Santa Cookies: Adorable, Edible Holiday Cheer
Nutter Butter cookies transformed into jolly Santas with white chocolate, red sugar, and candy details—easy, festive, and fun to make
Introduction: A Cookie That Brings Holiday Magic
These Santa Cookies are the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite. With a Nutter Butter base, dipped in white chocolate and decorated with red sanding sugar, mini chocolate chips, and M&Ms, they’re a whimsical way to celebrate the season. No baking required—just melt, dip, decorate, and let the holiday cheer begin.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie decorating party, prepping for a classroom treat, or looking for a fun edible craft, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what makes these cookies so festive and flavorful:
Cookie Base:
- Nutter Butter sandwich cookies (1 package)
The perfect shape for Santa’s face and hat.
Optional: Use other oval sandwich cookies if needed
Coating and Details:
- White chocolate chips (12 oz)
Melted for dipping—used for beard and hat. - Red sanding sugar
Adds sparkle and color to Santa’s hat. - White chocolate chips (32)
Used as pom-poms on the hat. - Mini semisweet chocolate chips (64)
Used for Santa’s eyes. - Red mini M&Ms (32)
Used for Santa’s nose.
Tip: Use tweezers or toothpicks for precise placement.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Lay out parchment paper on a flat surface.
This will be your staging area for decorated cookies.
Optional: Set up a cookie decorating station with bowls of toppings.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl:
- Heat white chocolate chips at 70% power for 1 minute.
Stir, then microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Tip: Don’t overheat—white chocolate can seize easily.
Step 3: Make Santa’s Hat
Dip one end of each cookie into melted white chocolate.
Let excess drip off.
Press the coated end into red sanding sugar.
Place flat on parchment paper.
Add 1 white chocolate chip off-center on the red sugar as a pom-pom.
Let cookies sit to set.
Optional: Chill for 10 minutes to speed up setting.
Step 4: Make Santa’s Beard
Dip the opposite end of each cookie into melted white chocolate.
Leave the center of the cookie uncovered.
Place back on parchment paper.
Tip: Use a spoon to control the dip depth.
Step 5: Add Eyes and Nose
Using a dab of melted chocolate:
- Attach 2 mini chocolate chips for eyes.
- Attach 1 red mini M&M for the nose.
Let cookies sit until fully set.
Optional: Add a smile with melted chocolate or edible marker.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Holiday cookie platters
- Edible gifts
- Classroom treats
- Cookie decorating parties
Serve with:
- Hot cocoa
- Peppermint milkshakes
- Eggnog
Presentation Tip: Arrange on a tray with candy canes and mini marshmallows.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these festive twists:
Frosted Santa
Use royal icing instead of white chocolate.
Vegan Version
Use dairy-free white chocolate and sandwich cookies.
Colorful Hats
Use green or blue sanding sugar for elf or winter themes.
Chocolate Santa
Use chocolate sandwich cookies and dark chocolate coating.
Kid-Friendly Faces
Add edible googly eyes or sprinkles for rosy cheeks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Decorate up to 3 days in advance.
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Not recommended—may affect texture and appearance.
Tip: Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Notes (Per Cookie, ~1 of 32)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~80mg
- Fiber: ~0.5g
These cookies are:
- Kid-friendly
- No-bake
- Comfort food approved
- Perfect for gifting
Final Thoughts
These Santa Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a joyful, edible craft that brings smiles to every table. Whether you’re making them with kids or gifting them to friends, they’re guaranteed to spread cheer.