Soft and Chewy Christmas M&M Cookies

These Christmas M&M cookies are a holiday favorite that mixes a simple buttery cookie base with plenty of bright red and green M&Ms. They have soft, chewy centers and slightly crispy edges for a great texture in every bite. The best part is that they’re quick to prepare, so they’re perfect for last-minute holiday baking or bringing to parties.

These cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate, great for sharing with Santa or giving as gifts, and they’re sure to be a favorite. If you enjoy baking treats like this, look at my cookie and bar recipes for more ways to add sweetness to your holiday season!

Prep Time:20

Cook Time:12

Chilling time:1

Equipment

Elextric mixer
Plastic Wrap
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or cooking spray
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire rack

Ingredients

¾ butter softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups Christmas M&Ms (divided)

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Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup packed brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. Then, add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure it's even mixing.
Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together 2¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing at low speed, one cup at a time, until combined.
Add the M&Ms. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in 1½ cups of Christmas M&Ms by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the dough. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances their flavor.
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheets. Toward the end of the chilling time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the oven rack in the center. Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly coat them with cooking spray.
Shape and top the cookies. Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press 2-3 additional M&Ms on each dough ball for a festive look.
Bake. Bake in the oven for 11-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft with a chewy texture as they cool.
Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Using too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to get the best results. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as it can pack the flour.

Butter and eggs mix at room temperature, resulting in a nicer cookie texture. If you forget to take your butter out, you can soften it in the microwave in 5-second bursts or put the eggs in warm water for a few minutes.

If your baking soda is older than six months, it might not work well anymore. Fresh baking soda helps your cookies rise properly, giving them a slightly puffy look.

You don’t have to put M&Ms on top, but it does make the cookies look nicer. Picking one of each color adds a fun touch.

Adding a few M&Ms on top of each cookie just before baking gives a festive look and ensures each cookie has some color.

Taking the cookies out of the oven should look a bit underbaked in the center. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, keeping them soft and chewy.

If you want a richer flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. It enhances the buttery taste of the cookie dough.

Add an extra minute or two to the baking time for cookies with slightly crispy edges, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Servings: cookies

Calories: 79kcal

Author: Katie

There’s something special about making these cookies. The smell draws everyone into the kitchen, excited for a taste. I love how soft and buttery these cookies are, with cheerful red and green M&Ms peeking out in every bite, making them both tasty and fun. They’re perfect for cozy nights by the fire, holiday get-togethers, or baking with the kids. The dough mixes easily, and after a quick chill in the fridge, it bakes up thick and chewy, with those colorful M&Ms on top.

I’m confident you’ll find it just as delicious.

Tips for the Best Christmas M&M Cookies

After you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Mixing too much can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and improves the texture, so don’t skip this step. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead.
A small cookie scoop makes it easy to portion the dough and makes sure all the cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
Make sure to give each dough ball enough space to spread out. If they are too close together, they might merge and bake unevenly.
If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature or the baking time, bake one cookie first to see how it turns out. This way, you can make any needed adjustments before baking the rest.
If you’re baking at a higher altitude, check out these high-altitude baking adjustments from King Arthur Baking to make sure your cookies come out just right!
If you’re using multiple baking sheets simultaneously, turn them around halfway through the baking time. This helps them bake evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.
Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. It also makes cleaning up easier, which is a nice perk.
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows them to finish baking and firm up before moving to a wire rack.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Some important ingredients and tools will help you make great cookies. Each one is essential for the recipe, so here’s what you need to know:

Christmas M&Ms: These red and green M&Ms give the cookies a festive look and add chocolatey goodness. These seasonal candies may sell out fast during the holidays, so look for them early in the seasonal aisle or candy section. If you can’t find the holiday colors, use chocolate chips or other candy-coated chocolates for a similar flavor, even if they’re not as festive.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich flavor and helps make the cookies chewy. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark brown will give a slightly stronger flavor. If unavailable, use the same amount of white sugar and add 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup to keep the chewy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for regular all-purpose flour, perfect for creating a chewy texture. You can find it in the baking aisle. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed, but the texture may change slightly.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. Silicone mats can be reused, making them a good choice for frequent bakers.
Room-Temperature Butter: Using softened butter at room temperature helps it mix well with the sugar, creating the right texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small cubes and let it soften for about 10 minutes.
Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop is great for portioning out cookies evenly, which helps them bake evenly, too. A tablespoon will do the trick if you don’t have one, but a scoop is faster.

These simple tools and ingredients make a difference in baking the best cookies. You’re all set for holiday cookie success with them ready to go!

Spode Christmas Tree Mixing Bowl with Spout | 2 Quart Batter Bowl with Pour Spout | Measures 9-Inches | Holiday Serving Dishes | Dishwasher and Microwave Safe Prep Solutions by Progressive Quick Release Cookie Scoop – 3 Tbsp.,Gray Folkulture Christmas Kitchen Towels Set of 3 for Christmas Decorations, 20×26 Boho Dish Towels or Tea Towels for Decor, Cotton Decorative Holiday Hand Towel and Farmhouse Dishcloths Gifts for Women

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with hot chocolate, eggnog, peppermint tea, mulled cider, or vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Absolutely! You can cream the butter and sugars by hand with a sturdy spoon or a whisk. It’ll take more elbow grease, but you’ll get great results if everything is well-mixed and fluffy.

My cookies turned out crumbly. Any tips?

Crumbly cookies could be due to too much flour. Measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Overmixing the dough can also lead to crumbly cookies, so mix until the ingredients are combined.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Sure thing! Just remember to adjust the baking time. Smaller cookies may only need 8-10 minutes, while larger cookies might take 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so you don’t overbake. For a fruity holiday twist, try my Cranberry Christmas Cookies for a sweet and tarty option.

My cookies came out flatter than expected. What went wrong?

There are a few possible reasons. First, make sure your butter isn’t too soft—room temperature should still have a bit of firmness. Also, check your baking soda; if it’s older than six months, it might not be as effective. Chilling the dough should also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

How can I make the cookies extra festive?

Mix white chocolate chips with the M&Ms or sprinkle a little edible glitter before baking for a fun holiday look. You can also press a few extra red and green M&Ms on each dough ball to make the colors pop.

Can I use this recipe as a base for making other types of cookies?

Yes! This recipe makes a versatile buttery cookie base that works well with other mix-ins. Try swapping the M&Ms for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles, or check out my Farmhouse Sugar Cookies recipe for another easy, delicious option!

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a few days before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them fresh-baked, consider freezing the dough balls and baking them just before the party for warm, festive cookies straight from the oven.

Storage Instructions

Place the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days for room temperature storage. To help keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will keep the cookies moist without making them soggy, a simple trick that makes a difference.

These cookies also freeze well! To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1 hour). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for that just-baked feel.

If you want to make the dough beforehand, scoop it into balls and freeze it on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and let them thaw slightly while the oven preheats. Bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes if needed.

These cookies are an easy and festive treat for sharing, giving as gifts, or just enjoying at home with family during the holidays. With their soft centers, crunchy edges, and pops of red and green, they’ll add some extra joy to your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, leaving them out for Santa, or keeping some on hand to enjoy with a warm drink, these cookies will surely be a holiday favorite.