Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the smell of warm cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? These Christmas M&M cookies are not only delicious, but they’re also bursting with color and cheer, making them a festive treat that everyone loves. I still remember the first time I made these with my kids; their eyes lit up as they added the bright red and green candies! Trust me, these cookies are a hit at every holiday gathering, and they’re oh-so-simple to whip up. So, grab your apron and let’s make some holiday magic together!
Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies
Let’s gather our ingredients for these festive delights! You’ll find that most of these are typical pantry staples, but they come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives the cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness that balances perfectly with the brown sugar.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
- 2 large eggs – They bind everything together and help the cookies rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, inviting aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies puff up nicely.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cups Christmas M&Ms – The star of the show! Feel free to swap these with regular M&Ms or even chocolate chips if you prefer.
These ingredients combine to create cookies that are not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the Christmas M&Ms make every bite a little celebration! So, let’s get ready to bake!
How to Prepare Christmas M&M Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas M&M cookies! Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked cookies!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too—just be prepared for a workout! You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture that looks almost pale in color. This step is key because it helps incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies nice and chewy!
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture, mixing until it’s all smooth and blended. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Here’s the trick: mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and delicious!
Adding Christmas M&Ms
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in those colorful Christmas M&Ms. I like to reserve a few to sprinkle on top of the dough balls for that extra festive touch before baking. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough so every bite is a delightful surprise!
Baking the Cookies
Finally, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ah, the smell of fresh-baked cookies—there’s nothing quite like it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First off, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps it cream better with the sugars and leads to that delightful chewy texture we all love. If you’re short on time, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, but don’t let it melt!
Now, about storing these cookies: I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them! They freeze beautifully—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. So easy!
And here’s a little secret: if you want to elevate the flavor of your cookies, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or even some finely chopped nuts! It gives them a warm, cozy twist that’s perfect for the holidays. You can also switch it up by using different types of chocolate candies or even adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet and salty combo. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to cookies, I know we all love to indulge, but it’s good to have an idea of what we’re munching on! Just a quick heads-up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This section provides only an estimate, so if you’re tracking your intake closely, it might be worth checking the labels on your ingredients.
For a single Christmas M&M cookie, you can expect around 150 calories, with 12 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat. Keep in mind, if you decide to make any substitutions or add-ins, those numbers might change a bit. It’s all about enjoying these festive treats while keeping it balanced, right? Happy baking!
FAQ About Christmas M&M Cookies
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can definitely swap in regular M&Ms if you can’t find the festive ones. The flavor and texture of the cookies will remain just as delicious, and you’ll still get that delightful crunch and color in every bite. It’s all about making it work for you, so don’t worry about sticking strictly to the holiday version!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Christmas M&M cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about a week! If you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing them up. That way, they won’t get that weird condensation thing going on. Trust me, you want to enjoy them at their best!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can totally freeze these cookies! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You might find they taste even better after a little freeze—like a little holiday gift waiting for you whenever you need a sweet treat!
Variations for Christmas M&M Cookies
If you’re anything like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! These Christmas M&M cookies are a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious variations. Let’s get creative and add a little twist to this festive favorite!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Swap out half of the Christmas M&Ms for chocolate chips. The combination of the two will give you a rich, chocolatey surprise in every bite!
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness pairs perfectly with the sweet cookies and adds a lovely texture.
- Minty Fresh: Toss in some mint chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for a refreshing twist. The minty flavor is perfect for the holidays and will give your cookies a festive zing!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor explosion. You could even fold in some mini peanut butter cups for an extra treat!
- Festive Sprinkles: For an extra pop of color, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking. It’ll make them even more festive and fun!
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the season.
Each of these variations brings its own charm, and I can’t wait for you to try them! Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. After all, the holidays are all about sharing joy—and cookies!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful Christmas M&M cookies, let’s talk about how to serve them for the ultimate festive treat! There’s something so special about sharing cookies with friends and family, and the right accompaniments can elevate your cookie game to a whole new level.
First, consider pairing your cookies with a warm glass of milk or a rich hot chocolate. The creamy sweetness complements the cookies perfectly and adds to that cozy holiday vibe. You can even get creative and top your hot chocolate with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed M&Ms for an extra festive touch!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, why not arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter alongside some other treats? Think about adding a few gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for a colorful dessert spread that looks as good as it tastes. You can even throw in some fresh fruit like strawberries or mandarin oranges for a refreshing contrast.
For a fun twist, consider making cookie sandwiches! Simply take two cookies and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. The combination of warm, chewy cookies with cold ice cream is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. You could even roll the edges in crushed Christmas M&Ms or sprinkles for a festive flair!
And don’t forget about creating a cookie gift box! Package up some of these Christmas M&M cookies in a festive box or tin and share them with neighbors, friends, or colleagues. It’s a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer and show you care.
Whatever you choose to serve alongside these cookies, I promise they’ll be a hit! Enjoy the season, and happy baking!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these festive Christmas M&M cookies, I’d love to hear all about your baking adventures! Did you try any of the variations? How did they turn out? Please drop a comment below and share your experiences or any tips you might have for fellow bakers. I absolutely cherish reading your stories!
If you enjoyed this recipe, why not share it on your social media? Tag me in your photos—nothing makes me happier than seeing your delicious creations! You can also rate the recipe right here; your feedback means the world to me and helps others find this festive treat.
So, gather your family or friends, and let’s spread the cookie love this holiday season. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!
Print
Christmas M&M Cookies: 5 Reasons They’ll Delight You
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas M&M cookies that are colorful and festive.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Christmas M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the Christmas M&Ms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon.
- You can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas m m cookies
