Everyone needs a good base cookie dough recipe. You know, one of those easy cookie recipes that you have memorized but make different each time depending on the mix-ins. We have tried this cookie dough recipe with several different mix-in ideas, but we think we found the best mix-in…. Christmas candy! And LOTS of it!

Ingredients in Elf Cookies

Butter or shorteningGranulated sugarPacked brown sugarEggEgg yolkVanilla extractAll-purpose flourBaking powderSaltBaking soda

Mix-Ins Not To Miss

These would be great with any kind of Christmas candy, but the mix-ins we chose, specifically, include: Candy-coated chocolate candies (M&M’s), chocolate dinner mints (creme de menthe mints), white chocolate peppermint bark, and Christmas SPRINKLES! Here are some other mix-in ideas that even Buddy from the movie Elf would approve of:

Mini MarshmallowsPecans, almonds, or walnutschopped up chow mein noodles or pretzelsDrizzle some chocolate syrup, or melted chocolate over the top with a piping bagFrost with some chocolate frosting

Make Elf Cookies Part of the Party

This would be such a fun recipe to use for a “family night” activity. Have all the kids make their own recipe creations by dividing up the dough and letting them choose which Christmas candies they want in their Elf Cookies. Have all the Christmas candy out in bowls and give them an allotted amount of “scoops.” So many possibilities! Kids love being able to come up with their own creations in the kitchen. This is the perfect opportunity to let them do just that! Not only would this be a fun “family night” activity, but a fun activity for a birthday party or holiday party for kids or teenagers. Make sure to offer lots of choices so they can be creative: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, toffee bits, crushed chocolate cookies, chopped up candy bars, marshmallow bits, chopped graham crackers, etc. Everyone loves homemade cookies, especially when they are warm out of the oven. Serve them up with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot mug of cocoa. Does a party get any better than that? This recipe can be made a day or two ahead or frozen for later use, which makes it even more convenient for holiday gatherings or parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

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More Holiday Treat Recipes

If you are looking for even more Holiday treats, we have desserts that make perfect gifts or simply make your home a little sweeter this time of year.

Christmas Dessert IdeasEasy Fudge RecipesChocolate Cherry MiceMuddy BuddiesMom’s Traditional Christmas CaramelsPeanut ClustersHot Cocoa Mix

How to Make Elf Cookies

Sweet Chex Mix

Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

Royal Icing and Flood Icing

Cream Cheese Butter Mints

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