M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that screams holiday cheer with every bite, you’ve come to the right place. This M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe is an absolute favorite of mine—soft, chewy, colorful, and packed with festive M&Ms and sprinkles that just make you smile. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple at your holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, joyful treat. Let’s dive in and bake up some magic together!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe works in harmony to deliver that classic cookie experience with a holiday twist. I always suggest using fresh brown sugar for that deep caramel flavor and soft butter for the best texture.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure while keeping things tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, cakey texture.
• Baking soda: Adds a slight lift and helps with browning — don’t skip it!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened but still cool butter — it creams well and gives the cookies a rich taste.
• Granulated sugar: For that quick sweetness and crunch.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that toffee-like depth; make sure it’s fresh and soft.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes a huge flavor difference — don’t settle for imitation!
• M&M’s and chocolate chips: The stars of the show — mix them in for bursts of melty chocolate and colorful fun.
• Holiday sprinkles: For that festive sparkle and extra crunch on top.

Variations

One of the joys of this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played around with different chocolates and mix-ins to suit various tastes and dietary needs, and it’s always a win.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I once swapped the butter for a plant-based alternative and used dairy-free chocolate chips — the cookies still came out soft and festive.
• Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough and use dark chocolate M&Ms for a rich, chocolaty holiday treat.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a cozy nutty note.
• Sprinkles Swap: You can change sprinkles to match different holidays or celebrations – think pastel for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.

How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly. While that heats up, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. I like to do this first so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 1 to 2 minutes. This part is key because it incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s beautiful soft texture. Make sure you scrape the bowl sides so everything blends evenly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract until well combined. This is where the cookie dough starts to come alive with rich flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add M&Ms

Slowly add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined—you don’t want to overmix and end up with tough cookies. Then gently fold in about one generous cup of M&Ms and chocolate chips. Save the rest for pressing on top before baking so you get those pretty pops of color on every cookie.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate the Cookies

Scoop cookie dough balls using 1½ to 2½ tablespoons of dough—this range lets you decide the size you want. I prefer cookies that are on the chunkier side, so I go closer to 2½ tablespoons. Press a few M&Ms on top of each ball, then dip the tops into holiday sprinkles for that extra festive finish. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Space the dough balls about 1 to 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet so they have room to spread. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes—you’re looking for cookies with set edges but a slightly soft center. I always remind myself: underbake just a bit for that soft, chewy magic! Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack where they finish firming up.

How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish these cookies simply with a few extra festive sprinkles right out of the oven. It adds a pretty sparkle that’s perfect for holiday parties. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a snowy, magical touch that everyone compliments.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. For a more adult gathering, try serving with flavored coffee, mulled wine, or spiced cider to complement the sweet chocolate and buttery cookie.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday cookie swaps or gifts, I love arranging these M&M Christmas Cookies in clear cello bags tied with red and green ribbons. You can also stack them on a festive plate with wax paper between layers or build a colorful cookie platter decorated with pine sprigs and mini ornaments for that extra holiday wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week, although they rarely last that long in my house! Adding a slice of bread to the container keeps them extra moist—trust me on this one.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the cookie dough balls and fully baked cookies with great success. For dough, scoop and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy perfection without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe brings so much joy to the kitchen and beyond. There’s something magical about mixing those bright candies into soft, buttery dough, watching them melt just a touch, and sharing warm cookies with people you care about. Whenever I bake these, I’m reminded that food truly is love—and in this case, sprinkled with a little holiday cheer! I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every festive, colorful bite.

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