Perfect Santa Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Let me tell you, the magic of the holiday season truly begins when the sweet aroma of freshly baked Santa Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies fills your kitchen. Imagine the buttery fragrance wafting through the air, mingling with the rich chocolate and hints of peppermint—it’s the smell of sheer holiday joy. The first time I made these cookies, it was a snowy December afternoon, and I was looking for a way to bring extra cheer to my family’s holiday gathering. One bite, and we all paused, savoring the melty chocolate, the burst of festive candy flavors, and the warm, soft texture that felt like a hug in cookie form. Honestly, it was the kind of moment that sticks with you, the kind where you know you’ve stumbled upon a keeper.

These cookies are now a staple in our holiday traditions. My kids call them “Santa’s favorite cookies,” and every year, we leave a plateful by the fireplace (along with a glass of milk) for the man in red himself. Friends and family can’t get enough—there’s always someone sneaking one off the tray before they’ve even cooled down! Whether you’re looking to wow your guests at a holiday party or just want to brighten up a cold winter day, this recipe delivers pure comfort and joy. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Festive Ingredients: The Santa Mix adds a pop of color and holiday cheer to every bite without needing fancy decorations.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these cookies—kids, adults, and even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of melty chocolate and crunchy peppermint bursts is the ultimate holiday treat.

What makes these cookies special is the Santa Mix itself. It’s not just a regular chocolate chip cookie—it’s loaded with festive candies, giving each bite a surprise twist of holiday flavor and color. Whether you’re baking for Christmas morning, a holiday potluck, or just to impress your cookie-loving friends, these cookies are the perfect solution. And let’s face it, they’re the kind of cookies you just can’t stop eating. So go ahead, make a batch (or three)—your holiday season deserves this level of deliciousness.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, holiday-themed ingredients to create cookies that are bursting with flavor and color. Here’s what you need:

• Unsalted butter, softened: Helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
• Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses and chewiness to the cookies.
• Large eggs, room temperature: Helps bind the ingredients and create a fluffy texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough—use gluten-free flour if needed.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise and have a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic ingredient for that gooey chocolate goodness.
• Santa Mix candies: Think red and green M&M’s, crushed peppermint candies, or festive chocolate pieces.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can swap out butter for margarine, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or try white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. The key is to keep the Santa Mix intact for that holiday magic!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup to create these delightful cookies. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Mixing bowls: One large and one medium.
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy—because baking is a science, after all!
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in the Santa Mix candies and scraping the bowl clean.
• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: Helps ensure evenly sized cookies for perfect baking.
• Cooling rack: Let your cookies cool evenly and avoid soggy bottoms.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a tablespoon works just as well. And while a stand mixer might speed things up, you can also mix everything by hand—just make sure your butter is soft enough!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (230g) of unsalted butter, ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup (150g) of brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add 2 large eggs (one at a time) and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups (280g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it can make your cookies tough.
6. Fold in 1 cup (180g) of chocolate chips and 1 cup of Santa Mix candies. Reserve a few candies to press onto the tops of the cookies for a festive look.
7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
8. Press a few reserved Santa Mix candies onto the surface of each cookie for a pop of color.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake—you want them to stay chewy!
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or store for later!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips for making your Santa Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and gives you thicker cookies.
• Press candies on top: Add a few extra Santa Mix candies to the top of each cookie before baking for a bakery-style look.
• Watch the oven closely: Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your cookies. You want them to be slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your Santa Mix candies are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap the Santa Mix for pastel-colored candies for springtime, or use autumn-themed sprinkles for Thanksgiving.
• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and richness.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Personally, I love adding a touch of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy holiday twist. It pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Santa Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies are best served warm, straight from the oven. The chocolate will still be gooey, and the candies will have a delightful crunch. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of cocoa for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy! For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Pro tip: The flavors of the cookies deepen after a day or two, so they’re perfect for gifting or prepping ahead of time for holiday parties. Just make sure to include a festive ribbon and a cute tag when gifting!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with ingredients that make them extra special:

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie.
• Carbohydrates: The perfect energy boost for holiday activities!
• Chocolate chips: Rich in antioxidants and a source of feel-good serotonin.
• Peppermint candies: A festive touch with refreshing flavor.
• No artificial ingredients: You can choose natural food coloring for your Santa Mix to keep things wholesome.

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they’re also a great way to indulge in moderation during the holidays. And hey, a little sweetness never hurt anyone, right?

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday season, these Santa Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies are the answer. They’re festive, fun, and easy to whip up, making them perfect for any holiday occasion. What I love most about them is how they bring people together—there’s nothing quite like seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Whether you add a splash of spice, a handful of nuts, or change up the candy mix, these cookies will still be a holiday hit. Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—it’s too good to keep to yourself.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with sweetness, laughter, and lots of cookies!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

What is Santa Mix?

Santa Mix typically includes red and green M&M’s, crushed peppermint candies, and festive sprinkles. You can find pre-made mixes in stores or create your own.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but make sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter is softened, not melted, when mixing the dough.

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