Make your Christmas Eve truly magical with this collection of the Best Cookies for Santa! We’ve gathered 25 irresistible recipes, blending timeless classics with exciting new favorites, all designed to delight everyone, especially the jolly man in red. Don’t forget to include a tall glass of cold milk for Santa – it’s the perfect accompaniment to these delicious festive treats. This holiday season, let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home and create cherished memories with loved ones.

Preparing a special plate of cookies for Santa is a treasured tradition that brings immense joy to families worldwide. My children absolutely adore participating in this annual ritual, and over the years, we’ve perfected our selection of easy and festive cookie recipes. From chewy to crispy, richly flavored to delicately spiced, there are so many delightful choices, ensuring everyone finds a favorite. After all, it’s Christmas, and during the holidays, calories simply don’t count!
What’s in this post: 25 Best Cookies for Santa
- Why We Love Cookies For Santa
- 1. Santa Cookies
- 2. Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- 3. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- 4. Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
- 5. Chocolate Kiss Cookies
- 6. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- 7. Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
- 8. Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
- 9. Thumbprint Cookies
- 10. Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 11. Christmas Wreath Cookies
- 12. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
- 13. Peanut Butter Cookies
- 14. Starbucks Snowman Cookies
- 15. Grinch Cookies
- 16. Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
- 17. Snowman Chocolate Covered Oreos
- 18. Molasses Cookies
- 19. Peppermint Cookies
- 20. Andes Mints Cookies
- 21. Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- 22. Hot Cocoa Cookies
- 23. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 24. Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
- 25. Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- More Christmas Desserts
Why We Love Cookies For Santa
The tradition of leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a beloved custom passed down through generations. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and anticipation for Santa’s big journey. This fun tradition often includes classic choices like a plate of chocolate chip cookies, but other popular options abound, such as festive Sugar Cookies adorned with colorful sprinkles, warmly spiced Gingerbread Cookies, or rich Peanut Butter Cookies. It’s a moment of pure magic that brings families together in the kitchen, stirring up not just cookie dough but also excitement and holiday cheer.
We absolutely love preparing an assortment of cookies for Santa. The joy on children’s faces as they carefully arrange the treats, imagining Santa stopping by their home, is truly priceless. You simply can’t go wrong with a plate full of delicious, homemade cookies and a refreshing glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect way to cap off the holiday preparations and welcome the spirit of Christmas into your home. This simple act creates lasting memories, making the season even more special and sweet for everyone involved.
1. Santa Cookies
Santa Cookies
These Santa Cookies are incredibly festive, bursting with red and green M&M candies. Each bite offers a delightful soft and chewy texture, generously loaded with rich chocolate. This recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, especially when using a stand mixer, making it perfect for busy holiday bakers. Santa will surely appreciate these jolly treats!
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2. Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Prepare to impress with these stunning Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies. With their flawless decoration, everyone will think you’ve picked them up from a gourmet bakery. Follow our easy, step-by-step instructions to create gorgeous, perfectly shaped, and deliciously decorated sugar cookies that are sure to be a holiday favorite.
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3. Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
These festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are absolutely perfect for Christmas Eve. Topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting, they boast an irresistible texture. The addition of pure vanilla extract enhances their delightful flavor, making each bite a sweet celebration. Simple to decorate, these cookies are a charming addition to any holiday spread.
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4. Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Gingerbread is an undisputed seasonal favorite, and this recipe delivers perfectly soft, chewy cookies. Made with rich molasses, they are baked until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant. You can easily bake extra batches to store in the freezer, ensuring you always have these spiced delights on hand throughout the holiday season.
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5. Chocolate Kiss Cookies
Chocolate Kiss Cookies
True chocolate fans will absolutely adore these decadent Chocolate Kiss Cookies. Packed with rich chocolate flavor from the base to the delightful Hershey’s Kiss topping, they are an amazing treat. Each bite is a sweet surprise, making them an ideal choice for Santa’s plate or your holiday dessert spread.
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6. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Not only are these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies incredibly delicious, but they are also exceptionally pretty, topped with vibrant crushed candy canes. Starting with a convenient cake mix, this recipe makes them remarkably easy to prepare. Each bite delivers a burst of rich chocolate perfectly complemented by the refreshing crunch of peppermint.
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7. Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
This incredibly easy Christmas cookie recipe starts with a simple cake mix. Requiring only four ingredients, it’s a fuss-free way to create fabulous, light, and fluffy cookies. For best results and easy cleanup, I recommend using a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. These festive treats are perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
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8. Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sugar with these classic Snickerdoodle Cookies. Known for their soft, chewy texture and irresistible aroma, they make the perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm spices, guaranteed to bring festive cheer to your home.
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9. Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint Cookies
These elegant Thumbprint Cookies are absolutely perfect for leaving out for Santa, and they will look stunning on any holiday dessert tray. The combination of a soft, buttery cookie with a dollop of sweet, yummy jam in the center creates a truly irresistible treat. They’re simple to make yet offer a touch of refined charm to your festive offerings.
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10. Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe remains one of our absolute favorites. These cookies are wonderfully rich and decadent, with a perfect balance of textures. The combination of granulated sugar and moist brown sugar yields an incredibly delicious and chewy result that truly satisfies. A timeless classic Santa will always enjoy!
