Introduction:
Add a festive touch to your holiday baking with these Christmas M&M Cookies! Chewy and delicious, these cookies are studded with colorful M&M candies, making them a delightful treat for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying with family. The perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Festive and Fun: Bright, colorful M&Ms make these cookies perfect for the holidays.
- Chewy and Delicious: Soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Great for Gift-Giving: Perfect for packing into tins or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups M&M candies (Christmas colors)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
I. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
II. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
III. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
IV. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
V. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
VI. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips (if using).
VII. Shape the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for added color.
VIII. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
IX. Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and a better cookie texture.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
Recipe Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the tops of the cookies before baking for an extra holiday touch.
- Flavor Twist: Substitute some of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Pack them into holiday tins or gift boxes for a homemade gift that’s sure to please.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Special Equipment:
- Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cookie removal and cleanup.
FAQ:
- Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas ones?
Yes, you can use any color M&Ms. Christmas M&Ms just add a festive touch. - Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ tsp. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for preparing the dough.
Cook Time:
- 10-12 minutes for baking the cookies.
Total Time:
- 25-30 minutes (including prep and baking time).
Nutrition Information (per cookie, assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Christmas M&M Cookies
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups M&M candies (Christmas colors)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
I. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
II. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
III. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
IV. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
V. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
VI. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips (if using).
VII. Shape the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for added color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 7g
Closing Notes:
Have you made these Christmas M&M Cookies? Share your baking experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your festive creations and check back for more delightful recipes.
