Jolly Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe: A Festive Sweet Treat

Sweet moments of joy sparkle through these irresistible Christmas M&M cookies that blend childhood nostalgia with festive cheer.

Colorful candy pieces nestle perfectly inside soft, buttery dough waiting to melt in your mouth.

Baking these treats brings instant happiness to any kitchen gathering.

Chocolate chips complement the bright M&M colors, creating a delightful visual and taste experience.

Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies an absolute crowd-pleaser for holiday celebrations.

Seasonal magic happens when you mix simple ingredients with love and creativity.

You will adore how quickly these cookies disappear from the serving plate.

Reasons to Enjoy Christmas M&M Cookies

• Deck the Halls with Festive Flavor: Transform your holiday baking with these colorful Christmas M&M cookies that burst with seasonal cheer and delightful chocolate goodness.
• Whip Up Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Super simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels who want to create something special.
• Create Sweet Family Memories: Engage kids in cookie decorating and mixing, turning baking into a fun holiday activity that brings everyone together with laughter and delicious treats.
• Customize with Cheerful Touches: Easily personalize these cookies by adding extra chocolate chips or swapping M&M colors to match your holiday theme or personal preference.

Ingredients for Festive M&M Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Bring sweetness and help the cookies achieve a golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Flour: Serves as the primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.
• Christmas M&Ms, Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate flavor and festive color.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cookies rise and balance the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Christmas M&M Cookie Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

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

Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is well combined and has a silky texture.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Fold in Festive Treats

Gently fold in Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips.

Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for a colorful and delicious surprise in every bite.

Step 7: Shape and Arrange Cookies

Scoop the cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.

The centers should look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your festive, mouthwatering Christmas M&M cookies!

Insider Tips for M&M Cookie Baking

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing.
• Reserve some candies to press into the top of cookies right after baking for a festive, picture-perfect look.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker cookies.
• Reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons if using milk chocolate M&Ms to balance overall sweetness.
• Replace Christmas M&Ms with seasonal sprinkles or other holiday-themed candies for variety.

Holiday Variations for M&M Cookies

• Gluten-Free Festive Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Holiday Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan M&M alternatives.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
• Nutty Christmas Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and nutty depth, complementing the festive M&M colors.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cookies

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed ceramic plate, sprinkled with extra M&Ms for a colorful, cheerful presentation.
• Santa's Sweet Treat: Pair these cookies with cold milk or hot cocoa for a classic Christmas dessert that brings nostalgic childhood memories.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Create a cookie display with different holiday treats, using these M&M cookies as a vibrant centerpiece that catches everyone's eye.

Storing Your Christmas M&M Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent M&Ms from melting.
• Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Store frozen dough for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Regular M&Ms work perfectly fine and will still give your cookies a colorful, festive touch.

• How many M&Ms should I add to the cookie dough?

About 1 cup of M&Ms is ideal – this provides enough color and chocolate flavor without overwhelming the cookie base.

• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

While not required, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and create a thicker, chewier cookie.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months before baking.

Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

M&M Christmas cookies blend festive cheer with classic chocolate chip comfort. Colorful candies and rich dough create a delightful holiday treat you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup red and green Christmas M&Ms

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and airy, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, and salt through a fine-mesh sifter to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
6. Delicately incorporate Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
7. Portion dough using a cookie scoop, placing mounds approximately 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for slightly golden edges and soft centers.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. Once completely cooled, serve and savor the festive treats.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing without overworking the dough.
• Reserve a handful of M&Ms to press into cookie tops after scooping for a festive, picture-perfect appearance.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 167 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg