Bring some merry magic to your holiday baking with these M&M Christmas Cookies—festive, chewy, and bursting with colorful candies in every bite. These cookies are the answer to every holiday treat table, balancing buttery-rich dough with pockets of melty chocolate and playful crunch from sprinkles. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a cookie novice, you’ll find this recipe yields consistently adorable and utterly delicious results. With classic red and green M&Ms nestled in every soft cookie, this recipe will become your go-to favorite for gifting, potlucks, or simply curling up by the twinkling lights with a plateful.

M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of M&M Christmas Cookies starts with a handful of familiar pantry staples, each one adding its own special touch. From the creamy butter to the whimsical sprinkles, these ingredients create a holiday treat that’s as easy to love as it is to bake. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need—and why every component matters.

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of your cookie, ensuring the perfect chewy bite.

Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners work together to lift the cookies and give them a tender texture.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and intensifies the cookie’s flavor.

Unsalted butter (softened but cool): Butter is key for flavor and softness; don’t skip the temperature instructions!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.

Brown sugar (lightly packed): Gives the cookies a deep flavor and their signature chewy texture—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors for that classic homemade cookie taste.

M&M’s (or a mix with chocolate chips): The star of the show—holiday colors make these cookies extra festive and fun.
Holiday sprinkles: For a playful finish and an irresistible crunch on every cookie.

How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, giving it enough time to reach a steady temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze—a must during the busy holiday season.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leaveners and salt are distributed evenly, so every cookie comes out with the perfect lift and no salty surprises.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This creates air pockets that translate into soft, tender cookies every single time.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl so there’s no sneaky unblended spots.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Switch your mixer to low speed, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix just until incorporated—overmixing here can make your cookies tough, and we want them melt-in-your-mouth soft!

Step 6: Stir in M&Ms and Sprinkles

Now for the most fun part: gently fold in about one generous cup of M&Ms (and chocolate chips if using). Reserve the rest for topping. This ensures you get that joyful candy crunch in every single bite.

Step 7: Portion and Decorate

Scoop balls of dough—between 1½ and 2½ tablespoons per cookie works well—then gently press extra M&Ms onto the tops. Dip the tops into a bowl of sprinkles, pressing gently so those festive colors stay put and don’t fall off while baking.

Step 8: Chill or Bake

Pop the dough balls in the fridge for about 15 minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker cookie. Otherwise, bake right away for cookies with crisp edges and a softer center—they’ll flatten a bit more but still taste incredible!

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookie dough mounds on the parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-11 minutes, keeping an eye on them so the edges set while the centers stay a little underdone for that dreamy, soft-cookie texture.

Step 10: Cool and Marvel

Place the baking sheets on wire racks and let the cookies cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool but still retain that irresistible softness. Admire your tray of M&M Christmas Cookies—they’re almost too cute to eat!

How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies need hardly any help to shine, but you can always give them an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer right after baking. Add a pinch of extra sprinkles or press a few more M&Ms on top while they’re still warm for the “just from the bakery” look.

Side Dishes

Pair your M&M Christmas Cookies with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, a steamy chai latte, or a big glass of cold milk. For holiday parties, try serving them alongside a platter of spiced nuts or fruit slices for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package stacks of these cookies in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon, or nestle them in a decorative tin lined with tissue paper for a gorgeous homemade gift. And if you’re playing dessert tray stylist, arrange them with an array of red and green treats for a jaw-dropping display everyone will want to crowd around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover M&M Christmas Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days—though, honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Both the dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully. Shape dough balls and freeze them on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can also freeze baked cookies—just separate layers with parchment. Perfect for holiday prep!

Reheating

To revive that “just-baked” magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds for gooey, melty chocolate and a warm-from-the-oven experience. If you’re planning to serve a platter, a quick 3-5 minute refresh in a low oven works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of M&Ms or mix in other candies?

Absolutely! While red and green M&Ms are the classic pick for M&M Christmas Cookies, feel free to mix in peanut, caramel, or even mini M&Ms for fun flavor twists. Just be sure to use a similar total amount for best results.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but if you have the time, it helps the flavors meld and prevents too much spreading. Chilled dough yields thicker, more bakery-style cookies, but if you’re in a hurry, bake right away for perfectly tasty results.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t get too brown on the bottom?

Using parchment paper and a light-colored baking sheet is key. Keep a close eye toward the end of baking time, and remember, slightly underbaked centers are the secret to this cookie’s wonderful texture.

Can I make M&M Christmas Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check your leaveners and candies to be sure they’re gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to transport these for gifting or parties?

Let the cookies cool completely, then layer them between parchment in a tin or sturdy box. If stacking, use waxed or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking—and you’ll have gift-worthy cookies wherever you go!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a sweet dose of holiday spirit, nothing beats a freshly baked batch of M&M Christmas Cookies. The blend of nostalgic flavors and festive looks is a recipe for smiles. Gather your sprinkles, invite a friend or little helper, and let these cookies light up your kitchen (and your celebrations) this season!

M&M Christmas Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These festive M&M Christmas Cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season. Soft, chewy, and packed with colorful M&M’s, they are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the flour mixture.

Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in M&M’s and chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
Prepare for Baking: Place sprinkles in a shallow bowl. Scoop dough into balls, press M&M’s on top, then roll the tops in sprinkles.
Bake: Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are set but the center is slightly underdone.

Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks until firm.

Notes

You can customize the mix-ins by using different types of M&M’s or adding nuts.
Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain a thicker texture.

For softer cookies, underbake slightly and allow them to finish setting up on the baking sheet.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160
Sugar: 12g

Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g

Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, M&M cookies, holiday baking