M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive M&M Christmas Cookies. Packed with colorful red and green candies and rich chocolate chips, they’re perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup red and green M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter and continue mixing for 1 to 1½ minutes until well combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined — avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s gently.
7. Step 7: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the sheet, keeping minimal space so they don’t touch.
9. Step 9: Freeze the cookie dough balls in a flat container or sheet for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
10. Step 10: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
11. Step 11: Arrange frozen dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets and bake for 16–18 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers set.
12. Step 12: Remove cookies from oven and gently press 6–8 extra M&M’s onto the top of each warm cookie.
13. Step 13: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer cookie, slightly underbake by a minute or two and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
• Try substituting peanut M&M’s for a nutty twist, or use mini M&M’s for smaller, bite-sized cookies.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the flavor.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Semi-sweet offers a balanced sweetness that complements the M&M’s well.

Why do I need to freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Freezing the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies spread less during baking. It also improves texture and flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.

M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These festive M&M Christmas Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful red and green M&Ms along with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies feature a buttery vanilla-scented dough that freezes before baking to ensure perfect shape and texture.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

Add-ins

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup red and green M&M’s (plus additional for topping)

---

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda until evenly combined. Set this bowl aside for later use.
2. Cream Butter: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Sugars: Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the creamed butter, continuing to mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Vanilla and Egg: Pour in the vanilla extract and add the egg, mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until the flour is incorporated, being careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red and green M&Ms into the dough ensuring an even distribution.
7. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
8. Scoop Dough: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared sheet. Place the dough balls close together but not touching, keeping minimal space between them.
9. Freeze Dough Balls: Place the cookie dough balls in the freezer on a flat surface, uncovered, and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
10. Preheat Oven and Arrange Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the frozen dough balls and transfer them onto two other parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
11. Bake Cookies: Bake the frozen cookie dough balls for 16-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
12. Add Extra M&Ms: Right after baking, carefully press 6-8 additional M&Ms onto the top of each warm cookie to enhance their festive look.
13. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Freezing the cookie dough balls before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents spreading too much.
• Using room temperature egg ensures better mixing and a tender texture.
• You can substitute red and green M&Ms with any holiday-themed candy colors to customize the cookies.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a richer flavor, you can use browned butter instead of regular softened butter.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: M&M Christmas Cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, chocolate chip cookies, holiday baking, Christmas treats