These M&M Christmas Cookies are a festive twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, using red and green M&M’s to create a fun, colorful holiday treat. Soft and chewy with the perfect amount of crunch from the M&M’s, these cookies are sure to be a hit at holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as an everyday treat during the Christmas season!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups holiday M&M’s (red and green)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Fold in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in 1 cup of the holiday M&M’s and the mini chocolate chips (if using) into the cookie dough. Save the remaining M&M’s to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for extra festive flair. - Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of each cookie. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these festive, colorful cookies!
Additional Tips (Serving & Storage):
- Serving: These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday gift boxes, or as a festive treat with a glass of milk.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them fresh when needed.
FAQs About M&M Christmas Cookies:
- Can I use different colored M&M’s for other holidays?
Yes! You can easily swap the red and green M&M’s for other seasonal colors like pastels for Easter or orange and brown for Halloween. - Can I use other types of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Peanut butter M&M’s or mini M&M’s would also work well in this recipe. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply bake the dough straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture. - How do I keep the cookies soft?
To maintain softness, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will help keep the cookies soft and fresh.
Conclusion:
These M&M Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, bringing festive cheer with every bite. The colorful M&M’s make these cookies a fun and delicious addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or simply for a cozy day at home, these cookies are sure to delight!
