Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe

Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet holiday magic meets chocolate crunch in these irresistible christmas M&M cookies that will make everyone smile.

These festive treats burst with colorful candy pieces nestled in soft, buttery dough.

Warm from the oven, each cookie delivers a perfect blend of classic sugar cookie comfort and seasonal cheer.

Bakers of all skill levels can whip up this simple recipe in under 30 minutes.

Red and green M&Ms create a playful, merry appearance that sparks joy at every gathering.

Kids and adults alike will adore these delightful cookies that capture the spirit of Christmas celebrations.

Grab a glass of milk and prepare for a delicious holiday moment.

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure M&Ms are gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan M&M alternatives.
  • Healthier Christmas Cookies: Substitute half the butter with applesauce, use whole wheat pastry flour, and select dark chocolate M&Ms for added antioxidants.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown and granulated sugar, reduce total sugar content, and choose sugar-free chocolate candies for a diabetic-friendly version.

Ways to Present Christmas M&M Cookies

  • Holiday Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a festive red and green platter, sprinkled with extra holiday M&Ms for a colorful display that screams Christmas cheer.
  • Cozy Milk Pairing: Serve warm cookies alongside cold glasses of milk, perfect for dunking and creating a nostalgic winter treat that brings families together.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, making adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
  • Santa's Favorite Moment: Place cookies on a special holiday plate near the Christmas tree for a magical touch that kids will absolutely love during gift-opening time.

Storing Holiday M&M Cookies for Sharing

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them cool and sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Stack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious treats.
  • Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place paper towel inside container to absorb moisture and prevent staleness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of M&Ms for this recipe?

Yes, you can use holiday-themed M&Ms or classic colors to match your preference or seasonal theme.

  • How can I make the cookies look more festive?

Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball before baking to create a colorful, decorative surface.

  • Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work as a substitute if needed, though the cookies might be slightly less rich.

  • Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Christmas M&M Cookies, Holiday Joys

  • Decorate with Holiday Cheer: Brighten up your celebration with colorful M&Ms that instantly add a festive touch to classic chocolate chip cookies.
  • Bake with Minimal Effort: Whip up these cookies quickly using simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that even beginner bakers can master.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun baking activity where they can help mix, add M&Ms, and create delicious memories together.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a sweet, colorful dessert.

What’s in Christmas M&M Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps create a crisp exterior and adds sweetness.
  • 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 main structure of the cookie that provides substance and texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Christmas M&Ms, Chocolate Chips: Colorful chocolate candies that add festive cheer and bursts of chocolatey sweetness to the cookies.

Baking Christmas M&M Cookies at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up The Butter Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until they become light and fluffy.

The mixture should look creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add Liquid Goodness

Drop in the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each egg.

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Create The Dry Base

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

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Sprinkle In The Festive Crunch

Gently fold in:
  • Christmas-colored M&Ms
  • Chocolate chips

Mix these goodies throughout the dough so every bite will be a delightful surprise.

Step 6: Shape The Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

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

Look for golden edges as your signal that they’re ready.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your festive treat!

Tips for Festive M&M Cookies

  • Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavors and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Choose holiday-themed M&Ms in red and green for a festive Christmas look and additional color pop.
  • Watch cookies closely and remove when edges turn golden to maintain soft, chewy center.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version or use gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly cookies.
  • Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
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Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe

Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Festive Christmas M&M Cookies sparkle with holiday cheer, blending sweet chocolate chips and colorful candy pieces. Warm from the oven, these treats invite friends and family to enjoy delightful seasonal moments together.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 14 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 12 cup granulated sugar

Add-ins and Flavoring:

  • 1 cup red and green Christmas M&Ms
  • 12 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 12 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and arrange parchment paper on baking trays for optimal cookie preparation.
  2. Blend butter with brown and white sugars using an electric mixer until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition, then integrate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Gradually merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Gently fold colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
  7. Portion dough onto prepared trays, leaving sufficient space between each cookie to allow spreading during baking.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a cooling rack to complete the setting process.
  10. Serve and relish these festive, chocolate-studded treats perfect for holiday celebrations.

Notes

  • Soften butter completely at room temperature for smoother, creamier cookie dough that blends effortlessly.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Reserve some M&Ms to press onto cookie tops right after baking for a more colorful, festive presentation that looks professionally decorated.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend as an easy substitution to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 85 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: 20 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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