Quick and Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe: Jolly Sweet Treats

Sweet memories often start with chocolate chip Christmas M&M cookies dancing across kitchen counters.

Festive baking creates magical moments that connect generations through delightful treats.

Colorful candy pieces peek through soft, chewy dough like little holiday jewels.

Warm spices and melted chocolate combine into irresistible seasonal comfort.

Home kitchens become delightful workshops where simple ingredients spark joy and celebration.

Friends and siblings gather around cooling racks, eager to sample these cheerful sweets.

You cannot resist these playful, merry cookies that promise pure seasonal happiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas-themed ones?

Yes, you can substitute Christmas M&Ms with regular M&Ms or any seasonal variety. The recipe will work perfectly with any type of M&Ms.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

  • What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or even maple syrup. However, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor to the cookies.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months before baking.

Christmas M&M Cookies to Celebrate

  • Festive Flavor Burst: Packed with colorful Christmas M&Ms, these cookies deliver an instant holiday cheer that'll make everyone smile.
  • Simple Baking Adventure: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even beginners can master.
  • Family Bonding Delight: Create delicious memories together by involving kids in decorating and mixing the dough, making it a fun seasonal activity that brings everyone closer.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies come together rapidly, providing a stress-free treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add sweetness and help create a chewy, caramelized cookie.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cookie dough together and provide structure.
  • Christmas M&Ms: Festive chocolate candies that add color, crunch, and holiday cheer to the cookies.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the structure of the cookie.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the cookie's taste.

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates the perfect cozy environment for baking delicious cookies.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy, creating a smooth, creamy mixture that will make your cookies irresistibly soft.

Step 3: Introduce Egg Magic

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and stir until everything is beautifully combined. This step brings richness and depth to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Sprinkle in Holiday Cheer

Gently fold Christmas M&Ms into the dough, distributing them evenly. These colorful candies will add a festive touch to your cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Prepare

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives your cookies room to spread and become perfectly shaped.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges – this is your signal that the cookies are ready.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These festive treats are now ready to delight everyone who takes a bite!

Tips to Perfect Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Press extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball before baking for a more festive and colorful appearance.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smoother, more evenly mixed dough and better cookie texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Flavor Variations for M&M Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and festive M&M crunch.
  • Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and choose dairy-free M&M alternatives for a plant-based version.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and use dark chocolate M&Ms for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate candies to reduce overall sugar content.

Pairings to Enjoy with Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive ceramic plate, sprinkled with extra M&Ms for a colorful presentation that screams Christmas cheer.
  • Dessert Gifting: Pack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, creating adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts.
  • Santa's Special Treat: Serve warm cookies with a cold glass of milk beside a small plate for Santa, adding a traditional and heartwarming touch to Christmas Eve celebrations.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cooled cookies for a decadent holiday dessert that combines crunch and creaminess.

Storing Christmas M&M Cookies Properly

  • Store leftover Christmas M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie texture.
  • Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing.
  • Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delicious flavor and texture.
Print
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Quick and Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Quick and Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive holiday cheer shines through these christmas M&M cookies, packed with colorful candies and buttery goodness. Chocolate chips and seasonal sprinkles create a delightful treat that sparks joy for family gatherings and sweet celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 12 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 12 cups Christmas M&Ms

Binding and Leavening Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for a non-stick surface.
  2. Blend butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure even distribution. Introduce vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Gently fold Christmas M&Ms throughout the dough, ensuring even color distribution and sweet bursts in each cookie.
  7. Using a cookie scoop, deposit dough portions onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow proper spreading.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating perfect crisp-edged texture.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Notes

  • Swap regular M&Ms with gluten-free or dairy-free varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the festive cookie texture.
  • Press extra M&Ms on top of cookie dough balls before baking to create a more vibrant, colorful appearance and ensure even chocolate distribution.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies with enhanced flavor development.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for several days, maintaining their delightful holiday spirit.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 182
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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