These M&M Christmas Cookies are the ultimate festive treat — soft, chewy, buttery, and packed with bright red and green holiday M&M’s that make every bite merry and delicious. They bake up with perfectly crisp edges, irresistibly soft centers, and just the right amount of chocolate in every bite. The dough is rich and flavorful, lightly golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, creating that classic bakery-style cookie texture everyone loves. Whether you’re filling cookie boxes, prepping for a holiday party, baking with kids, or simply craving a nostalgic Christmas cookie, these M&M cookies deliver pure holiday joy with almost no effort. They look stunning on dessert trays, freeze beautifully, and always disappear fast — a true Christmas classic you’ll come back to year after year.
Why You’ll Love These M&M Christmas Cookies
You’ll love this recipe because the cookies stay soft for days, bake evenly, and hold their shape beautifully. The dough mixes together quickly with simple pantry staples, yet the final result tastes bakery-worthy. The festive M&M’s add crunch, sweetness, and pops of color that make these cookies visually perfect for the holiday season. They’re also incredibly versatile — make them thick, chewy, thin, crispy, loaded with chocolate, or lightly sweet depending on your preference. Additionally, they’re ideal for gifting, shipping, or stacking into cookie tins since they hold up well and stay fresh longer than most holiday cookies.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love soft chocolate chip cookies, these holiday M&M cookies take that classic flavor and elevate it into a festive, colorful, and crowd-pleasing Christmas treat. They require no chilling, mix in minutes, and bake quickly — perfect for last-minute holiday baking or big batch cookie boxes. They also pair wonderfully with cocoa, coffee, or warm milk, making them a cozy addition to holiday movie nights and winter gatherings. Because the recipe is beginner-friendly and kid-approved, it’s a fun cookie to bake with family and friends during the holidays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups Christmas M&M’s (plus extra for topping), and ½–1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra richness).
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; mix until smooth and fully blended.
Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until soft cookie dough forms.
Step 3 – Fold in the M&M’s: Gently fold in the holiday M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using), making sure they distribute evenly without breaking.
Step 4 – Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1½-tablespoon balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops for a festive look.
Step 5 – Bake: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look soft and slightly underbaked.
Step 6 – Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool and stay soft for days.
Tips for the Best M&M Christmas Cookies
Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough. Do not overbake — remove when the centers still look soft. Add M&M’s on top before baking for a bakery look. Use parchment for evenly baked cookies. Measure flour accurately — too much creates dry cookies. Chill the dough 15 minutes if it feels too sticky. Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform cookies. Add white chocolate chips for extra holiday flavor. Replace some M&M’s with crushed candy canes for a peppermint version. Store with a piece of bread to keep cookies soft.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add ½ cup cocoa to the dough for chocolate M&M cookies.
- Peppermint: Mix in crushed candy canes.
- White Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie.
- Peanut M&M Version: Use peanut M&M’s for a crunchy variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour.
- Caramel Twist: Add caramel chips or toffee bits.
- Red Velvet: Add cocoa and red food coloring.
- Oatmeal Version: Replace ½ cup flour with oats.
- Holiday Mix: Add sprinkles for extra color.
- Almond Flavor: Add almond extract for nutty aroma.
What to Serve With M&M Christmas Cookies
Serve with hot chocolate, eggnog, peppermint mocha, or a glass of cold milk. Pair them with brownies, sugar cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate crinkle cookies on holiday trays. Add them to cookie tins, gift boxes, or dessert boards for easy entertaining.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- To Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week; they stay soft and chewy when stored properly.
- To Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and refresh with a few extra M&M’s or a drizzle of chocolate.
- To Freeze the Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen and add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Recipe FAQs
- Why are my cookies spreading? Butter may have been too soft — chill dough briefly.
- Can I use mini M&M’s? Yes, they work beautifully and give extra color.
- Can I skip chocolate chips? Yes, the M&M’s alone are enough.
- How do I make thicker cookies? Chill dough 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
- Can kids help make them? Absolutely — it’s a great family recipe.
- Can I use margarine? Butter gives the best flavor and texture.
- Why do the tops look cracked? That’s normal for soft, chewy cookies.
- Do they ship well? Yes, these cookies are sturdy and great for gifting.
- How long do they stay soft? Up to a week when stored properly.