The holiday season is the perfect excuse to whip up a batch of cookies (as if we needed an excuse, right?). But not just any cookies, Christmas M&M Cookies! These are soft, chewy, and loaded with festive red and green M&M’s, making them the ultimate treat for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with family.

Now, if you’ve ever attempted to bake with kids, you know it can go one of two ways: absolute chaos or absolute magic. Sometimes both at once. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple, quick, and nearly foolproof, so whether you’re baking solo or with tiny “helpers,” you’ll end up with a delicious batch of cookies that scream Christmas cheer.

So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking!

Christmas M & M Cookies on a wooden tray

Easy Christmas M&M Cookies

Why You’ll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Festive & Fun: The red and green M&M’s make them an instant holiday hit.
Super Easy: No fancy techniques or ingredients required, just mix, scoop, and bake!
Perfect for Parties: These are great for cookie swaps, school events, or leaving out for Santa.
Kid-Friendly: Little hands will love helping mix in the M&M’s (and sneaking a few!).

Here’s What You’ll Need

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Christmas M&M’s
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

✔️ Flour
✔️ Baking soda
✔️ Salt

Set aside. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:

✔️ Butter
✔️ Granulated sugar
✔️ Brown sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to making soft and chewy cookies!

Step 4: Add Vanilla & Eggs

Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs fully incorporate into the dough for a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft.

Step 6: Fold in the M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

The best part! Gently fold in:

✔️ Christmas M&M’s
✔️ Semi-sweet chocolate chips

If you have little ones helping, let them do this part. Just be prepared for a few M&M’s to go missing in the process.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

Tips for the Best Christmas M&M Cookies

✅ Use Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will make your cookies spread too much. Room temperature is just right!

✅ Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.

✅ Reserve Some M&M’s for the Top: Press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking for a picture-perfect look.

✅ Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading and enhance the flavor.

✅ Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!

Make It Your Own!

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

🎄 White Chocolate M&M Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a wintery twist.

🎄 Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor.

🎄 Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

🎄 Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

These Christmas M&M Cookies are the kind of treat that makes your home smell amazing and instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking a batch for Santa, a holiday movie night, or just because you really want a cookie (no judgment!), this recipe is a must-try.

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