Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like baking Christmas M&M cookies during the holiday season. The smell of buttery dough and melting chocolate fills your kitchen with a warmth that feels like a hug. These cookies are colorful, festive, and irresistibly soft, making them the perfect treat to share with family and friends.

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I first tried this recipe when I wanted a fun dessert for my family’s holiday movie night. It was an instant hit, and now it’s a must-make every December. Let me show you why these cookies will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to add a new favorite to your holiday baking lineup. These Christmas M&M cookies are not just visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.

First, they’re wonderfully easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, you’ll love how quickly these come together with just a handful of pantry staples.

They’re also perfect for kids. The bright, festive M&Ms make these cookies a joy to decorate and share, turning them into a fun activity for the whole family.

And of course, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of soft, chewy dough and crunchy, chocolatey M&Ms creates a texture and taste that’s absolutely irresistible.

Lastly, these cookies are perfect for gifting. Pack them in festive tins or wrap them in clear bags tied with a holiday ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients Notes

These cookies come together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, plus a few holiday touches.

Butter is the foundation of these cookies, giving them their soft and rich texture. Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best results.

Brown sugar adds depth and a slight molasses flavor, while granulated sugar contributes sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, making every bite taste like a holiday dream.

Christmas M&Ms are the star of the show. Their festive colors bring instant holiday cheer, while their crunchy shells and chocolate centers add the perfect contrast to the soft cookie base.

For the flour, stick to all-purpose, and don’t forget the baking soda and a pinch of salt to give your cookies the right rise and balance.

You’ll also want to have a hand mixer or stand mixer ready to cream the butter and sugars to perfection.

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Making these cookies is as simple as can be. Follow these steps for perfect cookies every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft and chewy cookie, so take your time!

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well incorporated before moving on to the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, reserving a few for decorating the tops of the cookies later. This extra touch ensures every cookie looks as good as it tastes.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop even portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but that’s the secret to a perfectly soft cookie. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time for parties or gifts.

Once cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these cookies is their versatility.

Swap the Christmas M&Ms for regular M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, or even chopped holiday-themed candies for a different twist.

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.

If you prefer a richer cookie, stir in a handful of white chocolate chips or chunks of dark chocolate.

For a nutty variation, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. They pair beautifully with the chocolate and festive colors.

Looking to make them gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The cookies will still turn out soft and delicious.

With so many ways to customize, you can make these cookies your own and create new holiday traditions in the process.

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