If you’re searching for the quintessential holiday confection that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite, look no further than these irresistible Christmas M&M Cookies! Imagine soft, golden-baked cookies, exquisitely buttery, and generously studded with festive red and green M&M candies. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, a burst of sweet chocolate, and an undeniable wave of holiday cheer. These delightful treats are more than just a dessert; they’re a tradition in the making, perfect for sharing at bustling cookie exchanges, thoughtfully wrapping as homemade gifts, or simply enjoying during cozy evenings curled up by the fireplace. This recipe is designed to be your ultimate holiday baking companion, guaranteed to be so simple to whip up, endlessly fun to decorate with children, and so utterly delicious that one batch of these vibrant holiday M&M cookies will never quite be enough!
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with cherished gatherings, heartwarming laughter, and, of course, a delightful indulgence in sweet, comforting treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia. There’s nothing quite like the enchanting aroma of a warm batch of freshly baked cookies straight from the oven to truly encapsulate the essence of holiday magic. Our special Christmas M&M cookie recipe brings this very magic to life, combining the classic comfort of a chewy chocolate chip cookie with the playful spirit of festive candies. These cookies boast perfectly golden, slightly crispy edges that give way to a soft, tender center—a texture that everyone adores. Building on the beloved foundation of our original M&M cookie recipe, this holiday version is infused with an extra dose of yuletide joy, making it an instant classic for your seasonal celebrations.
These wonderfully chewy cookies achieve an exquisite balance of rich sweetness and satisfying texture, making them an unparalleled choice for any holiday occasion. They are exceptionally well-suited for thoughtful gifting to friends and family, an absolute standout at any cookie exchange event, and utterly perfect for serving at festive holiday get-togethers. The vibrant red and green M&M candies are nestled invitingly within the golden dough, promising an instant burst of joy and flavor with every single bite. Visually, these cookies are a feast for the eyes, looking just as spectacular arranged on an elegant dessert tray as they do charmingly packed into a decorative holiday tin. Truly, these perfect cookies are an indispensable bake for your Christmas celebrations, destined to be remembered long after the last crumb is savored!
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Why We Love These Festive M&M Cookies
These Christmas M&M cookies aren’t just a recipe; they’re a cherished tradition that brings warmth and happiness to our home every holiday season. Here’s why they’ve earned a permanent spot in our hearts and on our holiday dessert table:
- A Beloved Part of Our Annual Holiday Baking Tradition: Baking these delightful Christmas M&M cookies is more than just preparing a dessert; it’s an experience that fills our kitchen with joyous laughter, the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats, and creates lasting family memories. We particularly adore using the vibrant red and green candies, which instantly infuse a cheerful, festive spirit into every batch. And when we’re feeling extra playful, we also love creating adorable Nutter Butter snowman cookies! These cookies truly embody the magic of the holidays.
- Remarkably Simple Ingredients, Consistently Perfect Results: This Christmas M&M cookie recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet the outcome is anything but basic. Using just a few pantry staples, you can consistently achieve cookies with beautifully soft, chewy centers and distinctively golden, crisp edges. They’re baked to perfection every time, making them ideal for generously sharing with loved ones or, let’s be honest, secretly keeping all to yourself for a well-deserved treat! Their foolproof nature makes them a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels.
- Infuse Every Cookie Tray with Dazzling Color and Cheer: If you’re compiling a thoughtful tin of goodies for your cherished neighbors, hosting a lively cookie swap with friends, or simply desiring a fun, eye-catching, and seasonal snack, these M&M Christmas cookies are an absolute triumph. Their bright, cheerful colors instantly elevate any dessert spread, making them incredibly inviting and usually the very first treats to vanish from the plate. They’re a visual delight that truly captures the festive spirit.
Can’t get enough of delicious cookies? Be sure to explore some of our other fantastic recipes! Try our refreshing mint M&Ms cookies for a cool twist, our classic chewy chocolate chip cookies, the charming spring sugar cookies with pastel M&Ms, and of course, our foundational original M&M cookies. For a bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect year-round, don’t miss these delightful raspberry lemon cookies.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Christmas M&M cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can make smart substitutions if necessary:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structure of your cookie dough, providing the necessary body and chewiness. For those with dietary restrictions, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can be used as a substitute, though be aware that the final texture might vary slightly. Avoid overmixing the flour once added, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Salt: Far from being just a seasoning, salt is crucial for enhancing all the sweet flavors in the cookies and providing a vital balance to the sugars. It prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet and brings out the depth of the other ingredients.
