Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe

There's nothing more festive than a batch of colorful Christmas M&M Cookies during the holiday season. These cookies are soft, buttery, and loaded with bright red and green M&Ms, making them a cheerful addition to your dessert table.

I first made these cookies during a holiday baking marathon with my family. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor quickly made them a favorite tradition we return to every year. Let's dive into what makes these cookies a must-bake for Christmas!

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to make your holidays sweeter with these delightful cookies. Here's why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. No need for complicated steps or fancy equipment; just a few simple ingredients and you’re ready to go. Perfect for beginners or a fun family activity with the kids.

These cookies are irresistibly festive. The vibrant red and green M&Ms make them visually stunning, ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts.

Not only are they pretty, but they’re also deliciously soft and chewy. The buttery cookie dough paired with the crunch of the candy-coated M&Ms creates a texture that’s hard to resist.

Lastly, they’re versatile. Swap out the M&Ms for other seasonal colors, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even mix in white chocolate chips for an extra touch of decadence.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour is the base of the dough. Make sure to measure it correctly – too much flour can lead to dense cookies, while too little will make them spread too much.

Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Avoid melting the butter, as it can alter the texture of the cookies.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the ideal sweetness and chewiness. The molasses in the brown sugar adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Don’t skip it, as it gives that cozy, homemade taste.

Christmas M&Ms are the star of the show. Their vibrant colors add a festive touch, while their candy shells provide a delightful crunch.

You’ll also need baking soda for leavening and salt to balance the sweetness.

No special equipment is required, just a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and a baking sheet.

How To Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Making these cookies is as fun as eating them! Follow these simple steps for festive perfection.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft and chewy texture, so take your time to beat it well.

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The eggs add moisture and structure, while the vanilla infuses a warm, cozy flavor.

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. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, reserving a few to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This ensures a colorful, festive appearance.

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for that bakery-style look.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Options

Keep these cookies fresh and festive with proper storage.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

If you prefer, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough instead. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.

Swap the Christmas M&Ms for other seasonal colors to fit any occasion, like pastel shades for Easter or red, white, and blue for the 4th of July.

For a more indulgent treat, mix in white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the M&Ms.

If you’re looking to add a salty twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven.

Experiment with mix-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of these fun variations, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer! Happy baking!

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