Simple Christmas M&M Cookies
What Makes Christmas M&M Cookies So Special
There’s just something magical about a Christmas M&M cookie, isn’t there? It’s not just a cookie; it’s a little round canvas of holiday cheer. The way the red and green candies peek out from the golden-brown dough just screams “festive,” and let’s be honest, it’s practically a requirement for any holiday cookie platter.
I’ve been making these easy Christmas M&M cookies with my family since I was a kid, and it’s one of those traditions that never gets old. The best part? They are seriously simple to whip up, making them the perfect holiday M&M cookies to bake with your little helpers. Ever wondered why this Christmas cookie recipe is such a crowd-pleaser? It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and chocolatey goodness.
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What You’ll Find in This Article
Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss. Having everything measured and ready makes the process so much smoother, especially if you’re making these festive M&M cookies with excited kids. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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 red and green M&Ms
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cook Time for These Easy Christmas M&M Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. You’re never too far away from a warm, melty cookie. Perfect for when a holiday sugar craving strikes! 🙂
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: About 25-30 minutes
See? I told you it was quick! This speedy timeline makes it a fantastic recipe to pair with other holiday bakes, like my Protein Banana Bread, if you’re feeling ambitious.
How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps for the perfect batch of kids Christmas cookies. I promise, it’s easier than wrapping a oddly shaped present.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little trick is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. I never skip it!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the foundation of a great cookie texture, so give it a good minute or two of mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each one fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing right about now.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt distribute evenly throughout the dough, so every bite is consistent.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the flour just disappears. Be careful not to overmix! Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that.
Step 6: The Best Part – The Mix-Ins!
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms and all of the chocolate chips. We save the remaining M&Ms for the top to make them look extra pretty.
Step 7: Scoop and Space
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They need a little room to spread and become perfectly round.
Step 8: The Final Touch and Bake
Gently press the remaining 1/2 cup of M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball. This is a great job for kids! Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning a lovely golden brown.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Okay, here’s where I share my little secrets. These tips will take your Christmas M&M cookies from great to absolutely legendary.
- Flavor Swap: Swap the vanilla for almond extract for a subtly different, delicious flavor. It’s a game-changer!
- Diet Tweak: For a slightly healthier version, you can replace half the butter with applesauce. For more smart swaps, check out my Pumpkin Protein Bars for ideas.
- Prep Fix: If your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before scooping. This helps prevent overspreading.
- Storage Tip: You can freeze the dough balls for a quick, fresh-baked treat anytime! Just add a minute or two to the bake time. For another great freezer-friendly recipe, try my Strawberry Protein Muffins.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Let’s be real, we’re not eating Christmas M&M cookies</strong for their health benefits. But it’s all about balance, right? IMO, the real benefit is the joy of baking and sharing with loved ones.
That said, you can feel good about a few things. The eggs provide a bit of protein, and hey, you’re getting a little energy boost from the carbs. The key is moderation. Enjoy one or two with a glass of milk instead of eating the whole batch in one sitting (tempting, I know). If you’re looking for more balanced treat ideas, my Cookie Dough Protein Bites are a fantastic option. For a deeper dive on nutritional balance, the American Heart Association has great resources. And if you love the popcorn-and-candy combo, my Birthday Cake Popcorn is a fun, lighter snack.
A Lighter Version of These Holiday M&M Cookies
Want to lighten things up a bit? You can definitely make a few swaps to suit your dietary needs. Can I make these holiday M&M cookies healthier? Absolutely!
Try using whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose for extra fiber. You can also reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup—the recipe is forgiving. For a different kind of healthy indulgence, my Protein Mug Cake hits the spot. For more official guidance on sugar intake, the CDC offers some helpful info. And for another deliciously smart treat, try my Protein Muffins.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Baking for friends or family with dietary restrictions? No problem! With a few simple tweaks, everyone can enjoy a festive cookie.
For a low sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like stevia that measures cup-for-cup like sugar. For those managing glycemic control, remember that portion size is your best friend. If you need a diabetic-friendly option, you could experiment with almond flour and sugar alternatives, though the texture will change a bit. The goal is to be inclusive, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
How to Serve Christmas M&M Cookies
My favorite way to serve these? Still slightly warm from the oven with a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic for a reason! They also make a gorgeous addition to a holiday dessert platter.
Pair them with other festive treats like my Churro Cheesecake for a real showstopper. Or, for a fun movie night, serve them alongside a bowl of my Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn. You can also check out Food Network’s guide to building a cheeseboard for inspiration on creating a stunning spread.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to sidestep for the perfect batch of Christmas M&M cookies.
- Using melted butter: Your butter should be softened but not melted. Melted butter will cause the cookies to spread too much and become greasy.
- Overmixing the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense cookie.
- Overbaking: The cookies continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after you take them out. Pull them when the edges are golden but the centers still look a tiny bit soft.
- Not using parchment paper: This helps with even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Don’t skip it!
Remember, even a “mistake” is usually still delicious. I’ve had my share of oddly shaped cookies, and they always get eaten!
How to Store Christmas M&M Cookies
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfect for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
I love having a stash in the freezer for unexpected guests or a quick holiday treat. Just thaw them at room temperature for an hour. For another great make-ahead dessert, my Cookies and Cream Popcorn is a fantastic option. The USDA Food Safety site is a great resource for all things food storage.
Try This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe Yourself
I really hope you give this recipe a try. Baking these Christmas M&M cookies is about so much more than the final product. It’s about the laughter, the mess, and the memories you create along the way.
It’s one of the simplest ways to sprinkle a little extra magic into your holiday season. So grab your bowl, your favorite little helpers, and get baking! I promise, the smell alone is worth it. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Cookie Dough Protein Bites, Churro Cheesecake, Strawberry Protein Muffins, or Protein Mug Cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these easy M&M cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time.
How do I make sure my holiday M&M cookies stay soft?
The key is not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to cook as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Storing them in an airtight container once completely cool also helps lock in moisture.
What’s the best Christmas cookie recipe for baking with kids?
This one is a top contender! The steps are simple, and kids love jobs like pouring in the M&Ms and pressing them on top. For another kid-friendly option that’s a bit different, check out my Birthday Cake Popcorn—it’s a no-bake activity they’ll adore.
Can I use different colors of M&Ms for these festive M&M cookies?
Of course! While red and green are perfect for Christmas, you can use any color for any occasion. Try pastels for Easter or school colors for a bake sale. The recipe itself is a fantastic base for any kind of M&M cookie.
Christmas M&M Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies featuring red and green M&Ms, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 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 red and green M&Ms
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and all of the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press the remaining 1/2 cup of M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Notes
For a subtle flavor twist, try using almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Printable Recipe Card
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