- Baking Soda: This acts as the primary leavening agent, which helps your cookies to rise beautifully and spread just enough to achieve those coveted slightly crisp edges and chewy centers during baking. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Butter is key for adding rich, decadent flavor and essential moisture to the cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you precise control over the overall salt content in your recipe. If salted butter is all you have on hand, simply reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by half to maintain flavor balance. Softened butter is critical for proper creaming with the sugars.
- Brown Sugar (Packed): Brown sugar is a game-changer for that signature chewy texture and imparts a delightful, subtle molasses flavor. For an even deeper, more complex taste, you can opt for dark brown sugar. Always make sure to pack it tightly when measuring.
- Granulated Sugar: This sugar contributes to the cookies’ pleasant spread and helps create those wonderfully crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the chewy interior. It works in harmony with brown sugar, balancing moisture and structure, so it’s best not to substitute it.
- Eggs: Eggs serve multiple critical functions: they bind the dough together, add richness, and contribute significantly to the chewy interior of your cookies. Large eggs are generally ideal for most baking recipes. If you find yourself out of eggs, a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed/chia + 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes) can work as an emergency substitute, though be mindful that the texture might be slightly different.
- Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is essential for rounding out the overall flavor profile and adding a comforting warmth to your cookies. For a delightful flavor twist, you could substitute with almond extract, but use only half the amount as it is considerably more potent.
- Christmas M&Ms: These vibrant candies are truly the star of the show, bringing both festive color and a delightful chocolatey crunch. While red and green holiday M&Ms offer the classic look, feel free to experiment with other variations like mint M&Ms for a cool flavor, peanut M&Ms for added crunch, or even chopped peppermint bark for an extra festive touch.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Christmas M&M cookies! Here are some exciting ways to customize your batch and make them uniquely yours:
- For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, incorporate an additional 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the dough.
- Swap out some or all of the M&Ms with crushed candy canes, chocolate-covered pretzels, or other delightful festive holiday candies for different flavors and textures.
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that subtly enhances the sweetness without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- For an extra special, elegant treat, dip half of the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and allow them to set.
- Drizzle melted dark, milk, or white chocolate over the finished dessert for a beautiful, decorative and festive look.
- Introduce a playful touch by using food color gel to tint the cookie dough green, red, or even a snowy white before adding the M&Ms for a truly fun and festive presentation.
Kitchen Tools for Perfect Cookies
Having the right tools makes holiday baking a breeze. Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need for these M&M Christmas cookies:
- Baking Sheets: Rimmed baking sheets are indispensable for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and contain any potential spread.
- Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): A mixer is crucial for properly creaming butter and sugars, ensuring a light and fluffy base for your dough. Either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a powerful handheld mixer will work perfectly.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. A Silpat baking mat is another excellent reusable option.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing your cookies to cool properly, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring crisp edges.
How to Bake Irresistible Christmas M&M Cookies
Get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen with these easy-to-follow steps:
- Baking Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F (190º C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for immediate baking once the dough is ready, preventing flat cookies. Next, prepare your baking sheets: either lightly grease them, line them with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup, or use a non-stick Silpat baking mat.
- Craft the Perfect Cookie Dough: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this bowl aside. In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer (either stand or hand-held), cream together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars (brown and granulated) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula periodically to ensure everything is well combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of Christmas M&M candies by hand with a spoon. This gentle mixing technique helps prevent the candies from cracking or their colors from bleeding into the dough. Note: If you incorporate all the M&M candies into the dough before baking, they might crack and melt slightly during the baking process. Reserving half for after baking ensures intact, vibrant M&Ms on top of your cookies, making them look even more appealing.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon, drop uniform balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Ensure you leave adequate space between each dough ball (about 2 inches) to allow for proper spreading during baking. This helps prevent them from merging into one giant cookie.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, ideally on the middle rack. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are beautifully golden brown and the centers appear just set but still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- The Finishing Touch and Cooling: Once baked, carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately and gently press the remaining reserved cup of Christmas M&M candies onto the tops of the warm cookies. This ensures the M&Ms adhere beautifully and remain perfectly intact, adding a stunning pop of color. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly before moving. Serve and enjoy!
