There’s something truly magical about the holidays — the smell of freshly baked cookies, the twinkle of Christmas lights, and the laughter filling the air. Among all the festive treats, M&M Christmas Cookies hold a special place in everyone’s heart.
They’re colorful, chewy, buttery, and full of chocolatey goodness — a perfect combination that captures the joyful spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or looking for a make-ahead holiday dessert, these cookies deliver the ultimate holiday comfort.
In this post, you’ll discover everything you need to know about making the best M&M Christmas Cookies — from tips and variations to storage hacks and decorating ideas. Let’s bake some magic!
Why You’ll Love M&M Christmas Cookies
Before diving into the recipe, let’s highlight why these cookies are a holiday favorite:
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Festive and fun – The red and green M&Ms make every batch look like a piece of edible holiday art.
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Soft and chewy texture – Perfectly baked edges with gooey centers that melt in your mouth.
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Kid-friendly – Children love adding the M&Ms, and it’s a fun way to bond as a family.
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Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be refrigerated or frozen, perfect for holiday prep.
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Versatile – You can easily customize them with white chocolate, nuts, or sprinkles.
Ingredients for Perfect M&M Christmas Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic batch:
Dry Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
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¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150g) brown sugar (light or dark)
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (for extra chewiness)
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
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1 cup (170g) red and green M&Ms (holiday edition)
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¾ cup (130g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra chocolate flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This creates the perfect base for a chewy cookie.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and extra yolk, followed by the vanilla extract. The extra yolk gives richness and a soft texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix — we want every bite to have those delightful pops of color and chocolate!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) is essential. It enhances flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll them into balls, and place them 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for that picture-perfect look.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoy them warm or store for later — they’ll stay chewy for days!
Pro Tips for the Best M&M Christmas Cookies
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Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
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Do not overbake. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
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Add M&Ms on top after baking for a vibrant look.
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Chill the dough overnight for a deeper flavor and thicker cookies.
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Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
How to Store and Freeze
To Store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To Freeze Baked Cookies:
Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To Freeze Dough Balls:
Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations You’ll Love
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White Chocolate M&M Cookies – Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips.
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Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – Replace half the butter with creamy peanut butter.
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Double Chocolate M&M Cookies – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder for a rich twist.
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Oatmeal M&M Cookies – Add ½ cup rolled oats for extra texture.
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Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
M&M Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas
Get creative! Decorate your cookies for parties or gifts:
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Drizzle with white chocolate for a snowy effect.
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Add Christmas sprinkles before baking.
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Sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff or Nutella for a fun treat.
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Dip half in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Perfect for Every Holiday Occasion
These cookies fit right into every Christmas celebration:
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🎅 Cookie exchange parties – Colorful and crowd-pleasing.
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🎁 Gift boxes or jars – Wrap them in festive packaging for homemade gifts.
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🍷 Holiday dessert tables – Add variety and color.
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🍪 Baking with kids – A creative, joyful activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled until baking.
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday ones?
Yes! Use classic M&Ms or any seasonal color for other holidays (e.g., pastel for Easter).
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your dough may be too warm — chill it longer before baking.
Can I make them without chocolate chips?
Yes, just add more M&Ms for extra color and crunch.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with M&M Christmas Cookies
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Hot cocoa with whipped cream – A classic match.
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Peppermint lattes – For a café-style holiday vibe.
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Eggnog or spiced cider – Complements the cookie’s sweetness.
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Vanilla ice cream – Sandwich between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
The Secret to the Best Christmas Cookie Texture
The secret lies in the balance of brown and white sugar.
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Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
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White sugar adds crisp edges.
Using both creates the perfect soft and chewy M&M Christmas Cookie that everyone will love.
Gift Ideas Using M&M Christmas Cookies
Turn your cookies into thoughtful homemade gifts:
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🎁 Pack them in clear jars with red ribbons.
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🍪 Create cookie boxes with assorted holiday treats.
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🧤 Add a festive note card or recipe tag.
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💝 Use them as stocking stuffers wrapped in parchment paper.
These little touches make your cookies not just a treat — but a heartfelt gift of holiday warmth.
Holiday Baking Memories
Baking M&M Christmas Cookies is more than just a recipe — it’s about creating traditions.
Imagine the smell of cookies wafting through your kitchen while carols play, kids sneak M&Ms, and everyone gathers around the oven waiting for that first warm bite.
Each cookie becomes a memory, a symbol of togetherness, and a reminder that the simplest moments — like sharing a cookie — are often the sweetest.
Final Thoughts: Bake Joy This Christmas
M&M Christmas Cookies are simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and full of festive cheer. They’re proof that the best holiday treats don’t have to be complicated — just made with love.
