M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as colorful as it is delicious, then you’re in for a real gift with this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture packed with melty chocolate and the fun crunch of M&Ms. I absolutely love how these turn out every time – whether it’s for a holiday party, a casual cookie swap, or just a cozy night in by the fire, these are the cookies you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create those tender, flavor-packed bites. The combination of fresh brown sugar and granulated sugar gives a subtle caramel note and great moisture, while all-purpose flour ensures a sturdy yet soft crumb. I always make sure my M&Ms are fresh and vibrant – they add such a joyous pop of color and fun crunch every single time.

• All-purpose flour: Opt for spooned and leveled flour; too much can make cookies dry, so measure carefully or even weigh for best results.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents balance out to give the cookies just the right lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and helps balance the richness of the butter and sugar.
• Unsalted butter: I love using butter that’s softened but still slightly cool, which helps with blending but keeps the dough manageable.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunchiness to the cookie edges.
• Brown sugar: Always use fresh and soft brown sugar – it’s essential for that classic chewy, moist texture.
• Egg: Binds everything nicely and adds tenderness.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must for depth and warmth; never skip it!
• M&M’s (and chocolate chips optional): Use a mix if you like for varied bursts of chocolate and candy crunch.
• Holiday sprinkles: These are optional but I love how they add extra festive color and texture on top.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the occasion or mood. The beauty of this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to dial up the chocolate factor or add a little crunch, there’s a variation that will make this recipe wholly your own.

• Double Chocolate: I once swapped half the flour with cocoa powder and added extra chocolate chips – the richness was out of this world for chocoholics.
• Peanut Butter Version: Adding a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the dough makes these cookies wonderfully nutty, and the M&Ms pop even more.
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve had success with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends; just keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free mixes absorb liquids differently.
• Festive Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to upgrade the holiday feel.

How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step stops your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl – this ensures everything is evenly distributed and you won’t get any weird pockets of salt or soda later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab your mixer and beat the softened, yet cool, butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Watching the texture change here is so satisfying! Don’t rush it because this step traps air, which helps your cookies rise beautifully. Once creamed, add in the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides now and then so everything blends evenly.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Stir in M&Ms

Now, turn your mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture. Keep an eye on the dough—mix just until everything comes together; overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Once combined, gently fold in about 1 cup of your M&Ms (and chocolate chips if using). I like to save the rest to press them on top later so the cookies look extra festive and vibrant.

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies with Sprinkles

Scoop out dough balls between 1½ and 2½ tablespoons in size onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple inches between each for spreading. Here’s where the magic happens: gently press a few M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball, then roll the top into a shallow bowl of holiday sprinkles. This sprinkly crown gives the cookies that festive winter wonderland look that’s irresistible.

If you want thicker cookies, I recommend chilling the dough balls in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This extra step keeps them from spreading out too thin on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 8 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This creates that soft, chewy texture that everyone loves. When the cookies come out, gently reshape them while warm if you want perfectly round edges—I’ve found this little trick makes a huge difference for presentation.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a bit, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling. They firm up nicely as they cool and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect bite every time.

How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra holiday sprinkles or tiny edible glitter on the cookies just before serving for that extra sparkle, especially when gifting. It adds a festive pop without overpowering the cookie’s natural charm.

Side Dishes

Pair these M&M Christmas Cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a warm cup of mulled cider. They’re fantastic alongside simple vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert that feels special but is effortless.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love to serve these cookies on a festive tray lined with colorful parchment and mini pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks scattered around. Stack them up in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for instant cookie gifts that look homemade and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If they start to lose their softness, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives their chewy, fresh-baked texture.

Freezing

Freezing dough balls is my go-to for easy cookie baking on demand. I freeze the dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. This trick saves so much time around busy holidays.

Reheating

Leftover cookies warm up beautifully in a low oven or microwave; I prefer wrapping them in foil and warming at 300°F for 5 minutes—it brings back that just-baked softness without drying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe is hands down one of my favorite holiday traditions because it brings smiles and joyous moments every time—whether I’m baking with my kids or sharing with friends. The balance of sweet, chocolatey, and festive just can’t be beat. I truly hope you give this a try and make these cookies your go-to for any special occasion or simple cozy night in. Happy baking and merry snacking!

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