Santa’s Favorite Cookies are 3 chewy delicious great bites.

Santa’s Favorite Cookies are my go-to treat when time is tight but Christmas spirit runs high.
I’m a professional chef helping busy families with smart, delicious meals.
They have soft centers and a festive crunch—Santa’s Favorite Cookies with chips, M&M’s, sprinkles.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Santa’s Favorite Cookies: What makes this recipe special

Santa’s Favorite Cookies light up my holiday kitchen from the first stir. I’m juggling schedules, yet this recipe brings a confident, cozy win. The trick is simple: soft centers, buttery edges, festive crunch.

Chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles lift the bite, making every mouthful feel special. A batch yields 24 cheerful bites, perfect for trays or quick gifts. The dough comes together fast and forgiving, even on busy weeknights.

It bakes quietly, filling the house with vanilla warmth and happy anticipation. This is holiday baking that respects your time and your budget. And yes, it freezes beautifully, giving ready treats for moments.

The chewy, festive advantage of Santa’s Favorite Cookies

Those chewy centers come from a gentle blend of brown sugar and butter that keeps moisture trapped. Edges stay softly golden, thanks to careful timing and a touch of vanilla warmth. Mix-ins bring color and crunch without overpowering the dough.

I love baking these with my kids during a busy week; smiles follow fast. If you’re short on time, scoop and freeze the dough for a quicker bake later. That trick makes holiday lunches and gift prep feel a little lighter.

Santa’s Favorite Cookies Ingredients and measurements

Here are the exact ingredients for Santa’s Favorite Cookies, with quick explanations so you know why each is there. I keep the list tight so you can print it and bake fast.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened — I use this for creamy emulsification and a tender base.
• ¾ cup brown sugar — I love the chewy bite and rich caramel notes it brings.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar — helps balance moisture and a touch of spread.
• 1 large egg — binds the dough and adds moisture for soft centers.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — boosts warmth and depth in every bite.
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour — builds the cookie’s structure.
• 1 tsp baking soda — provides lift and a slight chew.
• ½ tsp salt — enhances sweetness and flavor balance.
• ¾ cup chocolate chips — melty pockets of chocolate everywhere.
• ¾ cup holiday M&M’s — festive color and crunchy bits.
• ¼ cup festive sprinkles — a sparkle that screams holiday joy.

Optional substitutions and tips: For dairy-free options, use softened dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips. To tweak texture, replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with an equal amount of rolled oats for a chewier bite. Exact quantities are listed above; print-ready quantities are available at the bottom of the article.

How to Make Santa’s Favorite Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
This base helps the cookies bake evenly.
Santa’s Favorite Cookies lift off without sticking.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, I beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
This aerates the dough for a tender center and lightly crisp edges.
Chilled butter and sugars keep the dough cozy and inviting.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

I add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
I scrape the sides of the bowl to keep the batter uniform.
This helps flavors meld smoothly for Santa’s Favorite Cookies.

Step 4: Whisk dry ingredients

I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
This step evenly distributes leavening and salt for balanced sweetness.
Your dough will come together with a soft, forgiving texture.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

I gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
I avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Patience here saves me from heavy, dense results.

Step 6: Fold in mix-ins

I fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles just until evenly dispersed.
The colorful bits should be visible but not overwhelmed by dough.
A few friendly sprinkles pop in every bite.

Step 7: Scoop and space

I scoop dough portions onto the prepared sheets.
Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spread during baking.
Keep them even for uniform cookies.

Step 8: Bake and check

I bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft and chewy.
I remove from oven.
I let cookies rest on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 9: Cool and store

I cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
These cookies stay soft and chewy—great for Santa’s Favorite Cookies when stored properly.
A quick chill helps them set well.

Santa’s Favorite Cookies Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter for creamy emulsification and even dough, which helps lift and keeps centers tender.
• Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if it’s too soft to scoop cleanly, this prevents spreading and yields thicker cookies.
• Don’t overmix after adding flour; mix just until the flour disappears to keep cookies tender, not tough.
• For extra chewy texture, bake toward the lower end and rest on the sheet briefly.
• Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days; freeze for longer and thaw before serving.

