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Rich and chewy with pools of chocolate and bursts of color from festive M&M candies these Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies bring a joyful touch to any holiday plate. They always vanish in minutes during my family’s cookie swaps and they are a go-to gift for neighbors year after year.
I first tried making these to bring for a school holiday party on a busy December evening. My son’s classmates devoured them and now he begs me to bake another batch as soon as December hits.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives structure and the right chew. I like to spoon and level for accurate measuring
- Baking soda: lets the cookies spread softly and rise while baking
- Baking powder: boosts fluffiness and prevents spreading too flat
- Salt: balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor
- Butter: softened to room temperature creates tender cookies and creamy dough
- Brown sugar: packed adds moisture and a richer caramel depth
- Granulated sugar: brings that classic cookie crisp edge
- Egg and egg yolk: provide richness and bind everything beautifully
- Vanilla extract: gives warm background notes use pure vanilla for best results
- Chocolate chips: for melty pockets throughout choose a good-quality semi-sweet brand
- Red and green M&M’s: add festive crunch I always sort out the brightest candies for topping each dough ball
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking and helps the edges brown perfectly
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- Beat the softened butter brown sugar and granulated sugar at medium speed until light fluffy and noticeably paler in color. This step usually takes about three minutes the mixture should look creamy but not greasy
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the egg egg yolk and vanilla directly to the butter mixture. Mix until everything comes together and the dough looks silky. Stop and scrape down the bowl to ensure nothing sticks at the bottom
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl combine flour baking soda baking powder and salt. Whisk thoroughly for even distribution this ensures all cookies bake up evenly
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- With your mixer on low gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined taking care not to overmix or the cookies will be tough
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms:
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon gently fold in most of the chocolate chips and one cup of M&Ms. Save some candies for pressing on top. The dough will be thick and studded with chocolate
- Shape and Top the Dough:
- Scoop medium balls of dough about two tablespoons each onto the lined baking sheet leaving space between each. Press a few reserved M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball for a signature bakery look
- Bake and Cool:
- Place cookies in the preheated 350 degree oven for ten to twelve minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges and set centers. Allow to cool on the tray for five minutes then transfer carefully to a rack these cookies are delicate when warm
The M&Ms are hands-down my favorite part I love pressing extra candies on top right before baking for that pop of color These were the first cookies my daughter helped make and now it is her favorite Christmas tradition
Storage Tips
Keep cookies in an airtight tin or container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer freeze the cookies in layers separated by parchment in a zip-top bag. To enjoy fresh-out-of-the-oven taste warm briefly in a microwave for a few seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions
If all you have is salted butter reduce the added salt slightly to balance flavors. Out of M&Ms try festive colored chocolate candies or even chopped chocolate bars for a rustic effect. Gluten free flour blends can also work if measured cup for cup just watch the dough texture and add a touch of extra liquid if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Pile high on a holiday platter for parties or package individually in clear bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts. Warm slightly right before serving to make the chocolate extra gooey. These cookies are a hit tucked into lunchboxes or paired with hot cocoa during family movie nights.
Cultural and Festive Touch
Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies put a playful twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. In our house it is not Christmas until someone cracks open a bag of red and green candies and the kitchen fills with that sweet baking smell. This recipe has become part of our family’s December traditions passed down and slightly tweaked every year.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch in pastel colored candies for spring gatherings Use heart shaped M&Ms for Valentine treats Try fall colors and a sprinkle of cinnamon for autumn cookie trays
Success Stories
My nephew bakes these every winter break now and mails batches to his college friends. One neighbor called them the prettiest cookies on her gift plate. These are always first to vanish at our church bake sale.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Scoop dough balls onto a tray and freeze solid then transfer to bags and bake from frozen adding one to two extra minutes to the bake time. Flash frozen dough stays fresh for months and lets you make warm cookies on demand whenever guests drop in.
Bake a batch of these cookies and enjoy a festive treat that is as pretty as it is delicious. Make an extra tin to share—you will never have leftovers.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I keep the cookies soft after baking?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to maintain moisture for up to one week.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → What size cookie scoop should I use?
A medium-size cookie scoop helps portion dough evenly, giving consistent results and uniform baking.
- → Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough isn't required, but a quick chill can enhance the cookie texture and help prevent excessive spreading if you prefer thicker cookies.
- → Can I substitute regular M&M’s with other flavors or colors?
Yes! Feel free to use mini M&M’s, peanut butter varieties, or swap for seasonal colors to suit different occasions.
- → What’s the best way to ensure even baking?
Space dough balls about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet and rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent results.