Every holiday season has its traditions, and for me, baking Santa’s Favorite Cookies is right at the top of the list. The kitchen fills with the smell of butter, vanilla, and sugar, the oven hums softly in the background, and suddenly it feels like Christmas has truly arrived. These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and sprinkled with just the right amount of festive cheer. They’re the kind of cookies you imagine Santa enjoying by the fireplace after a long night of delivering gifts.
These cookies aren’t fancy or complicated. They’re classic, comforting, and absolutely irresistible — exactly the kind of treat that makes everyone feel like a kid again. Whether you’re baking with family, leaving a plate out for Santa, or sharing them at holiday parties, these cookies bring joy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Santa’s Favorite Cookies
There’s something special about a cookie that feels nostalgic and festive at the same time. These cookies strike that perfect balance. They’re soft and chewy, lightly sweet, and decorated with colorful holiday sprinkles that make them feel extra magical.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- It’s easy and beginner-friendly
- The cookies stay soft for days
- Kids love helping decorate them
- Perfect for Christmas Eve traditions
- Great for cookie exchanges and gift boxes
- The dough comes together in one bowl
They’re simple enough for busy holiday schedules but special enough to become a yearly tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies use classic pantry staples nothing complicated, just good ingredients that shine together.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
- Optional mix-ins: white chocolate chips, red and green M&Ms, mini marshmallows
The combination of butter and sugar creates that soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Santa’s Favorite Cookies
1. Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft cookies.
2. Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. The dough should look smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4. Fold in the fun stuff
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles and any optional mix-ins. The dough instantly looks festive and fun.
5. Scoop and chill (optional but recommended)
Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Chilling for 20–30 minutes helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
6. Bake until just right
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. The centers should look slightly underbaked — they’ll finish setting as they cool.
7. Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack. The result is soft, chewy cookies with a festive sparkle.
How to Serve These Cookies
Santa’s Favorite Cookies are perfect for so many holiday moments:
- Leave them out with a glass of milk on Christmas Eve
- Serve them at holiday parties or cookie exchanges
- Package them in festive tins for gifts
- Enjoy them warm with hot cocoa
- Add them to dessert boards or treat trays
They’re also perfect for baking days with kids simple, colorful, and fun.
Tips for the Best Holiday Cookies
- Don’t overbake — soft centers are the goal
- Chill the dough for thicker cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough
- Add extra sprinkles on top before baking for a festive look
- Rotate baking sheets for even baking
- Measure flour correctly to keep cookies tender
These small details make a big difference.
Festive Variations
You can easily customize Santa’s Favorite Cookies to fit your holiday style:
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: add cocoa powder and chocolate chips
- Peppermint Cookies: add crushed candy canes
- White Chocolate Cranberry: mix in dried cranberries and white chocolate
- Sugar Cookie Style: roll dough balls in colored sugar
- Gluten-Free: use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend
Every variation keeps the festive spirit alive.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These cookies are perfect for holiday prep.
- Room temperature: up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer (baked): up to 2 months
- Freezer (dough): scoop and freeze dough balls for easy baking later
- Reheat: warm briefly for that fresh-baked feel
They’re a lifesaver during busy holiday weeks.
Final Thoughts
These Santa’s Favorite Cookies! are more than just a recipe — they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Soft, buttery, festive, and full of joy, they capture everything we love about Christmas baking. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or leaving them out for Santa himself, these cookies bring warmth, smiles, and a little extra holiday magic to every bite.