Introduction

These M&M Christmas Cookies are a festive and colorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and red and green M&Ms, they bring joyful flavors to any cookie platter.

A white plate holds a stack of soft, round cookies topped with red and green candy pieces and bits of chocolate chips spread evenly throughout. The cookies have a golden-brown color with a slightly cracked texture visible on the top surface. Scattered red and green candy pieces surround the plate, adding a festive touch. In the background, a green decorative item resembling a small tree with colorful candy balls and round Christmas ornaments are placed on a white marbled surface. A glass bottle filled with milk is also partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda

1 cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg (room temperature)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup red and green M&M’s (+ additional for tops of cookies)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 2: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter for 1 minute until creamy.
Step 3: Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter and mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until combined and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture and mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips and red and green M&M’s gently.

Step 7: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 8: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared sheet, leaving minimal space so the dough balls are close but not touching.
Step 9: Freeze the cookie dough balls flat for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Ensure nothing presses on them.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it heats, transfer frozen dough balls to one or two other parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 11: Bake for 16-18 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Step 12: Remove the cookies from the oven and carefully press 6-8 extra M&Ms onto each warm cookie.

Step 13: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra chewiness, substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
If you prefer a nuttier flavor, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts when folding in the chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Freeze cookie dough balls in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag to keep them from sticking.
Use holiday-colored chocolate chips as an alternative to M&M’s for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain softness.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of two stacked cookies, each with a light golden brown color and a slightly crumbly texture. The top cookie has a bite taken out, revealing small melted chocolate chunks and bright red and green candy-coated pieces embedded throughout the cookie dough. The second cookie beneath also contains these colorful candy pieces and chocolate chunks, with a soft and chewy appearance. In the background, more cookies with the same colors and textures are slightly blurred out. The cookies rest on a dark gray stone surface with a white marbled texture surrounding it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&M’s instead of the holiday-colored ones?

Yes, regular M&M’s will work just fine. The holiday colors add festive appeal but do not affect the flavor.

Why do I need to freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Freezing the dough helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and results in a chewier texture with nicely set edges.