There's nothing more festive than the sight of colorful Christmas M&M cookies cooling on the counter, their vibrant red and green candies peeking through golden, buttery dough. The warm, sugary aroma fills the kitchen, setting the perfect holiday scene. These cookies are a holiday classic, and for good reason—they're simple to make, deliciously soft and chewy, and loved by kids and adults alike.

I first baked these cookies on a whim during a snowstorm, hoping to create a little extra cheer. Now, they've become a family tradition, eagerly anticipated every December. Ready to add some holiday magic to your cookie jar? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to embrace your new go-to holiday cookie recipe! These Christmas M&M cookies are sure to bring joy to your celebrations for several reasons.

First, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you're prepping for a party or simply craving something sweet, you'll have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes.

Next, their texture is out of this world. Crisp edges give way to a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth, with every bite punctuated by sweet bursts of chocolate from the M&Ms.

These cookies are also wonderfully versatile. Swap out the red and green M&Ms for different seasonal colors, or customize them with your favorite mix-ins like white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.

Finally, they’re a hit with all ages. Whether you're baking with little ones or gifting a batch to friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Christmas M&M cookies lies in their simple, accessible ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect holiday treat.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing and even consistency.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: The combination of these sugars creates a balance of sweetness and adds to the cookies' chewy texture. Brown sugar, especially, helps retain moisture in the dough.
Eggs: Vital for binding the ingredients together, eggs also contribute to the cookies' fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving the cookies a warm, comforting aroma.
Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show! These festive candies not only add chocolatey goodness but also make the cookies irresistibly festive.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating that perfect soft and puffy texture.

You’ll also need basic equipment like a large mixing bowl, hand or stand mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Creating these Christmas M&M cookies is delightfully simple, even for novice bakers. Follow these steps to holiday cookie perfection:

Prepare your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the M&Ms: Gently stir in the festive Christmas M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
Scoop and shape: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake and cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Be careful not to overbake—they should look slightly underdone in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

In less than half an hour, you'll have a batch of cookies ready to enjoy, fresh out of the oven and full of holiday spirit!

Storage Options

These Christmas M&M cookies are as convenient to store as they are to make. Follow these tips to keep them fresh and delicious:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it works wonders!
Freezing baked cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Freezing cookie dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw.

Reheat stored cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of these cookies means you can easily adapt them to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some fun ideas:

Mix up the M&Ms: Swap the Christmas M&Ms for other seasonal colors to make these cookies year-round.
Add extra chocolate: Stir in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
Go nutty: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Festive toppings: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles on top before baking for added holiday flair.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—these cookies are as flexible as your imagination!

With their buttery dough, festive colors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Christmas M&M cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season. Whether you're gifting them to loved ones, sharing at a party, or enjoying them with a glass of milk by the fire, these cookies are sure to make your holidays even sweeter. Give them a try—you’ll be adding them to your annual baking traditions in no time!