Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these delightful M&M Christmas Cookies! Bursting with colorful red and green M&Ms, these cookies are the ultimate festive treat. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Their soft, chewy texture combined with the crunch of M&Ms makes them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Let’s bake some holiday magic!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups Christmas M&Ms (red and green)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (for extra sweetness)
• Sprinkles, for a festive touch

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Add the M&Ms
   • Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a decorative touch.
4. Chill the Dough
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
5. Preheat and Prep
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Shape the Cookies
   • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough balls, about 1½ tablespoons each. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
   • Gently press a few reserved M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball.
7. Bake
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will set as the cookies cool.
8. Cool
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic holiday treat.
• Arrange them on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies for a beautiful dessert spread.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.

Variations

1. Peanut Butter M&M Cookies:
   • Swap out half the butter for peanut butter for a nutty twist.
2. Double Chocolate Delight:
   • Replace ½ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolaty base.
3. Oatmeal M&M Cookies:
   • Add 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the dough for extra texture and chewiness.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make the recipe gluten-friendly.
5. Candy Cane Crunch:
   • Mix in crushed candy canes along with the M&Ms for a peppermint flair.

Conclusion

M&M Christmas Cookies are a perfect blend of festive fun and timeless flavor. Their colorful appearance and rich, buttery taste make them a standout addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or saving them for a family treat, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas ones?
Yes, regular M&Ms will work just fine, but the red and green Christmas M&Ms add a festive touch!

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer or using a silicone baking mat to help the cookies hold their shape.

4. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar will give the cookies a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor.

5. How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their softness.

6. Can I make these without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand, but ensure the butter is very soft to make mixing easier.

Enjoy baking and sharing these festive M&M Christmas Cookies with your loved ones! 🎄🍪