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11. Christmas Wreath Cookies
Christmas Wreath Cookies
These charming Christmas Wreath Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just six simple ingredients. This no-bake treat is beautifully adorned with festive red and green candies, making it a perfect holiday delight for all ages. They come together quickly, offering a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season.
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12. Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
While these Christmas Pinwheel Cookies boast a fancy, intricate appearance, they are surprisingly simple to create. Just follow our easy instructions to achieve these delightful, festive swirls that are sure to impress Santa and all your holiday guests. They are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your cookie platter.
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13. Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
These soft and rich Peanut Butter Cookies are absolutely packed with nutty flavor. This traditional recipe is wonderfully flavorful and consistently delivers a satisfying result. Making them is effortless with the help of an electric mixer, ensuring a smooth dough and perfectly textured cookies every time. A true comfort classic for the holidays.
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14. Starbucks Snowman Cookies
Starbucks Snowman Cookies
Why buy expensive store-bought cookies when you can easily create these charming Starbucks Snowman Cookies at home? They are simple to make and will save you a considerable amount of money, while providing a delightful baking project. Decorating these adorable snowman treats is a fun activity for the whole family during the holidays.
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15. Grinch Cookies
Grinch Cookies
Delight everyone with these whimsical Grinch Cookies, vibrant in hues of green with a cheerful red heart. These Grinch-themed treats are sure to impress and bring a smile to every face. With just a touch of green food coloring, regular cookies are magically transformed into these iconic, fun-loving Grinch cookies, perfect for holiday parties.
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16. Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
Elevate classic Gingerbread Cookies by jazzing them up with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss pressed into the center. The combination of spicy gingerbread and creamy milk or white chocolate is incredibly rich and utterly delightful. The hardest part will be patiently waiting for them to cool completely on a wire rack before you can enjoy these festive treats.
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17. Snowman Chocolate Covered Oreos
Snowman Chocolate Covered Oreos
Transform ordinary Oreo Cookies into charming snowmen with this incredibly easy no-bake recipe. These Snowman Chocolate Covered Oreos are so much fun to make and surprisingly simple, requiring just a few ingredients. You can even use white chocolate chips instead of candy melts for a convenient alternative. They make a festive and delightful treat for any holiday gathering.
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18. Molasses Cookies
Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe
These Ginger Molasses Cookies boast the perfect blend of warm holiday flavors and aromatic spices. Each bite is wonderfully tasty, with a chewy texture that truly satisfies. Simply whisk together a few common ingredients for this best-ever cookie recipe, bringing the cozy essence of Christmas into your kitchen with minimal effort.
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19. Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint Cookies
These Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies taste exactly like the holidays should! They deliver everything you expect from a Christmas cookie: a refreshing minty kick paired with rich chocolate. Store these festive delights in an airtight container to keep them fresh for Santa’s arrival, or for sharing with family and friends.
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20. Andes Mints Cookies
Andes Mints Cookies
The rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors combine beautifully in these delicious Andes Mints Cookies. They are not only incredibly pretty with their melted mint swirls but taste even better. Make sure to use a preheated oven to bake these cookie dough balls to perfection, ensuring a soft, chewy texture with every bite.
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21. Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Santa will undoubtedly adore the delicious flavors of classic Buckeye candy packed into these luscious Buckeye Brownie Cookies. The unbeatable combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a truly decadent treat. Simply use a large bowl and stir everything together for a festive and utterly irresistible holiday indulgence.
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22. Hot Cocoa Cookies
Hot Cocoa Cookies
From their rich chocolate base to the fluffy marshmallow topping, these Hot Cocoa Cookies are incredibly gooey and absolutely amazing. Each bite is a heavenly experience, reminiscent of your favorite winter beverage. They are perfect served at room temperature and make a delightful, comforting treat for chilly Christmas evenings.
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23. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
The sweet and salty combination in these Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies is utterly irresistible. The savory crunch of bacon perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creating a uniquely delicious flavor profile. Remember not to overmix the wet and dry ingredients to achieve the best texture in these surprisingly addictive treats.
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24. Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
With only four simple ingredients, these Lemon Cake Mix Cookies are wonderfully light, fluffy, and bursting with zesty flavor. The bright lemon taste makes them a refreshing departure from traditional holiday cookies and a fantastic recipe to try. Their ease of preparation and delightful taste will make them a new favorite for sure.
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25. Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Transform classic sugar cookies into the ultimate eggnog treat for Santa with this incredible recipe. These Eggnog Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully adorned with a creamy eggnog-flavored frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg. They capture the essence of the holiday season perfectly and are surprisingly easy to make, adding a unique twist to your cookie selection.
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More Christmas Desserts
Looking for even more festive treats to round out your holiday dessert table? Explore these other delightful Christmas dessert ideas:
- Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip Recipe
- Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees
- Christmas Brownies
We hope this collection inspires you to create some magical moments in your kitchen this Christmas. Try one (or several!) of Santa’s favorite cookie recipes, and be sure to leave a comment below once you do. I love hearing from you and learning which recipes become your family’s new holiday traditions!
