Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly nails that sweet-salty combo with a delightful crunch in every bite, you’ve got to try my Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe. These cookies are an absolute game-changer during the holidays (or anytime, really). Packed with peanut butter chips, M&M’s, potato chips, and pretzels, they bring a fun surprise that keeps your taste buds guessing. Stick around and I’ll walk you through exactly how to whip up this fan-freaking-tastic treat with tips I’ve picked up over many batches!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

One thing I love about Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe is how the ingredients all play well together – buttery dough, sweet chocolate and peanut butter bits, plus salty crunch from chips and pretzels. It’s like a party in a cookie! When shopping, try to pick good-quality peanut butter chips and fresh pretzels for the best texture and flavor.

• Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better; room temperature is key for creaming.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes – packed to measure correctly.
• Granulated Sugar: For balance in sweetness and helps crisp edges.
• Eggs: Bring structure and moisture – large eggs work perfectly here.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash lifts all the flavors beautifully.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together for a lovely rise and texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweet and salty contrast, don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy cookie base – measure by spooning and leveling.
• M&M’s: Classic and colorful chocolate candy adds sweetness and visual pop.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Little pockets of creamy peanut butter flavor.
• Potato Chips: Adds unexpected salty crunch – I like lightly salted or ridged varieties.
• Broken Pretzels: Another crunch layer with a touch of saltiness and that familiar pretzel flavor.
• Flaked Sea Salt: The finishing touch for a subtle salty highlight on top.

Variations

I love how flexible Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe is—you can really make it your own depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you want to highlight. Here are some of my favorite tweaks that keep things fun and fresh every time I bake.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter chips for white chocolate chips to avoid nuts but keep that sweet creaminess.
• Extra Chocolate Love: Mix in mini chocolate chips or even chopped candy bars for bursts of gooey chocolate.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for an unexpected warmth that pairs beautifully with the salty crunch.
• Seasonal Mix-Ins: Around Christmas, toss in crushed candy canes or holiday-colored sprinkles to up the festive vibe.

How to Make Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 365°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and they bake evenly. Then place the butter (make sure it’s softened!) along with both your brown sugar and granulated sugar into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat everything on medium-high for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is super important because it helps create that tender texture I love in these cookies.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add your eggs one at a time and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until combined. You’ll notice the batter gets silkier and a little glossier here, which means you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients Carefully

Now, slowly add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. I’ve learned not to overmix the dough here—stopping when you still see some flour remnants is perfect. Overworking can make the cookies tough, and you want them soft but sturdy enough to hold all the fun mix-ins.

Step 4: Fold in the M&M’s, Peanut Butter Chips, Potato Chips, and Pretzels

This is hands-down my favorite part. Fold in all the colorful M&M’s, rich peanut butter chips, salty potato chips, and crunchy broken pretzels. Each bite gets a little surprise in texture and flavor. I like folding them by hand to make sure they spread evenly without breaking the mix-ins too much.

Step 5: Scoop, Top, and Sprinkle with Sea Salt

I use a ¼ cup cookie scoop for nice large balls—these cookies aren’t shy! Place 6-8 dough balls on each baking sheet, spacing them out as they will spread. Then, add a few extra M&M’s and peanut butter chips on top of each ball for a pretty look. Finally, sprinkle some flaked sea salt on each cookie just before baking. It makes such a wonderful contrast to the sweet dough.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden with a Glossy Center

Bake for about 11-14 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that golden brown edge and a glossy, slightly soft center that signals perfect doneness. If any cookies spread oddly, I grab a spatula after baking and gently nudge the edges to keep them round—it’s a simple trick to get that beautiful cookie shape.

How to Serve Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to extra M&M’s and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for garnish, which makes these cookies look festive and irresistible. Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll drizzle a little melted chocolate or peanut butter over the top. It’s simple but adds a nice touch for gifting!

Side Dishes

For an indulgent holiday snack time, I like to pair these with a cold glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa. The salty-sweet flavor of the cookies melts beautifully into warm drinks, making the combo super cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these in mason jars tied with festive ribbons or arranged them on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar for holiday parties. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane bags with a fun tag also makes for a cute, easy homemade gift everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Santa’s Trash Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly chewy for 3-4 days. If you want to maintain the crunchy edges, avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. I just flash freeze the baked cookies on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I pull out a few and they thaw quickly to deliciousness without losing that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

To revive your cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F for 5-7 minutes). This helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and melty chocolate goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Santa’s Trash Cookie Recipe has quickly become my go-to cookie when I want to impress friends or just enjoy something ridiculously delicious at home. I love how every bite surprises you with a little more crunch or chocolate, making them perfect for sharing (or not!). I really hope you give these a try and find yourself coming back for seconds like I always do. Happy baking and happy holidays!

Print