Christmas M&M Cookies
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Christmas is a time for indulging in sweets, and what better way to spread joy than with a batch of perfectly festive Christmas M&M cookies? These delightful treats are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red and green colors but also bring a delicious mix of flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. I’ve baked these cookies countless times during the holidays, and they never fail to bring smiles to faces young and old. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to include the family in the festive spirit—everyone loves dropping M&Ms and chocolate chips into the batter!
Reasons to try it
You might be wondering, why should I make Christmas M&M cookies? Well, here are a few compelling reasons to whip up a batch this holiday season. First off, they are incredibly easy and quick to prepare—perfect for those busy days leading up to Christmas. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a cookie that’s not only budget-friendly but also delightful for kids and adults alike. They make wonderful gifts as well, packaged up in tins with festive ribbons.
"These Christmas M&M cookies are a holiday tradition in our house. We bake a big batch every year, and they never last long. Everyone loves them!"
The cooking process explained
Making Christmas M&M cookies is not just fun; it’s also straightforward! Here’s a quick overview of how this delightful recipe comes together. From creaming the butter and sugars to the magical moment when you mix in the M&Ms, each step is simple and satisfying. With just a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with warm, gooey cookies that fill your kitchen with a holiday aroma.
What you’ll need
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious cookie recipe:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ cups of red and green M&M’s (divided)
For a fun twist, consider substituting the M&Ms with seasonal holiday candies or even your favorite chocolate chunks!
Step-by-step instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the bowl, mixing well until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t forget to scrape the sides as needed!
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, scoop out the dough into balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Press the remaining ¼ cup of M&Ms on top of the dough balls to add some extra color.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Christmas M&M cookies are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking for some creative ways to serve them, consider the following ideas. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of cocoa for the ultimate comfort snack. For a festive dessert platter, combine them with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. They also make fantastic gifts—package them in a festive tin and surprise your neighbors with a homemade treat!
How to store & freeze
Storing your cookies properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the dough. You can scoop out cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure the best results with your Christmas M&M cookies, here are a few helpful tips that can elevate your baking game:
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Use softened butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps it cream into the sugars more easily.
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Don’t overmix: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chilling the dough: If you want thicker cookies with less spreading, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this cookie recipe! You can swap the M&Ms for seasonal candies like peppermint or white chocolate chips for a different flavor. For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla for a festive twist.
Your questions answered
How long do I need to prepare these cookies?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking will add an additional 10-12 minutes.
Can I substitute the butter for margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What if I want to make a smaller batch?
Simply halve the recipe to make a smaller quantity, or freeze any leftovers for later!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 baking blend for the best results.
Now you’re all set to whip up these delightful Christmas M&M cookies that will fill your home with cheer and your belly with joy! Happy baking!
Christmas M&M Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the bowl, mixing well until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t forget to scrape the sides as needed!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, scoop out the dough into balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Press the remaining ¼ cup of M&Ms on top of the dough balls to add some extra color.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
