Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the smell of warm cookies filling the kitchen on a chilly December afternoon. These Christmas M&M chocolate chip cookies are everything you crave in a holiday treat. Soft in the center, crisp on the edges, bursting with melty chocolate chips and those colorful red and green M&Ms that just scream Christmas joy. Each bite is a little chewy, a little gooey, and absolutely festive.

Behind the Recipe

I still remember the first time I baked these with my little cousins during a snowstorm. We had nowhere to go and nothing but time, so we turned the kitchen into our own holiday cookie factory. The joy on their faces as they pushed M&Ms into the dough, stealing a few along the way, made this recipe an instant family favorite. Now, it’s a tradition I carry on every single year.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chocolate chip cookies have long been a staple in American baking, but the holiday twist of adding M&Ms is a more recent festive evolution. M&Ms were first introduced in 1941, and their seasonal colors began appearing in the 1980s. Since then, Christmas-colored M&Ms have made their way into countless recipes, giving a playful, colorful touch to classic desserts like this one.

Why You’ll Love Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s not just the taste that makes these cookies shine. There’s a whole lot to love here.

Versatile: Perfect for cookie exchanges, lunchbox treats, or late-night snacks with a glass of milk.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it both simple and cost-effective.

Quick and Easy: No chilling time required. You can whip these up and bake them in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Swap in peanut butter chips or change M&M colors for different occasions.

Crowd-Pleasing: The cheerful look and classic taste make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough freezes beautifully, so you can prep ahead and bake fresh when needed.

Great for Leftovers: These cookies stay soft and chewy for days when stored properly.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few little tips can turn good cookies into great ones.

• Use room temperature butter for even creaming with the sugars.
• Slightly underbake for a soft center that firms up as it cools.
• Press extra M&Ms on top of the dough balls right before baking for that bakery-style look.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch—it keeps the cookies tender and thick.
• Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack for that perfect chewy texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

These tools make the baking process smooth and stress-free.

Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and another for dry to keep things tidy.

Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.

Cookie Scoop: Helps keep your cookies uniform in size for even baking.

Baking Sheets: Large, flat sheets ensure even heat distribution.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing cookies to set properly without overbaking.

Ingredients in Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s talk about the stars of this festive cookie. Each ingredient brings its own magic.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Gives richness and a tender texture.
2. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. Adds sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
3. Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
4. Large Eggs: 2. Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
5. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
6. All-Purpose Flour: 2¾ cups. The foundation that holds everything together.
7. Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons. Keeps the cookies soft and thick.
8. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread just right.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness.
10. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1½ cups. Melty, rich pockets of chocolate in every bite.
11. Red and Green M&Ms: 1½ cups. The festive color and candy crunch make these holiday-ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few items. Here are some easy swaps.

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter (reduce added salt slightly).

Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a deeper, less refined sweetness.

Vanilla Extract: Almond extract for a nuttier twist.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder as a thickening alternative.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness. It’s what gives these cookies their chewy centers and that lovely, molasses-kissed richness.

M&Ms: Beyond the color, the candy shell offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melty chocolate chips and soft cookie base.

Instructions for Making Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s bake some joy! Follow these steps and you’ll have warm, festive cookies ready in no time.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Get your baking sheets lined and ready with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Dish: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers still look soft.
6. Finishing Touches: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Pour yourself a glass of cold milk or a mug of cocoa and enjoy the soft, chewy magic.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast. The edges crisp up just enough to provide a gentle crunch, while the centers stay soft and chewy. The chocolate chips melt into rich pockets, and the M&Ms provide a satisfying crackle. The blend of brown sugar and vanilla adds warmth and depth to every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make baking even easier with a few smart tricks.

• Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky.
• Use a silicone baking mat for even crispness.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for an elevated flavor.

What to Avoid

A few common missteps can change the whole batch. Here’s what to steer clear of.

• Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
• Baking too long. Pull them out when they still look slightly underdone.
• Skipping the parchment paper, which can lead to over-browned bottoms.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 210
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge, tightly wrapped. To freeze, scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies keep for 4–5 days in an airtight container or freeze well for up to 2 months.

How to Serve Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the star of any dessert table. Serve them warm with hot cocoa at your holiday party, pair with peppermint bark for a cookie platter, or leave them out for Santa with a tall glass of milk.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have extras (unlikely, but just in case), here are some fun ideas.

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a cookie sundae.
• Use in a trifle with whipped cream and chocolate pudding.
• Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for holiday ice cream sandwiches.

Additional Tips

• Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft.
• Double the batch and freeze half the dough for easy baking later.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist if desired.

Make It a Showstopper

For an eye-catching holiday platter, drizzle the cookies with white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Or press extra red and green M&Ms on top after baking for vibrant color.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Swap some butter for peanut butter and use peanut M&Ms.
• Mini M&M Mix: Use mini M&Ms for more color and candy in every bite.
• Oatmeal Version: Add 1 cup of quick oats for a chewy, hearty variation.
• White Chocolate Craze: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
• Holiday Spice: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy holiday flavor.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, store in a bag and bake straight from the freezer.

Q2: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Butter gives the best results.

Q3: Why did my cookies turn out flat?

The dough may have been too warm. Try chilling it for 20 minutes before baking.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q5: How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Q6: Can I use different colored M&Ms for other holidays?

Absolutely. Pastel for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween, or blue and white for Hanukkah.

Q7: Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessary, but a quick 15–20 minute chill helps if your dough is very soft.

Q8: Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect the texture.

Q9: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Definitely. Dark chocolate chips add a richer, more intense flavor.

Q10: What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can leave it out, but your cookies may be thinner and less soft.

Conclusion

These Christmas M&M chocolate chip cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a little bite of holiday cheer. They’re colorful, cozy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, a cookie swap, or just to treat yourself, trust me, you’re going to love this. Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make your kitchen smell like Christmas.

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