ingredients like chocolate and sugar are not safe for them. Opt for dog-friendly treats instead, so they can enjoy holiday goodies too!
Can I substitute the M&M’s for something else?
Definitely! If you want to mix things up, you could replace the Holiday M&M’s with nuts, dried fruits, or different types of candy. Just keep in mind that the flavor and appearance will change—but the joy will remain the same! The more the merrier in the cookie jar!
Santa’s Favorite Christmas Cookies for a Sweet Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl for about 2 minutes.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well mixed.
- Combine the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix JUST until combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, Holiday M&M's, and sprinkles.
- Scoop using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, placing the dough onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.