Santa’s Favorite Cookies Equipment Needed

Stock your kitchen with these essentials to bake Santa’s Favorite Cookies fast and fuss-free.

• Mixing bowls (large) — or a sturdy alternative like a deep casserole dish with a non-slip mat.
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Santa’s Favorite Cookies Variations

• Gluten-free option: use 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-free: swap in dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• White chocolate lovers: substitute white chocolate chips for half of the chips.
• Crunch lovers: add 2–3 tablespoons chopped toasted nuts.
• Color vibes: use green and red M&M’s or colored sugar for a festive look.

Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Favorite Cookies

I love how Santa’s Favorite Cookies come together in minutes.
They fit my busy schedule and still taste like a holiday hug.
Effortless, cozy, and delicious—exactly what I need this season.

Chewy centers and buttery edges feel festive yet simple.
Pantry staples deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Gifting or sharing? They travel well and make everyone smile.

Fast to bake, easy to freeze.
Smart, crowd-pleasing joy for the season.
Santa approves, and so will you.

Serving Suggestions

These serving ideas pair perfectly with Santa’s Favorite Cookies, enjoy this season today.

• Serve with cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a festive pairing.
• Plate on a holiday platter with a sprig of mint or cinnamon sticks.
• Package in tin boxes with tissue paper for gifting or party favors.

Gifting Santa’s Favorite Cookies: Creative ideas for giftable joy

I love turning these cookies into thoughtful, shareable gifts. Thoughtful packaging makes Santa’s Favorite Cookies feel extra special. Stack them in small tins with parchment between layers, decorate with red-and-green ribbons, and slip printable gift tags into the lid. The effect is holiday magic in a tiny box.

Labeling matters. I include a brief note about bake time and a best-by date so friends know when to enjoy. Print-ready tags work great, or I jot a personal note for a handmade touch. A simple tag makes the gift feel intentional rather than slipped into a bag.

• Packaging options: small metal tins, glass mason jars, clear cellophane bags, or Kraft gift boxes.
• Layering and protection: tuck parchment between layers and finish with a satin ribbon or baker’s twine.
• Tags and labeling: add bake time, best-by date, and a cheerful message.
• Little extras: slip in a cinnamon sachet, a mug, or a hot cocoa packet for a complete moment.

To personalize, I often add a printed or handwritten note with a tiny memory or a favorite holiday quote. It’s the small touches that say you cared, even on the busiest days.

• For coworkers or neighbors: consider a mini trio—cookies, cocoa, and a cinnamon stick.
• For teachers or coaches: a slim tin with a ribbon and a short thank-you tag is perfect.

Pro tip: bake Santa’s Favorite Cookies close to gifting or freeze baked cookies for future gifts. Thaw briefly for a fresh-tasting treat that still looks homemade.

Santa’s Favorite Cookies FAQs

Q1: How should I store Santa’s Favorite Cookies? A: Store Santa’s Favorite Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes. Freeze scooped portions on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Transfer to a resealable bag for storage. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time and rotating sheets for even browning. This trick works well for Santa’s Favorite Cookies too.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free? A: Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version. And substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Your Santa’s Favorite Cookies stay chewy with careful mixing and chilling.

Q4: Why are my cookies spreading or not chewy? A: Spreading can happen if dough is warm or overmixed after adding dry ingredients. Chill the dough briefly, scoop evenly, and bake at a steady 350°F. For chewier centers, remove cookies when edges are just set and centers are soft. This keeps Santa’s Favorite Cookies chewy.

I love how Santa’s Favorite Cookies turn a hectic week into a tiny celebration. In minutes they come together, bake fast, and fill the house with vanilla warmth. The chewy centers with buttery edges feel like a holiday hug, and the mix-ins bring smiles. It’s my go-to trick when time is tight but I want to show up for the people I love.

Whether I tuck them in gift tins or plate them for a quick party, they speak care without fuss. I appreciate they freeze well and adapt to dairy-free or gluten-free needs. Santa’s Favorite Cookies keep the holiday spirit bright.

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