Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible Christmas M&M cookies? This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating festive memories in the kitchen, the aroma of warm chocolate filling your home with holiday cheer. Imagine the delighted faces of your family and friends as they sink their teeth into these delightful treats, each bite bursting with the festive colors and sweetness of Christmas M&Ms. This isn’t just a cookie recipe; it’s a recipe for holiday happiness, perfect for sharing and savoring during the most magical time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be simple, fun, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Let’s dive in and create some holiday magic together!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

This Christmas M&M cookies recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The instructions are clear and concise, guiding you through each step with ease. No complicated techniques or specialized equipment are required. Secondly, the taste is simply divine! The rich, buttery cookie base perfectly complements the burst of sweetness and festive colors from the Christmas M&Ms. It’s the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and holiday cheer. Thirdly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize this recipe to your liking, experimenting with different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated touch. Finally, the aroma alone is enough to get you in the holiday spirit. The warm, comforting scent of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen and home, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. This recipe is more than just a cookie; it’s an experience, a tradition, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You Should Try This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, this Christmas M&M cookies recipe offers several compelling reasons to give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in the holiday baking tradition. Children especially will love measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and of course, decorating the cookies. It’s a fun, interactive activity that creates lasting memories. Furthermore, these cookies are perfect for gifting. Imagine the joy of presenting a beautifully decorated tin of homemade Christmas M&M cookies to friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. It’s a thoughtful and delicious gesture that shows you care. Moreover, this recipe is a great way to showcase your baking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, efficient, and yields delicious results, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing precious time. So, whether you’re looking for a simple treat, a family activity, or a unique gift, this Christmas M&M cookies recipe is the perfect choice. It’s a recipe for success, and more importantly, a recipe for holiday joy.

Ingredients and Utensils for the Perfect Christmas M&M Cookies

• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted, softened. This is crucial for achieving that perfect, tender crumb. Use high-quality butter for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and structure.
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed, adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
• Eggs: 2 large, helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, the base of your cookie dough. You can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Christmas M&Ms: 2 cups, the star of the show! Choose your favorite mix of festive colors and flavors.
• Chocolate Chips (optional): ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, for extra chocolatey goodness.

Recommended Utensils:

• Mixing Bowls: At least two, one for dry and one for wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Sheets: Two or more, lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For folding in the dry ingredients.
• Cookie Scoops: For consistently sized cookies. A tablespoon or two tablespoons work as well.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.

Step-by-Step Christmas M&M Cookies Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheets Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry to Wet Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Stir in Christmas M&Ms and Chocolate Chips (optional) Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using).

Step 7: Scoop and Bake Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations for Your Christmas M&M Cookies

For Extra Festive Flair: Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.

Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Make sure to use vegan chocolate chips and M&Ms.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the amount of flour slightly, depending on the brand you use.

Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. And don’t overcrowd the baking sheets, allowing for proper air circulation for even baking.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The recipe contains whole wheat flour, rich in fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Chocolate, in moderation, can be a source of antioxidants, offering potential health benefits. However, it’s important to consume these cookies in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. Precise nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per cookie (assuming a 2-inch cookie) might be approximately:

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 8-10g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Sugar: 12-15g
• Protein: 2-3g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas M&M Cookies

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Q: What if my cookies are too flat? A: This is often due to using melted butter or not chilling the dough sufficiently. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Q: My cookies are burning on the edges but are still soft in the center. A: Your oven may be running hot. Try reducing the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) and checking them more frequently.

Q: Can I use different types of M&Ms? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different colors and flavors of M&Ms, or even use a combination of different candies.

Q: How long do the cookies last? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will last for about a week. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious for a few days.

Conclusion: The Perfect Christmas Treat Awaits!

This Christmas M&M cookies recipe is a guaranteed success, bringing festive cheer and deliciousness to your holiday celebrations. From the simple steps to the endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Remember to share your creations with loved ones and don’t forget to snap a picture of your beautiful cookies to share on social media. We’d love to see your culinary masterpieces! And for more delicious holiday recipes, check out OviaRecipes for inspiration! So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic! Happy baking, and Happy Holidays!

For more information on chocolate, you can check out the Wikipedia page on Chocolate.

Christmas M&M Cookies

Chewy and festive Christmas cookies loaded with colorful M&Ms. A perfect treat for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Cookie, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking Sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Christmas M&Ms

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Stir in the Christmas M&Ms.
• Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra festive flair, use a combination of red, green, and white M&Ms. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keyword chewy, Christmas, easy, holiday, M&Ms