Santa’s Favorite Cookies: A Cozy, Colorful Holiday Treat

These cookies feel like holiday cheer baked into soft, buttery rounds. With rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, and bright M&Ms, they bring a playful pop to any cookie plate. They’re a fantastic bake to make with kids or to tuck into gift tins for neighbors. If you love easy festive recipes, pair them with a peppermint shortbread for a seasonal spread like this Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is a winner because it balances simplicity with wow factor. The dough is forgiving and comes together quickly, so you can get a pan in the oven even on a busy afternoon. The mix-ins are flexible so you can match your color scheme or swap in favorite candies. The amount of sugar and butter gives a tender, slightly chewy center with crisp, golden edges that everyone loves. These cookies are great for parties because they look festive without needing icing or complicated decorating. They also travel well; a simple tin keeps them cheerful and fresh for gifting.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a warm butter-and-vanilla backbone with pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy candy. The granulated sugar helps the edges caramelize while brown sugar keeps the interior soft and moist. Sprinkles add tiny bursts of color and a fun, subtle crunch, while M&Ms contribute both texture and chocolatey sweetness. Each bite is a contrast of tender crumb and crisp perimeter, making these cookies irresistible with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The overall flavor is classic, nostalgic, and endlessly crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

– 1 cup butter, softened
– 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 sprinkles
– 1 cup M&Ms

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, sprinkles, and M&Ms.
6. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Allow to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Best Results

Start with room temperature butter so creaming yields a light, airy base for good rise and texture. Don’t overmix once you add the flour; stop as soon as you see no streaks to keep cookies tender. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking or scoop larger mounds and bake a minute or two longer. Swap the mix-ins to match a theme or try mini chocolate chips for smaller pockets of melted chocolate. For a crunchy surprise, press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops right before baking so they peek out of the finished cookie. For another fun holiday crunch idea, check this playful riff on salted cracker treats at Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their colorful appearance. The dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to three days, or frozen in portions for up to one month; bake directly from chilled for slightly thicker cookies. If freezing, flash-freeze scoops on a tray before bagging so you can bake single portions as needed.

Final Thought

These cookies are an easy, joyful bake that delivers big on nostalgia and comfort. They’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps, classroom parties, or a cozy afternoon of baking with someone you love. Simple to adapt and always a crowd favorite, they belong on every festive cookie platter.

Conclusion

For the original inspiration and a tested guide, see Santa’s Favorite Cookies – Crazy for Crust.

FAQ

Print