why make this recipe
Santa’s Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They bring a festive spirit to any gathering and are a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. The combination of chocolate chips, white chocolate, and colorful M&M’s makes these cookies visually appealing and delicious. Plus, baking cookies can be a fun family activity that creates wonderful memories during the holidays.
how to make Santa’s Cookies
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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and both sugars. Beat for about 2 minutes until everything is blended well.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, and beat until well combined.
- Next, add in the flour, kosher salt, and baking soda. Beat just until fully mixed.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and the holiday jimmies.
- Using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Santa’s Cookies
Santa’s Cookies taste best when served fresh. You can place them on a festive plate and enjoy them with a glass of milk. They also make great gifts for friends or neighbors during the holiday season. Just pack them in a decorative box or jar for a sweet surprise.
how to store Santa’s Cookies
To store your Santa’s Cookies, place them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature.
tips to make Santa’s Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can make the cookies tough.
- If you want chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Feel free to adjust the mix-ins; you can add nuts or other types of chocolate if you prefer!
variation
You can create different variations of Santa’s Cookies by changing the types of candies used. For example, you can use peanut butter M&M’s instead of regular ones. You can also add crushed peppermint candies for a winter twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the texture slightly. Butter usually gives a richer flavor.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to soften slightly before baking.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