🎯 Pro Baker’s Tip
To ensure your M&Ms maintain their vibrant colors and perfect shape, it’s crucial to fold them into the cookie dough by hand using a spoon. This gentle approach prevents excessive breakage and color bleeding, keeping your cookies looking bright and festive! Additionally, remember that these delicious Christmas M&M cookies will continue to cook slightly from residual heat even after they’ve been removed from the oven. For that ideal soft and chewy texture, always take them out when they appear still slightly under-baked in the very center.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas M&M cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of festive occasions. For a simple yet utterly satisfying treat, enjoy them with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of rich hot cocoa, or even a comforting cup of freshly brewed coffee. Their sweet and chewy texture pairs beautifully with these classic beverages.
If you’re aiming to create a truly show-stopping dessert spread for your holiday party, arrange these vibrant Christmas cookies alongside other beloved holiday favorites. Imagine a platter featuring delicate sugar cookies intricately shaped like snowflakes, charming gingerbread houses, or elegant shortbread stars. Combining them with these other treats will create a magnificent display, making your dessert table a true feast fit for Santa Claus and all his helpers!
Craving more incredibly easy and festive holiday recipes? You absolutely won’t want to miss our comforting gingerbread bundt cake and our irresistible Chex Christmas Mix. Both are bursting with festive flavors and are wonderfully simple to prepare, making them perfect additions to your holiday menu!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cookies
To prevent M&M candies from cracking and their vibrant colors from bleeding during baking, the best approach is to incorporate about half of them into the cookie dough after it has been fully mixed. Once the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, gently press the remaining M&Ms onto the tops of each cookie. This ensures a beautiful, intact appearance and maintains their distinct colors, making your cookies look extra festive.
Several factors can contribute to flat cookies. One common reason is that the cookie dough is too soft or warm. This can happen if your butter was too melted when you started, or if the dough wasn’t chilled adequately. Try adding a little more flour (one tablespoon at a time) to the dough or chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. Using a cookie scoop can also help ensure uniform size and thickness, promoting even baking. Another culprit might be an oven that’s too hot, causing the butter to melt too quickly and the cookies to spread excessively before they have a chance to set. Always use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy and be sure not to overbake them, as this can also contribute to a flatter cookie once cooled.
Cookies often become hard after cooling if they have been over-baked. For a perfectly soft and chewy texture, it’s essential to remove them from the oven when their edges are just golden brown and their centers still appear slightly soft and set. They will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat of the baking sheet as they cool. Overbaking removes too much moisture, leading to a harder, crispier cookie. Proper storage in an airtight container can also help maintain their freshness and softness.
Absolutely! These delicious homemade Christmas M&M treats are easy to store. For short-term freshness, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, you can freeze them. Place individual cookies on a sheet of plastic wrap and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw the frozen cookies overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Yes, you can definitely prepare the cookie dough ahead of time! Once you’ve mixed the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Chilling the dough can actually enhance the flavors and often results in chewier cookies. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes until it’s pliable enough to scoop, then proceed with the baking instructions as usual.
More Festive Christmas Recipes To Love…
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie
- Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
- Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
- Cranberry Salad with Jello
If you tried this delightful M&M Christmas cookie recipe or any other recipe on my website, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting!
Classic Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
By Renae Gerhardstein
Bake a festive batch of our Classic Christmas M&M Cookies—soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful candy! A true holiday favorite perfect for sharing and gifting.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 260 per cookie
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Christmas M&Ms, divided (reserve 1 cup for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375º F (190º C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, a Silpat baking sheet, or by lightly greasing them with cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set this bowl aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and both sugars together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Turn the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix. Gently stir in 1 cup of Christmas M&Ms by hand with a spoon. (See notes below for why we divide the M&Ms).
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a small cookie scoop) onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake cookies on the middle rack of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set but still slightly soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently press the remaining 1 cup of M&Ms into the tops of the cookies for a vibrant finish. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Video
Notes
- When incorporating M&Ms into the cookie dough, gently fold them in by hand with a spoon. This technique helps prevent the candies from cracking and their colors from blending, ensuring your cookies look bright and festive!
- For the perfect soft and chewy texture, remember that these cookies will continue to bake slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven. Aim to take them out when the centers still look slightly under-baked.
- Recipe Variations:
- Add an additional 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Replace M&Ms with crushed candy canes or other festive holiday candies for a different flavor profile.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- For an extra special treat, dip cooled cookies in melted white chocolate.
- Storing Instructions:
- These homemade Christmas M&M cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their freshness.
- For longer storage, individually wrap cooled cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg