Soft and Chewy M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe for the Holidays
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies during the holiday season. M&M Christmas Cookies bring joy to the table with their vibrant red and green hues, crunchy M&Ms, and soft, chewy centers. These cookies are not only delicious but also a delightful festive treat to share with family and friends.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas baking lineup.
Why You’ll Love M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies are a holiday classic that combines the rich flavors of browned butter, semisweet and white chocolate chips, and festive holiday M&Ms. The combination of textures—soft centers with slightly crispy edges—makes them irresistible.
These cookies are incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Add sprinkles, swap the chocolate chips, or make a big batch to freeze for later. Plus, they look stunning on any dessert platter!
Ingredients
Cookies
- 227 g (2 sticks / 1 cup) salted butter (reduced to 189 g after browning)
- 1-4 tsp water, room temperature (as needed)
- 135 g (â…” cup) granulated sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 248 g (2 cups + 1 Tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 15-30 g (1-2 Tbsp) extra flour, if needed
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 90 g (½ cup) semisweet chocolate chips
- 45 g (¼ cup) white chocolate chips
- 175 g (about 1 cup) holiday blend M&Ms
Topping
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) semisweet chocolate chips
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) white chocolate chips
- 45 g (â…› cup) holiday blend M&Ms
- 24 g (2 Tbsp) Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
- Immediately transfer the browned butter to a bowl to cool slightly. You should have approximately 189 g of browned butter.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the semisweet and white chocolate chips, followed by the holiday M&Ms. If the dough feels too soft, add 1-2 Tbsp more flour.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 2 Tbsp each) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Lightly press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball for a festive look.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best M&M Christmas Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the dough mixes evenly, resulting in a better texture.
- Chill for Flavor: Chilling the dough deepens the flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Extra Festivity: Top the cookies with sprinkles immediately after baking for a fun holiday touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Health Concerns
- High in Sugar and Fat: These cookies are a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
- Allergens: Contains dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy (in M&Ms and chocolate). Substitute ingredients as needed for dietary restrictions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Festive and fun for the holidays
- Soft, chewy, and delicious
- Easy to customize with different mix-ins
Cons:
- High in sugar and calories
- Requires chilling time for best results
FAQs
How long do M&M Christmas Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add an extra ¼ tsp salt to the dough.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled properly. Too-warm dough will cause excess spreading.
Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Use peanut butter, crispy, or mint M&Ms for a twist.
Conclusion
M&M Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the best of soft, chewy cookies with festive bursts of color and crunch. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy every bite!