Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet scents of cookies that makes everything feel festive. And let me tell you, my absolute favorite treat to whip up during this time is the classic Christmas M&M cookies. They’re not only delicious but also bring a burst of color and cheer to any gathering!
I can remember one Christmas when my family and I decided to turn our cookie-making into a fun little competition. We all gathered in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, and laughter echoing as we tried to outdo each other with our holiday treats. But no matter how fancy the others got, my Christmas M&M cookies stole the show! The vibrant chocolate candies mixed into the dough created a delightful surprise in every bite, and let’s just say, they disappeared faster than we could bake them!
So, if you’re looking for a cookie that not only tastes amazing but also spreads joy, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking these festive delights together!
Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s, for that festive touch!
Make sure your butter is nice and soft; it really helps create that creamy texture when you’re mixing it with the sugars. And don’t skimp on the M&M’s—those colorful, chocolatey gems are what make these cookies so special! Trust me, the more festive the colors, the happier everyone will be when they see them on the table.
How to Prepare Christmas M&M Cookies
Step 1: 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. If you skip this, you might end up with cookies that are too soft in the middle or burnt on the edges. So, while your oven is heating up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a sturdy wooden spoon works just as well if you want a little workout! Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this is key for getting that delightful texture in your cookies. It should look almost like whipped clouds of sweetness!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. I can’t stress enough how much flavor vanilla adds! Mix everything together until it’s smooth—like a creamy hug for your dough. Make sure there are no visible streaks of egg; you want it all blended in nicely!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda throughout the flour, which is crucial for that perfect rise. It’s a little extra step, but it makes a difference. And trust me, you don’t want salty bites in your cookies!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring gently. I usually add a little bit at a time and mix just until it’s incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy, not like hockey pucks!
Step 6: Fold in the Christmas M&M’s
Alright, here comes the fun part—folding in the Christmas M&M’s! Gently stir them into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. I like to use a spatula for this to avoid breaking the candies. Just think of all the colorful pops of chocolate joy you’re adding to your cookies!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Finally, drop spoonfuls of your cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I usually space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the centers will look a bit soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack, if you can resist the urge to dive in right away!
Tips for Success with Christmas M&M Cookies
Now that you’re all set to bake your Christmas M&M cookies, let me share some of my best tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your cookie game.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If you have a bit of time, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps solidify the fats in the dough, leading to thicker, chewier cookies. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together!
- Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they approach the end of the baking time. You want the edges to be golden but the centers slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on that delightful chewiness!
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents the cookies from sticking. Plus, it helps them bake more evenly, giving you that perfect golden-brown color.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feeling adventurous? Try swapping some of the M&M’s for other goodies like chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins about the same so the texture stays right.
- Don’t forget to taste: Before you bake, take a tiny taste of your cookie dough (if you’re okay with raw eggs, of course!). This way, you can adjust the sweetness or flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to get excited about how delicious they’ll be!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your scrumptious Christmas M&M cookies! Just remember, baking is all about having fun, so don’t stress too much—enjoy the process and the delightful smells that fill your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas M&M Cookies
Once your delicious Christmas M&M cookies are ready to go, it’s time to think about how to serve them up! These cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer, and there are so many festive ways to enjoy them.
First off, they make a fantastic addition to any holiday cookie platter. You know, the kind that gets everyone excited at gatherings? Just imagine a colorful spread of cookies, with your M&M cookies shining bright among gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint treats. It’s a sight to behold!
Another delightful idea is to package them up in pretty little gift boxes or bags. Tie them with a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a charming homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or family. Trust me, nothing says “I care” quite like a treat made from the heart!
For a cozy movie night, serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. You can even crumble some cookies on top of your ice cream for a sweet sundae twist—yum! Just picture it: warm cookies melting into creamy ice cream… oh, I can hardly resist!
And of course, they’re perfect for holiday parties! Whether you’re hosting or attending, these cookies will be a hit. Just watch as the colorful M&M’s bring smiles to everyone’s faces. You might even want to make a double batch because they disappear faster than you can say “Christmas cheer!”
So, whether you’re stacking them high on a dessert table or sharing them with loved ones, these Christmas M&M cookies are sure to spread joy and warmth this holiday season. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of Christmas M&M cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to ensuring you can enjoy these festive treats for days to come.
First off, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This helps prevent any moisture buildup that can make them soggy. Once they’re cooled, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. I usually line the bottom of the container with a piece of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
These cookies can be kept at room temperature for about 5-7 days—if they last that long! If you want to extend their life, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying so they’re soft and chewy again!
If you’re planning to keep them longer, freezing is a fantastic option! To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat!
With these storage tips, you’ll be able to savor your Christmas M&M cookies long after they come out of the oven. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note here: the nutritional information for these Christmas M&M cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So while I’ve provided some general figures, they’re not set in stone. If you’re counting calories or keeping an eye on your dietary needs, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Happy baking and enjoy those delicious cookies without worrying too much about the numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Christmas M&M’s?
Absolutely! While I love the festive touch of Christmas M&M’s, regular M&M’s work just as well. You’ll still get that delicious chocolatey flavor, and your cookies will be just as tasty. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool on the wire rack. If they’re overly firm when you pull them out, they might be overbaked. So, keep a close eye on them!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead for a holiday gathering, just make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Christmas M&M cookies fresh, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about 5-7 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying them again!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! If you want to mix things up, feel free to add in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins similar so the cookie texture stays just right. It’s all about making these cookies your own!
Christmas M&M Cookies: 7 Steps to Irresistible Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas M&M cookies with a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the Christmas M&M’s.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, do not overbake.
- Use festive M&M colors for a holiday look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas m m cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
