Santa’s Favorite Cookies
Prepare yourself for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit! Santa’s Favorite Cookies are a celebration of indulgence and familiarity, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments. With a delightful blend of chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles, these cookies bring a smile to both kids and adults alike. They’re fun to bake and even more fun to eat, making them your go-to recipe this holiday season.
Reasons to try it
What makes these cookies so special? For starters, they are incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch ready to enjoy in no time. Perfect for a holiday party, or a fun activity with the kids, these cookies are as versatile as they are tasty. They’re also a beloved tradition in many households, often leaving your kitchen smelling heavenly.
“These cookies are my family’s holiday tradition! The kids love getting involved in the sprinkles, and they always come out perfectly chewy!”
Preparing Santa’s Favorite Cookies
Baking these holiday gems is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll start by preparing your oven, creaming together your buttery goodness with brown and granulated sugars, before incorporating your eggs and vanilla. After that, mix in your dry ingredients to create a delightful dough. Finally, you’ll stir in the colorful chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles to create a truly festive treat. It’s a quick process that guarantees satisfaction and smiles.
What you’ll need
Gather these essential ingredients for Santa’s Favorite Cookies:
- 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 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Notes: You can swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or even dried fruit to create your own variation. Likewise, feel free to use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie batter onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Santa’s Favorite Cookies are delicious on their own, but they become even more delightful when paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. Serve them on a festive platter for your holiday gatherings or package some as gifts for friends and family. And don’t forget to enjoy them fresh out of the oven for that perfect gooey texture!
How to store
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. If you’re reheating frozen cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and tasty!
Helpful cooking tips
For best results, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature but not melted, as this will create the right creamy consistency for your dough. Also, be mindful not to overmix when adding your dry ingredients — the fewer the mixing strokes, the softer your cookies will be!
Creative twists
Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or swapping half the chocolate chips for butterscotch to add a new twist to your flavor profile! For a festive touch, try using holiday-themed sprinkles or colored M&Ms.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prep?
Total time from start to finish is about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for last-minute holiday baking!
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dairy-free butter for a lactose-free version or use coconut sugar for a refined sugar alternative.
What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?
Flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together!
How to store
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. If you’re reheating frozen cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and tasty!
So there you have it — an easy, fun, and delicious cookie recipe that will become a festive favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
Santa's Favorite Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie batter onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
