We all know Santa loves his cookies, but I believe his favorite part of his annual delivery route is the MILK. I mean, he’s going up and down sooty chimneys and squeezing his roly-poly self through dusty ductwork, all while lugging around a toy bag that, while magical, probably still weighs a lot more than most of us could manage. All that hard work deserves a refreshing glass of organic milk!

After multiple conversations with his elf assistants and transfers by North Pole Dispatch (it’s a busy time of year after all), I finally managed to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Unsurprisingly, the two of them are absolute milk-and-cookie connoisseurs, and we spent an enjoyable half-hour gushing over recipes, debating crispy vs. soft (answer: he likes soft, she likes crispy), and the best milk to go along with his favorite cookies!

With their input, I’ve pulled together four of Santa’s favorite Christmas cookies and milk pairings that are perfect for making a cozy night in by the fire or around the tree extra special. Don’t forget the milk, and remember to share with Santa Claus too, of course!

Chocolate-dipped Peppermint Shortbread Cookies with Vanilla Steamed Milk

Shortbread cookies are easy-peasy, and this rich, buttery shortbread cookie takes on some holiday flair with a dash of peppermint flavoring, a dip in melted chocolate, and a festive peppermint candy finish.

These flavorful cookies are perfect dipped in a glass of warm Organic Valley milk flavored with a dash of vanilla to offset the peppermint cookies. In fact, the kids will love seeing who can dip them just long enough to get soft without falling apart in classic shortbread style. Enjoy while you read a classic holiday tale aloud surrounded by twinkle lights.

Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chili-Chocolate Milk

This recipe is for a classic, chewy chocolate chip cookie–it doesn’t get more traditional—or Santa-friendly—than this!

But for a fresh twist on the milk and cookies pairing, try making a Chili-Chocolate flavored milk with chocolate drizzle and a dash of chili powder to balance the cookies’ sweetness with a hint of spice. Admire the lovely drink, then stir before enjoying.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Cinnamon-Caramel Milk

The nutty, hearty flavors of an oatmeal raisin cookie are pure comfort food! This classic recipe makes a big, tasty cookie with spiced notes from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Take these cookies to the next level with a dressed-up glass of milk filled with drizzles of caramel syrup and a dash of cinnamon. Try enjoying this with warmed milk for a cozy bedtime drink. You could even add a dash of salt for a salted caramel version!

Ginger Molasses Cookies with Pumpkin Spice Milk

Chewy ginger molasses cookies are one of the most underrated cookies. They pack so much flavor into each bite, they stay soft for a long time thanks to the molasses, and the spiced notes of ginger and cinnamon make them the perfect seasonal treat.

For a perfect pairing, enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of pumpkin spice milk made with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. We love this one with Organic Valley Grassmilk®. Although it seems fancy and decadent, this pumpkin spice milk actually has no sugar and is packed with nutrition from the 100% grass-fed milk plus real pumpkin! One more reason to enjoy this Santa-approved combo!

I want to give a huge thank-you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time out of their busy holiday schedule to share their favorite milk and cookie pairings with us. Who knows? You might even earn bonus points with the big elf! He’ll know that you and your family were indeed very good this year, especially if you used one of these extra-special pairings to spend some quality time with the people you love most.

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Organic Valley!