“`html
There is something irresistibly joyful about the M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe that instantly brings on warm holiday vibes with every bite. These festive cookies are a perfect blend of buttery, soft dough studded with colorful M&M’s and luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt just right. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy night in front of the fire, this recipe promises fun, simple ingredients, and an explosion of festive flavor that is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in baking, and this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe uses a handful of pantry staples that work together beautifully to create the perfect cookie texture and flavor. Every component plays a role in crafting these sweet little bundles of holiday cheer.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for that creamy, tender cookie base that melts in your mouth.
- Light brown sugar: Packed for extra moisture and a rich caramel flavor that deepens the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of crispness to balance the soft texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic touch that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The structure provider, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
- Baking soda: For gentle leavening to keep the cookies soft and puffy.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient, making the sweetness pop.
- M&M’s: The star attraction, bringing bursts of color and chocolatey crunch throughout.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet bits for indulgent melty pockets inside each cookie.
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your dough is shaped. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir them together well—this simple mix is the foundation that balances and lifts the dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter with the light brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect chewy texture. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and integrated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, gently beating until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Carefully fold in the vibrant M&M’s and the semi-sweet chocolate chips, being mindful not to break the candies to keep their festive look intact.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to form approximately 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Arrange them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, fitting about 6 to 8 cookies per sheet. Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each cookie dough ball for that extra pop of holiday color and charm.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to just begin browning. It’s important not to overbake—the centers may look a little soft, but they’ll continue setting as they cool. Let the cookies sit on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the holiday spirit, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate on top once the cookies are cooled. You can also press a few extra festive red and green M&M’s or edible glitter to catch the eye and make them sparkle on your dessert table.
Side Dishes
These colorful M&M Christmas cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like classic eggnog, rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or a spiced chai latte. Their buttery richness balances out the warmth and spices of these beverages perfectly, making for delightful holiday treats.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange your M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe cookies in decorative tins lined with festive tissue paper, or stack them tied with a green and red ribbon for an instant holiday charm. Cookie platters paired with fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries add a beautiful and natural seasonal vibe to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked M&M Christmas cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they’ll stay soft and tasty for up to a week—perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To warm up leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a low oven at 300°F for about 3 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&M’s with another candy?
Absolutely! While the classic M&M’s are the festive charm of this recipe, you can swap them for holiday-themed chocolate candies, Reese’s Pieces, or even chopped peppermint bark to customize the flavor and color to your liking.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Don’t worry if you’re out of semi-sweet chocolate chips—milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work perfectly as substitutes. Just choose whichever you prefer for your flavor profile.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, you can transform this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe into a gluten-free treat without sacrificing texture or taste.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is optional here since the dough is firm enough to hold shape, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft, chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain a nice shape during baking.
How do I prevent the M&M’s from cracking during mixing?
Fold the M&M’s in gently and avoid overmixing once they’re added. This keeps the candies intact and maintains that wonderful colorful look throughout the cookies.
Final Thoughts
This M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe is a joyous way to celebrate the season with a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and that festive pop of color make it a cookie recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Bake a batch and share the happiness with your loved ones—you’ll quickly see why these cookies have become a holiday classic in so many homes.
“`
Print
M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16-18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive M&M Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candy for a delightful holiday treat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies combine a buttery cookie base with pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy M&M’s for a joyful bite every time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup M&M’s (plus a little more for the tops)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even leavening and seasoning throughout your cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Candies: Gently fold in the M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips, taking care not to break the candies to maintain festive appearance and texture.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure, scoop out about 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced a few inches apart. Optionally, roll the dough into smooth balls with your hands for even edges.
- Add Extra M&M’s: Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each dough ball for a colorful, festive look.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to lightly brown. The centers may look slightly undercooked but will set during cooling.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without becoming dry.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Softened butter is key for creaming with sugars properly.
- Using parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving to avoid breaking.
- For crispier cookies, bake an extra 1-2 minutes but watch closely.
