The holidays are all about embracing the spirit of togetherness, creating cherished memories, and indulging in the sweet treats that make this time of year so special. And what better way to spread the Christmas cheer than with a batch of irresistible, homemade Christmas M&M cookies? These colorful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not only a delight to the senses but also a breeze to prepare, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Picture this: you step into your cozy kitchen, the aroma of warm, buttery cookies wafting through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. As you pull the tray from the oven, the molten chocolate chips ooze temptingly, and the vibrant, festive M&Ms sparkle like little jewels. It’s a scene straight out of a holiday magazine, and you get to be the star of the show. So, let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is destined to become a new Christmas classic in your household.
❄️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
What sets this Christmas M&M cookies recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, buttery dough serves as the canvas for the shimmering, jewel-toned M&Ms, which lend a delightful crunch and burst of festive flavor with every bite. The chocolate chips add a decadent, melty element that perfectly complements the chewy cookie base. And the best part? These cookies come together with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday season and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to wow. The vibrant colors and irresistible taste will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a truly crowd-pleasing choice.
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165g) brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups (255g) festive Christmas M&Ms
The key ingredients that truly make these cookies shine are the all-purpose flour and the Christmas-themed M&Ms. The flour provides the structure and chewiness, while the vibrant, holiday-inspired M&Ms add a delightful crunch and festive flair. When it comes to the chocolate chips, semi-sweet is the way to go, as the rich, bittersweet notes balance perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies. And don’t forget the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract, which enhance the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delicious Christmas M&M cookies!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 24 servings.
• Protein: 2.2 g
• Sodium: 143 mg
• Carbohydrates: 27.3 g
• Fat: 9.6 g
• Fiber: 1.1 g
🌟 How to Customize This Recipe ?
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with a vegan, plant-based alternative (such as coconut oil or vegan butter) and the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• To Add a Festive Twist: Swap out the standard M&Ms for holiday-themed varieties like peppermint, white chocolate, or caramel-filled M&Ms for an extra burst of seasonal flavor.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
• Garnish Suggestions: For an extra touch of Christmas cheer, sprinkle the cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or crushed candy canes.
• Beverage Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a rich, creamy cup of coffee or a glass of your favorite holiday-spiced tea.
🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues
• Mistake 2 – Using Chilled Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure all your ingredients (butter, egg, etc.) are at room temperature before starting the recipe. Cold ingredients can prevent proper emulsion and lead to a dense, cakey cookie.
• Mistake 3 – Overmixing the Dough: Be gentle when incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough, chewy cookie instead of a soft, tender one.
💭 Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
• Freezing: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat the baked cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges.
❓ FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips or candy in these cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. You can also swap out the M&Ms for other festive candies like crushed candy canes, chopped Andes mints, or even crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist.
How can I achieve the perfect chewy texture?
The key to getting those soft, chewy cookies is to not overbake them. Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking and remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Additionally, be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can develop too much gluten and result in a tough, cakey texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas M&M cookie dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to bake, you can take the frozen dough straight from the freezer and bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This makes for a quick and easy cookie fix whenever the holiday craving strikes.
How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
This recipe is highly adaptable to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. To make the cookies vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter, and the egg with a flax or chia egg. You can also experiment with dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan-friendly M&Ms for a completely plant-based treat.
Can I add extra mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Christmas M&M cookies. In addition to the chocolate chips and festive M&Ms, you can fold in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed candy canes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra burst of holiday flavor. Just be mindful not to overstuff the dough, as too many add-ins can affect the overall texture of the cookies.
🎄 Wrapping It Up
As the snow gently falls outside and the warm glow of the Christmas tree casts a cozy spell over your home, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas M&M cookies to transport you straight into the heart of the holiday season. These vibrant, chewy treats are sure to become a new family favorite, delighting both young and old with their irresistible flavors and festive flair.
So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a delicious journey of Christmas cookie bliss. With this simple, foolproof recipe, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch of these festive delights, filling your home with the magic of the holidays and bringing smiles to the faces of all who indulge. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!
Simple, Quick Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delicious Christmas M&M cookies!
