Get into the festive spirit with these delicious M&M Christmas Cookies! Packed with colorful red, green, and white M&M’s, these cookies are a holiday favorite that everyone will love. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in with a warm beverage.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups holiday M&M’s (red, green, and white)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
6. Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the holiday M&M’s, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips if using.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for M&M Christmas Cookies:
- Storage:
Store your M&M Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months! - Make-Ahead Tip:
The cookie dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw the dough in the fridge before baking. - Customization:
Feel free to use different flavors of M&M’s or swap them out for other festive candies to suit your taste. You can also add sprinkles for extra holiday cheer!
FAQs About M&M Christmas Cookies:
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of holiday ones?
Yes, regular M&M’s work perfectly if you can’t find the holiday-colored ones. The flavor will remain the same!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading more than expected, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, ensure that your butter isn’t too soft when you start.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, and you can bake the cookies whenever you’re ready.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice texture to these cookies if you enjoy a nutty twist.
These M&M Christmas Cookies are sure to bring joy and a pop of festive color to your holiday season. With soft, chewy centers and bursts of chocolatey goodness, they’re a hit at any gathering or just as a sweet treat for yourself. Happy baking!