M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies are bright, cheerful treats filled with colorful candy-coated chocolates that instantly bring holiday vibes. These soft, buttery cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and a…
Tip: save now, cook later.M&M Christmas Cookies are bright, cheerful treats filled with colorful candy-coated chocolates that instantly bring holiday vibes. These soft, buttery cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and a little crunch from the M&Ms, making them perfect for festive snacking or sharing with friends and family.
I love making these cookies with kids because the M&Ms make the whole baking process feel extra fun and playful. It’s a joy watching their eyes light up as they press the colorful candies into the dough and then eagerly wait for the cookies to come out of the oven. Plus, these cookies are super easy to whip up, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk or even packed into little tins as sweet gifts. They always bring a smile wherever they go, and honestly, it’s impossible to stop at just one. These cookies really help make the season feel a little cozier and a lot more festive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control saltiness in the cookie. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute but expect a slight texture change.
M&Ms: Classic Christmas colors add to the fun. You can swap for other candy-coated chocolates or even chocolate chips if you can’t find seasonal M&Ms.
Food coloring: Red and green food coloring gives a festive look. Gel food coloring works best—it won’t thin out the dough like liquid might.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor. You can use all granulated sugar for a crisper cookie, but it’s less chewy.
How Do I Get Soft, Colorful Cookies with Fun Faces?
To keep the cookies soft and colorful, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour; just combine to avoid tough cookies.
- Divide the dough for coloring and mix in gel food coloring gently to keep the texture.
- Press M&Ms into dough before baking, so they stay on top and don’t melt too much.
- For cute faces, add candy eyes and licorice after baking when cookies are cool, or before baking for a “baked-in” look.
- Watch baking time closely—remove cookies when edges are set but centers look soft for tender results.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – you’ll want sturdy, rimmed sheets lined with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and help with even baking.
- Mixing bowls – at least one large for the dough and a couple smaller ones to divide and color the dough easily.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth for the best cookie texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy, especially with flour and baking soda.
- Spoons or cookie scoops – to portion dough evenly so cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling racks – let your cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap M&Ms for mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you prefer less candy crunch but still want sweetness.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
- Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet dough.
- Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a minty holiday twist that pairs great with the red and green colors.
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Extras:
- 1 ½ cups M&M’s (Christmas colors: red, green, and multicolor)
- Red and green food coloring
- Candy eyeballs (optional, for decorating faces)
- Red licorice strings or red icing (optional, for mouths)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 9-11 minutes to bake each batch. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes for cooling. Overall, plan about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes). Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
2. Color the Dough:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the dough evenly into three bowls. Leave one bowl plain. Add red food coloring to the second bowl and green food coloring to the third, mixing each until the colors are uniform.
3. Shape and Decorate the Cookies:
Scoop spoonfuls of dough from each colored bowl onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press M&M’s into the top of each cookie dough ball. For red and green dough cookies, decorate with candy eyeballs and add small pieces of red licorice or a bit of red icing to make festive faces.
4. Bake, Cool, and Enjoy:
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. Serve and enjoy your colorful, fun M&M Christmas cookies!
Can I Use Regular M&Ms Instead of Christmas Colors?
Absolutely! Regular M&Ms work just fine if you don’t have the seasonal colors. The cookies will still be delicious, just less festive in appearance.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store your M&M Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature, re-color if needed, then shape and bake as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent M&Ms from Melting Too Much?
Press the M&Ms lightly into the dough right before baking and avoid overbaking. This helps them keep their shape and color without melting completely into the cookie.
