These Santa’s Favorite Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, chewy, and loaded with festive flavors! Packed with white and milk chocolate chips, red and green sprinkles, and just the right touch of vanilla, these cookies are perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, or anytime you want a festive sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy – Perfect texture that stays moist.
- Loaded with chocolate – A mix of white and milk chocolate for extra richness.
- Fun and festive – Red and green sprinkles add a holiday touch.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no chilling required.
- Santa-approved! – A guaranteed hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White chocolate chips
- Milk or dark chocolate chips
- Red and green sprinkles
Directions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars – In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate and sprinkles – Stir in white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and red and green sprinkles.
- Scoop and bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Peppermint Twist – Add crushed candy canes for a minty holiday flavor.
- Nutty Version – Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Cranberry White Chocolate – Swap half the chocolate chips for dried cranberries.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- Extra Chewy – Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for a softer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.
Can I use holiday M&Ms instead of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! M&Ms add a fun pop of color.
What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop and shape the dough slightly before baking.
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half.
Do I have to use both white and milk chocolate?
No, you can use just one type if you prefer.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in batches as needed.
Can I make mini cookies?
Yes! Reduce the baking time to 7-8 minutes for smaller cookies.
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Use festive cookie tins or wrap in cellophane with a holiday ribbon.
Are these good for cookie exchanges?
Yes! These cookies stay soft and festive, making them perfect for holiday swaps.
Conclusion
These Santa’s Favorite Cookies are a must-have for the holiday season—soft, chewy, and packed with festive flavors. Whether you leave them out for Santa or share them with family and friends, they’re sure to spread holiday cheer. Try them today and make your Christmas extra sweet!
PrintSanta’s Favorite Cookies
These Santa’s Favorite Cookies are a fun and festive treat made with buttery cookie dough, creamy white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for Christmas Eve or holiday cookie exchanges!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and crushed candy canes.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra festive cookies, press a few extra white chocolate chips and sprinkles on top before baking.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- No candy canes? Swap them for chopped nuts or M&Ms!