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If you’re searching for a festive and delightfully colorful treat this holiday season, let me introduce you to the irresistible M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and crunchy, packed with vibrant red and green M&M’s that create that joyful Christmas spirit in every bite. With a rich buttery base, a hint of vanilla, and melty chocolate chips alongside the crisp M&M’s, this recipe is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe starts with such simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to make a cookie bursting with texture, flavor, and festive color. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building structure, sweetness, or that iconic chewy bite.
- 2â…“ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and develop tender edges.
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch: Adds a lovely softness and slight chewiness to every bite.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich moisture and a buttery flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and keeps cookies soft.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a touch of crispiness on the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and lend to a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate that melt delightfully when baked.
- 10 tablespoons red and green M&M’s: The star of the show, these add festive color and a satisfyingly crispy crunch.
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine your dry ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This mix ensures an even distribution so your cookies bake perfectly every time, laying the groundwork for a tender yet sturdy cookie base.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
Use a hand mixer to beat your melted unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. This creamy, sweet blend is what makes your cookies wonderfully rich and delectably chewy.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined; this step gives great flavor while flinging a moisture boost to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding everything together with a spatula or large spoon until there are no flour streaks. Being gentle here helps keep your cookies soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips
Gently fold in your festive red and green M&M’s along with the semisweet chocolate chips. These create delightful bursts of both candy crunch and gooey chocolate in every cookie.
Step 6: Chill the dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling is key—it slows down spreading while baking, so your cookies hold their perfect shape and have that ideal balance of chewy and crisp edges.
Step 7: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F, then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, giving your cookies a smooth surface to bake on.
Step 8: Shape your cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out 3 tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place six dough balls evenly spaced on your baking sheet for uniform baking.
Step 9: Bake until golden
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges just start to brown. The timing is crucial here to get that perfect chewiness paired with slight crunch on the edges.
Step 10: Add finishing touches
While the cookies are still warm, gently press the reserved M&M’s on top to create an eye-catching festive mosaic that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 11: Cool before enjoying
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the sugars and chocolate to set beautifully so your cookies don’t fall apart.
How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra merry touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over your cookies right after baking. It highlights the buttery sweetness and contrasts wonderfully with the chocolate and M&M’s crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For adults, a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee elevates the festive cookie experience to a whole new level.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for a stunning holiday centerpiece. Or stack them in a pretty tin for adorable gift-giving that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay perfectly chewy and flavorful for up to 5 days—ideal for enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped well, they keep for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing texture or taste.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop a frozen or room-temp cookie in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This warms the chocolate and softens the cookie slightly, making each bite feel just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is crucial in this recipe for that rich flavor and perfect texture. Margarine or oil may alter the taste and consistency, so it’s best to stick to unsalted butter for the best results with the M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and slows spreading during baking, which helps the cookies keep their shape while developing that ideal chew with crisp edges. Skipping this step could make your cookies flatten too much.
Can I use other colored M&M’s?
Absolutely! While red and green M&M’s pair beautifully with Christmas themes, you can swap in any color combination you love to match different holidays or moods. The cookie dough is super versatile.
Is cornstarch really necessary in the cookie dough?
Yes, cornstarch adds a tender softness and helps create that classic chewy texture in these cookies. Without it, the cookies might turn out cakier or less fluffy.
How long do these cookies last if stored properly?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe treats stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for nibbling during the holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this wonderful M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe under your belt, you’re ready to fill your home with incredible holiday aromas and share delicious moments with loved ones. These cookies are easy to make, joyful to look at, and absolutely divine to eat—so grab your apron and start baking some sweet holiday magic today!
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