Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s not only easy to make but guaranteed to light up your holiday table, then I’ve got just the thing for you. This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser — colorful, chewy, and cozy all wrapped into one bite. I absolutely love how these come out with just the right balance of buttery softness and that irresistible crunch from the M&Ms. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be whipping them up every December!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to make these cookies especially delicious and festive. Don’t skimp on the butter or using fresh M&Ms — it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

• Unsalted butter: Makes the cookies tender and rich; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading.
• Brown sugar: A little molasses in brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and gives depth of flavor.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs mix better for a smooth dough.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that keeps your cookies soft but chewy.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough.
• Baking powder: Adds a slight lift and lightness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Red and green M&Ms: This is the star — split part into the dough and save some to press on top for that festive look.

Variations

While I adore the classic red and green M&Ms for the holidays, I like to mix things up sometimes or customize for different taste preferences — and you should too! This recipe is such a reliable base that it invites creativity.

• Using Peanut M&Ms: For a nutty twist, swap standard M&Ms for peanut ones — my family goes crazy for the extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: I once swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and was amazed — the texture stayed soft and tasty.
• Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Toss in some chopped pecans or white chocolate chips to make the cookies even more decadent.
• Mini M&Ms: Using mini M&Ms packs more color and crunch in every bite, which is especially fun for kids.

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — this is the sweet spot for evenly baking cookies without burning them. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. I like to get everything ready upfront so I don’t feel rushed when my dough’s ready to bake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth. Then, add granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy — usually about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for light, tender cookies. I’ve learned that patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined — your batter should look glossy and smooth. Remember to use a room temperature egg; cold eggs can cause your batter to seize up and won’t mix as evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Then Mix into Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so I try to stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 5: Fold in M&Ms and Scoop Dough

Fold in one cup of your red and green M&Ms gently — they’ll give pops of color and crunch inside the cookie. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 1.5 inches in diameter, placing six per baking sheet to give them room to spread. Here’s a little trick: press 6 to 8 extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball so every cookie looks perfectly festive when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them after 8 minutes because overbaking can dry them out — I’ve been there, and it’s easy to do!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up nicely, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This way, they won’t break when you move them and will keep that soft chewy texture.

How to Serve Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an extra snowy touch when serving at holiday parties. If you’re feeling extra festive, a drizzle of white chocolate over the top can turn these into a real showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows — it’s a match made in holiday heaven. They’re also fantastic alongside a cheese board if you want to mix sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For cookie exchanges or gift-giving, arrange these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons. Alternatively, stack them on a festive platter with sprigs of pine or holly for an extra holiday vibe. I’ve even wrapped small stacks with parchment and twine for a charming homemade gift look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay soft and fresh for up to a week. If you find yourself with extras, just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling, I pop them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They keep well for a month or two, perfect for getting ahead of the holiday rush!

Reheating

To warm up frozen or leftover cookies, I recommend popping them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes — it softens them perfectly without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I prefer the gentle oven heat for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe has become a favorite in my household for good reason. It’s simple, reliable, and brings a little extra joy to holiday baking each year. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are a no-fail way to spread festive cheer — trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll feel the same. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake some happiness in cookie form!

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