Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. They are easy to prepare, bake beautifully, and stay delicious for days, making them perfect for holiday baking and gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and soft.
Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Softened butter helps create a creamy dough and even texture.
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth, ensuring chewy centers.
Granulated sugar balances sweetness and contributes to lightly crisp edges.
Eggs bind the dough and provide structure.
Vanilla extract enhances warmth and complements the chocolate beautifully.
Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and spread evenly.
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens overall flavor.
Chocolate chips are the highlight of the cookies, delivering classic, comforting chocolate flavor in every bite.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lining baking trays with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared trays, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the tray before transferring to a cooling rack.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20 to 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10 to 12 minutes per batch. Total time is roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To refresh, warm briefly in the oven. Cookie dough can also be frozen for later baking.
Variations and Customizations
Extra chocolate version
Add chocolate chunks or mix milk and dark chocolate chips.
Nutty Christmas cookies
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Soft-baked style
Bake for one minute less to keep centers extra soft.
Festive cookie version
Add red and green chocolate candies for holiday color.
Brown butter cookies
Brown the butter for deeper, caramelized flavor.
FAQs
Why are chocolate chip cookies Santa’s favorite?
They are classic, comforting, and loved by everyone.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
They spread moderately; chilling helps control shape.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are well balanced, not overly sweet.
What chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, this recipe is very kid-friendly.
Should I chill the dough?
Optional, but chilling improves flavor and texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they store and travel well.
What should I serve with them?
A glass of milk is the classic choice.
Conclusion
Santa’s Favorite Cookies are a timeless Christmas classic that brings warmth, comfort, and tradition to the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and filled with rich chocolate, these cookies are perfect for Christmas Eve, festive baking days, and creating sweet memories that last long after the holidays are over.
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