There’s something magical about biting into a warm, chewy Christmas M&M cookie on a frosty December evening. These festive treats, studded with red and green M&Ms, are the perfect blend of soft, buttery cookie dough and the satisfying crunch of chocolate candies.

The first time I made these cookies was during a holiday cookie swap with friends. Not only were they a hit, but they quickly became a family tradition, brightening up our holiday dessert table year after year. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite holiday treat! These Christmas M&M cookies are packed with holiday cheer and flavor.

First, they’re irresistibly soft and chewy. The cookie dough base is made with just the right balance of butter and sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Next, they’re incredibly festive. With vibrant red and green M&Ms scattered throughout, these cookies look as good as they taste – perfect for holiday parties, gift baskets, or even Santa’s plate!

Quick and easy to make, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy December afternoon.

Finally, kids love them! This is a great recipe to make with little helpers – they’ll love mixing the dough and pressing in extra M&Ms for decoration.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Christmas M&M cookies lies in their simple yet festive ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them shine.

All-purpose flour forms the backbone of the dough, giving the cookies structure while keeping them soft and tender. Be sure to measure it carefully to avoid dry cookies.

Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and keeps the cookies moist. Use softened butter for the best consistency when creaming it with sugar.

Granulated sugar and light brown sugar work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar also adds a subtle hint of molasses for depth.

Christmas M&Ms are the star of the show! Their bright colors bring a festive touch, and the chocolate centers add an irresistible crunch. Feel free to use mini M&Ms for even more chocolate in every bite.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while baking soda ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.

Optional: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and highlight the flavors.

Special equipment: A stand or hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, and a cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies.

How To Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Creating these holiday cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect batch.

Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheets. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture.
Add the wet ingredients. Mix in 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Incorporate the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the M&Ms. Gently stir in 1 cup of Christmas M&Ms, reserving a handful to press on top of the cookies before baking.
Scoop and shape the cookies. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake to perfection. Press a few extra M&Ms onto each cookie for decoration, then bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This ensures they stay soft and chewy.
Cool and enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later!

Storage Options

These cookies are perfect for baking ahead and enjoying throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain their softness.
Freezing baked cookies: Once completely cooled, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing cookie dough: Portion out the dough and freeze the unbaked cookie balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are wonderfully versatile! Here are some ways to make them your own:

Add white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the M&Ms.
Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor.
Try different M&Ms. Use mini M&Ms, peanut butter M&Ms, or even mix in holiday sprinkles for extra flair.
Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Use festive shapes by flattening the dough and cutting it with cookie cutters before adding the M&Ms.

Feel free to experiment and create your own holiday masterpiece!

These Christmas M&M cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party, making edible gifts, or creating memories with loved ones, these cookies are a surefire way to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy!