M&M Christmas Cookies

M&M Christmas Cookies always remind me of that one snowy evening when I baked a double batch for my neighbors while the fireplace crackled and classic holiday songs played in the background. I wanted to make something that felt festive without requiring hours in the kitchen so I reached for a bag of red and green M&Ms and added them to my favorite cookie dough. They turned out so soft buttery and cheerful that my neighbor called the next morning asking for the recipe and they’ve been a yearly tradition ever since.

I find so much joy in the simplicity of these cookies. Every time I make them they bring back that memory and fill my kitchen with warmth and sweetness. They’re easy enough to whip up in a pinch yet colorful enough to steal the show on any dessert table which makes them one of my go-to treats for everything from cookie swaps to Christmas movie marathons!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Unsalted butter – Makes the cookies soft, tender, and rich in flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with structure.
• Brown sugar – Gives the cookies moisture and a lovely hint of caramel.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and create a soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma.
• All-purpose flour – The base that gives the cookies their structure.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
• Holiday M&Ms – The stars of the show that add festive color and crunch.
• White chocolate chips – Add a creamy sweet bite that contrasts the M&Ms.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Deepen the chocolate flavor in every bite.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Hand or stand mixer – Creams the butter and sugars until fluffy and smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensure accurate ingredient portions.
• Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding in the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
• Baking sheets – Provide an even surface for the cookies to bake on.
• Parchment paper – Keeps cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop – Helps form evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
• Cooling rack – Lets cookies cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

I start by creaming the softened butter with both sugars in a large bowl using a mixer. I beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy which takes about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next I add the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Then I pour in the vanilla extract and blend everything together until it’s smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then I gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients mixing just until combined. I avoid overmixing so the cookies stay tender.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

Now I gently fold in the holiday M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. I save a few M&Ms to press on top later for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill

Using a cookie scoop I portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies bake thicker and hold their shape.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

I preheat the oven to 350°F then bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just golden and the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Right after baking I press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. Then I transfer them to a cooling rack and let them set completely before serving or storing.

Tips

If you want to switch things up I love swapping in peanut butter M&Ms or crushed peppermint candies for a fun twist. I also like to roll the dough into balls and freeze them so I can bake just a few fresh cookies at a time throughout the season. And don’t skip the chilling it really makes a difference in the texture!

Ways to Serve

These M&M Christmas Cookies are fantastic on their own with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. I often package them in festive tins or cellophane bags for thoughtful holiday gifts. They’re also a hit at cookie exchange parties or as part of a dessert spread at family gatherings. For a fun activity, I like to set up a decorating station for kids to add their own M&Ms before baking. No matter how you serve them, these cookies bring joy to every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of M&Ms for these M&M Christmas Cookies?

Yes! You can use mini M&Ms, peanut butter, mint, or even caramel M&Ms depending on your taste.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the cookies bake thicker and prevents too much spreading in the oven.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! I like to freeze the dough in balls and bake straight from the freezer just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

How long will M&M Christmas Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 5 days or up to 2 months in the freezer.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you make these M&M Christmas Cookies part of your holiday baking tradition! They’re festive, buttery, and beyond easy to whip up for any winter celebration. Share your cookie creations with me or let me know what fun mix-ins you try!

Happy Cooking!

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