Name: Christmas M&m Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups Christmas M&Ms

There's something magical about baking Christmas M&M cookies during the holidays. These festive treats are filled with bursts of red and green M&M candies, buttery goodness, and a soft, chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa or enjoying them with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, they’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer.

I first discovered this recipe while preparing for a last-minute cookie swap. With a few pantry staples and a bag of holiday M&Ms, I whipped up a batch that disappeared faster than the Christmas lights on New Year's Day. Now, they're a tradition in my home, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s as festive as it is delicious. These Christmas M&M cookies are the ultimate holiday treat for so many reasons.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques or equipment are required, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, fresh cookies ready to enjoy.

These cookies are also endlessly festive. The red and green M&Ms give them a cheerful holiday vibe, making them ideal for parties, gift-giving, or just spreading joy around your home.

Not to mention, their soft and chewy texture is downright irresistible. Each bite is a perfect balance of buttery dough, sweet chocolate, and a slight crunch from the candies.

Finally, they’re wonderfully versatile. Swap out the Christmas M&Ms for regular ones, or mix in other ingredients like white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for a fun twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Christmas M&M cookies lies in their simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect cookie texture and flavor.

Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter at room temperature. This ensures the dough is creamy and rich without being overly salty.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of these two sugars adds a perfect balance of sweetness and helps create that soft, chewy texture we love in cookies.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results. They help bind the dough and give the cookies structure.
All-Purpose Flour: Stick to all-purpose flour for this recipe. It provides just the right amount of strength to hold the cookies together without making them too dense.
Christmas M&Ms: These are the star of the show! Their bright colors and chocolatey crunch add festive flair and delicious flavor to every bite.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, giving the cookies a warm, comforting aroma.
Baking Soda and Salt: These are essential for proper leavening and balance in the cookies.

You’ll also need a mixing bowl, an electric mixer (hand or stand), and baking sheets lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

How To Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Baking these cookies is as fun as eating them! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of holiday joy in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures evenly baked cookies.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

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 on top of the cookies before baking. This makes them look extra festive!

Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press the reserved M&Ms onto the tops of the cookies for a pop of color.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underdone in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Dough: Prefer fresh-baked cookies? Freeze the dough instead! Scoop it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and flavors.

Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or chunks for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
Peppermint Twist: Stir in crushed peppermint candies or drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Year-Round Treats: Swap the Christmas M&Ms for regular ones or pastel colors for Easter, making this recipe adaptable for any occasion.

These Christmas M&M cookies are a holiday must-bake. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to snag one. Give them a try, and watch them disappear from your cookie tray faster than you can say "Merry Christmas"!