Santa’s Favorite: Chocolate Chip Cookies to Sweeten Your Christmas!

When I think of Christmas, one of the first things that comes to mind is the smell of cookies baking in the oven. It’s a tradition in our house to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies on Christmas Eve, and let me tell you, they have become Santa’s favorite chocolate chip cookies over the years. Or at least, that’s what he always writes in his thank-you note!

This recipe isn’t just a holiday treat; it’s a little piece of our family history. Passed down from my grandmother, it’s been tweaked and perfected to the point where it’s pure magic. I’m so excited to share it with you, along with all the love and memories that come with it.

So grab your apron, gather your little helpers (if you have them!), and let’s bake some holiday cheer together.

Why Chocolate Chip Cookies?

There’s something timeless about chocolate chip cookies. They’re simple yet indulgent, warm, and comforting. For me, they represent the joy of the season – the act of giving, sharing, and spending time with loved ones.

Growing up, I remember sneaking chocolate chips from the bag while my mom measured out the ingredients. Now, I see my own kids doing the same thing, and it warms my heart. Christmas cookies are more than a treat; they’re a tradition that bridges generations.

The Recipe: Santa’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s dive into the recipe that’s been a hit with Santa and my family for years.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but Santa loves the crunch!)

  
  

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats – trust me, cleanup will be a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for now.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy. This step is crucial because it gives your cookies that perfect chewy texture.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and fluffy at this point.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing – you want tender cookies, not tough ones!

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips (and Walnuts) Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, if using. This is my daughter’s favorite step – she always sneaks a handful of chocolate chips!

7. Scoop and Bake Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

8. Bake to Perfection Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly undercooked. Trust me on this – they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.

9. Cool and Enjoy Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, if you’re like me, sneak one while it’s still warm and gooey!

Making It Extra Special

Here are a few tips to elevate your cookie game and make these even more memorable:

1. Add a Sprinkle of Sea SaltA pinch of sea salt on top before baking takes the flavor to a whole new level.

2. Holiday-Themed Chocolate ChipsSwap some of the chocolate chips for red and green candy-coated chocolates to add a festive touch.

3. Santa-Sized CookiesUse an ice cream scoop to make extra-large cookies – perfect for Santa and his sweet tooth!

4. Gift-Worthy PackagingBake an extra batch, wrap them in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon, and gift them to neighbors or friends.

A Sweet Tradition

Every Christmas Eve, after setting out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa, my family gathers around the fireplace to read “The Night Before Christmas.” It’s these little rituals, paired with the smell of freshly baked cookies, that make the season so magical.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to ours. There’s something so heartwarming about sharing food, stories, and traditions during the holidays.

Share the Joy

I’d love to hear about your holiday baking traditions! Do you have a favorite cookie recipe that’s been passed down in your family? Or maybe a special memory tied to Christmas baking? Share your stories in the comments – I’m always inspired by the ways others celebrate the season.

Wishing you and your family a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lots of cookies. And don’t forget to save a few for Santa – he’s counting on you!

Happy Baking!

Baking Essentials You’ll Love

Having the right tools can make all the difference when baking these chocolate chip cookies. Here are some of my favorite kitchen must-haves that I personally use and love:

Silicone Baking Mats – These reusable mats are a lifesaver! No more sticking, and cleanup is a breeze. Shop this baking mat here.

Cookie Scoop – For perfectly even cookies every time, I swear by this cookie scoop. Get it here.

Mixing Bowls with Lids – These are perfect for mixing and storing cookie dough. Check them out here.

Cooling Racks – Let your cookies cool evenly with these sturdy wire racks. Find them here.

High-Quality Chocolate Chips – The secret to the best cookies is using great chocolate! These are my favorite. Grab them here.

Enjoy baking with these products I’ve carefully curated for you! I hope they make your time in the kitchen even more fun and stress-free. If you love these finds, be sure to follow my Amazon shop for more quality products and everyday essentials that I absolutely love. Let’s make every day a little easier and more enjoyable together!