Fun Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe: Holiday Joy in Every Bite

Sweet memories and festive cheer come alive with these irresistible Christmas M&M cookies that sparkle like holiday magic.

Colorful candies dot the golden landscape of soft, chewy goodness.

Childhood nostalgia blends perfectly with seasonal delight in every single bite.

Classic butter and sugar create a rich foundation for these delectable treats.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center bursting with chocolate and holiday spirit.

You’ll want to bake a double batch because these cookies disappear faster than snowflakes in sunshine.

Spreading joy one cookie at a time becomes your delicious mission.

FAQs

  • Can I use other candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with other holiday-themed candies like Reese’s pieces or seasonal chocolate chips for a different festive touch.

  • How do I keep my cookies soft?

To maintain softness, avoid overbaking and store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps retain moisture.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

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

  • Do I need a mixer to make these cookies?

No, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or whisk, though an electric mixer will make the process easier and help create a fluffier texture.

Christmas M&M Cookies That Impress

  • Festive Baking Delight: Spread holiday cheer with these colorful M&M cookies that instantly brighten up any gathering.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in just a few steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cookie makers.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: Create sweet memories together by involving kids in decorating and adding colorful M&Ms, turning baking into a fun family activity.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, school events, or as a delightful homemade gift that everyone will love and appreciate.

Ingredients For Christmas M&M Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and bulk of the cookie.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Festive Mix-Ins:
  • M&M Candies, Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of color, chocolate flavor, and festive cheer to the cookies.

How To Bake Christmas M&M Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

In a big mixing bowl, whip the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Moisture And Flavor

Drop in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended and look silky smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything combines into a perfect cookie dough.

Step 5: Add Holiday Cheer

Gently fold in your festive ingredients:
  • Christmas colored M&M candies
  • Chocolate chips

Distribute them evenly throughout the dough so each cookie gets maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Shape And Prepare Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and become beautiful.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes.

Look for golden edges which signal the cookies are done. The centers should look slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Serve and enjoy your festive holiday treats!

Tips For Perfect Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better incorporation and smoother cookie texture.
  • Press extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball before baking to create a more colorful, festive appearance.
  • For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation and enjoy later.

Alternative Versions Of Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free M&Ms for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and select vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free M&M alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar Christmas Cookies: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor.
  • Nutty Holiday Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture and festive nutty undertones, complementing the chocolate and candy pieces.

Pairings For Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive red and green serving tray, sprinkled with extra M&Ms for a cheerful look that screams Christmas spirit.
  • Sweet Gift Packaging: Stack cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons, creating delightful homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or family friends.
  • Cookie and Cocoa Station: Pair warm cookies with rich hot chocolate, offering a cozy winter treat perfect for family gatherings or holiday movie nights.
  • Dessert Centerpiece Display: Create a stunning cookie tower on a decorative cake stand, garnishing with candy canes or holiday greenery for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Best Practices For Storing Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie texture.
  • Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap before placing in freezer container for extra protection.
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Fun Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Fun Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

Description

M&M Christmas cookies blend festive cheer with classic chocolate chip comfort. Holiday bakers can create delightful treats that sparkle with colorful candy shells and warm seasonal spirit.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Sweet Components:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup red and green M&M candies
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange parchment paper on baking trays.
  2. Thoroughly blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until they transform into a creamy, airy mixture.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring complete and even incorporation.
  5. Delicately mix in colorful M&M candies and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Use a tablespoon to portion out cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each mound.
  7. Slide trays into the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indication of doneness.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them firm up and prevents breaking.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and achieve optimal texture.
  10. Serve these festive treats and delight in their cheerful, holiday-inspired appearance.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for smooth, even mixing that ensures creamy cookie texture.
  • Use a light hand when folding M&Ms to prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrant candy appearance in finished cookies.
  • 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 to maintain similar consistency and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 154
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 117 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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