Name: Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup Christmas-colored M&M’s; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

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There's something magical about a batch of freshly baked Christmas M&M cookies filling the house with a warm, buttery aroma. The sight of those colorful candy shells peeking through golden cookie tops is enough to bring holiday cheer to anyone’s heart.

I first made these cookies during a festive family gathering, and they quickly became a tradition. Their soft, chewy centers and festive pops of red and green make them perfect for holiday cookie swaps or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the fire. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a must-bake this season.

Why You'll Love This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Get ready to meet your new holiday favorite. These Christmas M&M cookies are the perfect mix of nostalgia, festivity, and pure deliciousness.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and some festive M&M candies, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time. Even the kids can get involved, making it a fun family activity.

They’re also perfectly soft and chewy, thanks to the combination of brown sugar and butter in the dough. Each bite is a delightful mix of buttery richness and sweet, chocolatey goodness.

The festive look is another big draw. Red and green M&Ms turn a classic cookie into a holiday masterpiece, perfect for gifting or displaying at holiday parties.

Lastly, these cookies are wonderfully versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to include nuts, white chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes for a minty twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Christmas M&M cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect holiday treat.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown sugar is key for achieving that soft, chewy texture. The molasses in the sugar also adds a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.
Eggs bind the dough and add moisture, ensuring your cookies stay soft.
Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, giving the cookies a warm, comforting aroma.
Baking soda helps the cookies rise just enough, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Red and green M&Ms are the stars of the show, providing bursts of color and chocolate in every bite. Feel free to add extra for an even more festive look.

No special equipment is needed beyond a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

How To Make This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Creating these festive cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that soft, chewy texture.

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so mix gently.

Fold in the festive M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This extra touch ensures every cookie looks as good as it tastes.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few reserved M&Ms onto the tops of each cookie for a picture-perfect finish.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their softness.
Freezing baked cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Freezing cookie dough: Portion the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

To reheat, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore its fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

These Christmas M&M cookies are wonderfully adaptable to suit your preferences.

Swap the red and green M&Ms for pastel ones to make springtime cookies or use multicolored M&Ms for a birthday party theme.
Add white chocolate chips or chunks for an extra layer of sweetness and visual contrast.
Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a nutty crunch.
For a minty holiday twist, mix in crushed candy canes or use mint-flavored M&Ms.
Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

No matter how you customize them, these cookies are sure to spread holiday joy. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up some Christmas magic!