There’s nothing like the sight (and smell!) of Christmas M&M Cookies baking in the oven to fill your home with holiday cheer. These soft, buttery cookies are loaded with vibrant red and green M&Ms, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or need a quick gift for a neighbor, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around.

I discovered this recipe during my first holiday season as a mom, trying to create new traditions. Baking these cookies became an instant hit in our family and has remained a staple every year since. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a must-bake this Christmas!

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with this festive twist on a classic cookie. These Christmas M&M Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat, and here’s why:

First, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find the steps simple and foolproof. This makes them perfect for whipping up a batch with the kids on a snowy afternoon.

Second, they’re loaded with holiday spirit! The colorful red and green M&Ms nestled in a golden, chewy cookie base are irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

They also store beautifully, meaning you can bake them ahead of time and have them ready for any holiday occasion. No more last-minute scrambling for dessert ideas!

Finally, they’re versatile – swap the M&Ms for other festive candies or add extras like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts for a custom touch.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Christmas M&M Cookies lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item is essential:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture. Be sure to measure accurately for best results!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the key to a rich and tender cookie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A combination of these sugars creates a balanced sweetness and contributes to the cookies' soft centers.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making the cookies taste homemade.
Red and Green M&Ms: The stars of the show! These candies not only add color but also a delightful crunch to every bite.
Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough, keeping them light and fluffy.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dough.

Special Equipment: A stand or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, and a cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.

How to Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Making these cookies is as easy as decking the halls! Let’s break it down step by step:

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the M&Ms: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 ½ cups of red and green M&Ms, reserving a few to press on top of the cookies for a festive look.
Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or store for later!

Storage Options

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they store, making them ideal for holiday prep.

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft and chewy.
Freezer: Freeze the cookie dough in scooped portions or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 48 hours before baking to enhance the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to customize your Christmas M&M Cookies:

Chocolate Overload: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible to everyone.
Sprinkle Joy: Mix in festive sprinkles alongside the M&Ms for added holiday flair.
Candy Swap: Can’t find Christmas M&Ms? Use regular ones, holiday-themed Reese's Pieces, or crushed candy canes instead.

Baking is all about creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Final Thoughts

These Christmas M&M Cookies are more than just a treat – they’re a tradition. Whether you’re baking with family, hosting a holiday party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies bring a little magic to the season. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a holiday staple in so many homes.

Happy baking