Even Santa needs a break from his busy schedule of gift-giving. What better way to welcome him than by preparing a batch of these delicious cookies? While chocolate chip cookies are a classic choice, why not add a dash of festive cheer with a sprinkle of color and amazing add-ins such as M&Ms, chocolate chips, pretzels, and flaked salt? Let’s dive into creating the perfect cookies for Santa plate.
The Magic of Cookies for Santa Plate
The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa can be traced back to the Great Depression era, where parents taught their children the importance of showing gratitude and giving back. Choosing the perfect Santa cookies for this tradition is an integral part of many family’s Christmas celebrations.
The Santa’s Favorite: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a universal favorite and the most popular choice for Santa’s plate. By now you surely know I’m crazy for chocolate chip cookies (Potbelly Chocolate Chip Cookies or Oatmeal Cranberry Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are also winners). These chocolate chip cookies have an amazing buttery flavor and soft, chewy texture. They are so satisfying and sure to put a smile on Santa’s face!
Adding a Festive Twist: Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
While classic chocolate chip cookies are always a hit, Christmas chocolate chip cookies add a festive twist to the tradition. These cookies not only taste delicious but the dash of holiday colors with red and green M&Ms make them beautiful for Santa’s plate.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect Cookies for Santa Plate
Creating the perfect cookies requires a careful selection of ingredients, a precise method of preparation, and a touch of creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create these delightful treats.
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in the cookie-making process is gathering the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Semisweet chocolate chips
- Milk Chocolate Christmas M&Ms
- Miniature pretzels
- Flaked sea salt
One note on the final ingredient: Flaked Sea Salt. This is a key ingredient. I recommend Maldon’s, which you can buy in a gourmet grocery store or online, here. The flavor is superior and so very delicious!
Blending the Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt (NOT THE FLAKED SALT). Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
Folding in the Chocolate & Pretzels
Once the dry and wet ingredients have been combined, it’s time to add the star of the show: the chocolate & pretzels. Fold in the chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chilling the Dough
Place the mixed dough into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. When the dough is almost chilled, preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
Making the Dough Balls
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a cookie scoop to form the dough into even-sized balls. Place these dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, leaving enough space between each for the cookies to spread while baking.
Baking & Cooling
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Once they’re done baking, immediately sprinkle them with flaked sea salt and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Serving & Storing the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, they’re ready to be served! Arrange them on a festive plate and set them out for Santa to enjoy a few of them. Remember to pair them with a glass of milk – Santa will need something to wash down these delicious treats!
Since this is a larger batch of cookies and there is no way Jolly Ole Saint Nick or his reindeer can eat them all. You can store the leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them fresh whenever needed. This is a great option if you want to prepare ahead of time and enjoy warm, fresh cookies on Christmas Eve.
The Recipe: Cookies for Santa Plate
Cookies for Santa’s Plate: Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ c. unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¼ c. light brown sugar packed
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ¾ c. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 1 c. Holiday M&M’s milk chocolate
- 1 c. miniature pretzels broken
- ½ c. semisweet chocolate chips
- Flaked sea salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until your mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt (NOT THE FLAKED SALT).
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the candy, pretzels, chocolate chips, and whatever other add-ins you decide. DO NOT ADD FLAKED SALT YET.
- Chill for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Scoop cookie dough onto a cookie sheet or silicone-lined cookie sheet. Arrange cookies with at least 1 inch in between them.
- Bake until the cookies are lightly golden brown, or for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them with flaked sea salt.
- Cool on the pan for a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate in the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a combination of different types of chocolate for a unique flavor profile.
Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure they blend well with the rest of the ingredients.
Can I use sprinkles in the cookies?
Sure! Adding sprinkles can make your cookies even more festive and colorful. Choose Christmas-themed sprinkles to stick with the holiday theme.
What other flavor add-in options are there?
Oh, the sky is the limit. Some other ideas are caramel bits, potato chips, raisins, mini marshmallows, or crushed peppermint candy canes.
Conclusion on Cookies for Santa Plate
Creating the perfect cookies for a Santa plate is a delightful holiday tradition that brings a sense of joy and warmth to the festive season. Whether you stick to classic chocolate chip cookies or opt for a festive twist with Christmas chocolate chip cookies, the process of baking and serving these treats is sure to fill your home with holiday cheer. Happy baking, and may your cookies bring a smile to Santa’s face!
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