Name: Santa’s Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup Holiday (red/green) M&M’s candy; ¼ cup holiday (red/green) jimmies

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Introduction to Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about baking cookies to share with friends and family. When I stumbled upon this Santa’s Cookies Recipe, I knew I had found a delightful gem. Imagine warm, gooey cookies filled with chocolate chips, vibrant M&M’s, and festive sprinkles—all bringing joy to your weary holiday spirit. Whether you’re a busy mom scrambling for a fun treat or a professional dancing between meetings, this recipe is your golden ticket to sweet holiday cheer. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Cookies Recipe

This Santa’s Cookies Recipe is a home-baker’s dream. It’s not only quick but also incredibly easy to whip up, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. With its rich flavors and cheerful colors, every bite will dazzle your taste buds. Plus, the kids can help—making cookie magic together can be a delightful bonding experience. Get ready to fill your home with laughter and sweet scents!

Ingredients for Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Before we dive into this delightful baking adventure, let’s gather our magic ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating the festive charm of Santa’s Cookies. Don’t worry; all exact quantities are at the bottom of the article for easy printing!

Unsalted Butter: This creamy joy provides richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light Brown Sugar: The key to those lovely caramel notes, it lends moisture and a gentle chewiness.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a bit of crispy goodness on the cookie edges.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances all the flavors, making it truly comforting.
Eggs: They bring everything together, acting as the glue that holds our cookie dreams intact.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough offering structure and balance for the perfect cookie.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch amplifies flavors—it’s the magic ingredient you didn’t know you needed!
Baking Soda: This little leavening hero helps the cookies rise beautifully to avoid any dense bites.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Who can resist these? They melt and create sweet pockets of chocolate bliss!
White Chocolate Chips: For a touch of creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the semi-sweet variety.
Holiday M&M’s: These add color and crunch, making each cookie a festive celebration.
Holiday Jimmies: Sprinkles! They not only embellish but also capture the spirit, turning each cookie into a work of art.

Feel free to mix it up a bit—try adding nuts or swapping the M&M’s with your favorite candies. The options are endless, and that’s the beauty of baking! With this lineup, you’re all set to create the sweetest holiday moments.

How to Make Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these enchanting Santa’s Cookies! I promise, it’s easier than wrapping gifts while juggling holiday chaos. So, gather your tools and let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, turn on your oven to 350 degrees F. Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly and give you that delightful golden-brown color. While the oven warms up, grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets. This simple step saves you from the dreaded cookie stickiness and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together for about two minutes until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial, as it adds air to your batter, leading to soft, tender cookies. Next, gently beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The batter should look creamy and dreamlike!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda until they’re fully combined. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until it disappears. Be careful not to overmix! A gentle hand keeps your cookies tender and avoids a dense texture—an essential tip for any cookie lover.

Step 4: Fold in the Fun Ingredients

Here comes the exciting part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, and vibrant holiday jimmies. I like to think of this step as adding sparkles to your cookie magic! Each addition creates delicious pockets of flavor and festive colors that will delight everyone.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the dough onto your lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Don’t worry about perfection here; a little irregularity adds to the homemade charm! Pop those trays into the oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the edges to be just lightly browned—the perfect indicator of cookie bliss!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for several minutes. This step allows them to firm up just right. After a short while, transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the magical scent wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for a taste! Enjoy your warm, joyful creations with family and friends; it’s time to spread some holiday cheer!

Tips for Success

Measure ingredients accurately for consistent results every time.
Use room temperature butter and eggs for better blending.
Don’t skip the cooling time—it ensures a perfect texture.
Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for variety.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh longer!

Equipment Needed

Baking Sheets: A couple of standard baking sheets will do nicely.
Parchment Paper: Use this to line your sheets. If you’re out, silicone mats work too.
Mixing Bowl: Any large bowl will suffice for mixing ingredients.
Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars—but a whisk works in a pinch.
Cookie Scoop: This isn’t mandatory, but it makes for uniform cookies. A spoon can substitute!

Variations for Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
Oatmeal Spin: Substitute half the flour with rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Minty Fresh: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies or mint chips for a refreshing flavor.
Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste.

Serving Suggestions for Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Serve warm with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic holiday treat.
Pair with hot cocoa or a spiced cider for a cozy winter evening.
Arrange on a festive plate and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Wrap in clear bags tied with ribbons as thoughtful holiday gifts.

FAQs about Santa’s Cookies Recipe

Can I make Santa’s Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheets when you’re ready to bake. This makes for easy holiday baking without the last-minute rush!

What should I do if I don’t have M&M’s?
No worries! You can substitute M&M’s with chocolate chunks, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit for a fun twist. The key is to keep it colorful and enjoyable!

How can I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but I recommend adjusting the kosher salt to ensure the cookies don’t end up too salty. Baking is all about balance, after all!

Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies could be the result of using melted butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but still solid, and mix gently to maintain that fluffy texture that brings these Santa’s Cookies to life!

Final Thoughts

Baking Santa’s Cookies is more than just making a treat; it’s about creating magical moments with family during the holiday season. The colorful M&M’s, the creamy chocolate, and those cheerful sprinkles transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you can’t help but feel warmth enveloping your home. Each bite will capture the joy of togetherness and love shared around the holiday season. So grab the kids, don your aprons, and dive into this delightful adventure. Trust me, these cookies will be a cherished memory for years to come!