Along with gifts, carols, and hanging lights, leaving cookies and milk out for Santa is one of the most cherished traditions of Christmas season. On Christmas Eve, Santa would be visiting around 950 million households. Instead of leaving out cookies that Santa would surely be proud of, most people leave out the same basic flavors, especially chocolate chip. Now if I were Santa, I would get tired of the lack of variety, especially if I were busting my jingle bells climbing up and down chimneys. So instead of leaving Santa with a chocolate chip on his shoulder, bake him something unique!
Try making one of these cookies that Santa would surely be proud of.
1. Chicken and Waffle Cookies
This sweet and savory combination works well as an entree, even inspiring Nike to make special high top sneakers. Put a lil’ soul food in Santa’s night with these cookies.
2. Miso White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Give Santa a salty surprise by adding an Asian twist to his cookies. Serve with miso soup as a complimentary drink.
3. Ramen Cookies
If ramen can be turned into a burger, then why not a cookie? Perfect for college students with a large stash of ramen ready to be cookie-fied.
4. Jack Daniel’s Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies
Hey, Santa’s going to be having a long night so why not give him a pick-me-up? Ok never mind, drinking and driving is a terrible idea, especially if your vehicle/sleigh carries the hopes and dreams of every kid from 1 to 92.
5. Milk and Cookie Shots
Since Santa can’t be drinking that night, give him some PG fun by making these milk and cookie shots. Now instead of enjoying his milk and cookies separately, he can down them all at once.
6. Cookie Quesadilla
This gooey cookie treat oozes with marshmallows and Nutella. This mash-up is not one to pass up!
7. Lucky Charms Cookie Sandwiches
Everyone knows that the marshmallows are the best part of Lucky Charms. This nostalgic cereal creation will bring you back to your childhood, when you would fall asleep waiting for Santa to arrive.
8. Unicorn Pinata Cookies
Treat Santa with a cookie as magical as he is. These colorful unicorn cookies even poop sprinkles!
9. Sugar Cookie Tacos
Give Santa something to taco about by leaving out these sugar cookie tacos. What’s better than cookies and milk? Cookies and ice cream!
10. Apple Pie Cookies
Nothing says the holidays like a warm slice of pie. These almost don’t qualify as cookies, but I’m sure Santa would still comPIE.
11. No Bake White Chocolate Matcha Wafer Cookies
Adhering to one of the biggest food trends of the year, make these matcha cookies. White chocolate and wafers are a match(a) made in heaven.
12. Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug
For the ultra procrastinators that only have minutes to prepare cookies for Santa, this recipe is a must. All it takes is a quick spin in the microwave and voila, dessert is served.
13. Santa Baby Sugar Cookies
These cookies are definitely the highest form of flattery for Santa. Who wouldn’t want to eat a cookie of their face?
14. Sugar Cookie Mini Cakes
These multi-layered cakes are actually just made out of cookies. They’ll leave Santa with tiers of joy.
15. Gingerbread Cookie Truffles
Give Santa his serving of cookies in this truffle form. It might not get you out of truffle if you’re on the naughty list, but at least he’ll enjoy them!
16. Funfetti Cheesecake Cookie Cups
What’s holiday fun without funfetti? Just the word itself makes the recipe sound much more festive. Santa better be ready for this funfetti.
17. No Bake Christmas Avalanche Cookies
If you’re too lazy to turn on the oven or if you’re living in the dorms, make these no bake cookies. This simple delight comes with pistachios, cranberries, coconut, marshmallows, and chocolate.
18. Hot Chocolate Cookies
Why only drink your hot chocolate when you can eat it too? Help Santa defrost with these cookies and a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
19. Protein Cookies
With all the cookies Santa has been eating, it makes sense that he’d try to eat healthier. Help him build those gainz with these protein cookies.
20. Vegan and Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who said Santa couldn’t eat vegan and gluten free? With all the animal products he’s been consuming, refresh him with this alternative.
21. Paleo Vegan Almond Butter Cookies
Maybe Santa’s considering going paleo or vegan. Either way, these cookies are a simple option.
22. Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies
Santa would never guess that these cookies were made with avocado. Not only do avocados taste great on toast, they also make great cookies!
23. Chickpea Cookie Pie
Not only is this cookie in a pie form, it’s also somehow made out of the same beans used for hummus. But don’t worry, Santa won’t be able to tell.
24. Vegan Rainbow Meringues
Save the liquid from canned chickpeas! Surprisingly, it acts as an amazing vegan egg substitute called aquafaba. Santa would never guess that these cookies were made from bean juice.
25. Lavender Lemon Cookies
While lavender is commonly used as a scent for fragrances or candles, it also works well in food. Paired with lemon, it makes for a lavish treat.
26. Ricotta Cookies
Who knew that ricotta cheese could work well in cookies? Gotta love a lotta ricotta.
27. Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
Milk isn’t the only drink that pairs well with cookies; tea works well too. Although Santa most likely won’t abandon his classic combo, he surely wouldn’t mind giving this a try.
28. Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Cookies
Give Santa a sweet treat with these sweet potato cookies. Sweet potatoes are the quintessential vegetable of the holiday season, and they taste just like dessert.
29. Rugelach Cookies
This Jewish pastry may not be a traditional Christmas cookie, but it’s delicious nonetheless. This flaky delight is one of the cookies that Santa would surely be proud of.
30. Cookie Dough Stuffed Hamantaschen
Hamantaschen may be a Jewish cookie eaten during Purim, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed year round. Santa won’t be able to say no to this cookie (dough).
31. Brookies
It’s a cookie…it’s a brownie…it’s a brookie! This treat is perfect for those that can’t decide between different food options (definitely me).
So step out of your comfort zone and make one of these cookies that Santa would surely be proud of. No matter what you leave him, have a wonderful Christmas full of holiday cheer!