Christmas M&M Cookies

Christmas M&M Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These vibrant cookies, loaded with colorful M&M chocolates and rich chocolate chips, make an excellent addition to any holiday gathering. Not only are they delicious, but their cheerful appearance also adds a touch of joy to your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together, a cookie exchange, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate chips and M&M candies creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Kid-Friendly: Children love helping out in the kitchen, making this recipe a fun family activity.
• Makes Plenty: With 36 servings, you’ll have enough cookies to share or enjoy throughout the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Christmas M&M Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency when mixing butter and sugars.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for making Christmas M&M Cookies:

• 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 brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla
• ½ cup of chocolate chips
• 1 ¼ cups of red and green M&M’s (divided)

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract:
1. Mix until well combined.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in your mixer.
3. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon:
1. Stir in one cup of red and green M&Ms along with chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using a medium-sized cookie scoop:
1. Scoop out portions of dough onto your prepared cookie sheet, placing them about one inch apart.
2. Press the remaining quarter cup of M&Ms on top of each dough ball.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes:
1. Once done, remove from oven and allow them to cool on a cooling rack for about five minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Christmas M&M Cookies

Christmas M&M Cookies are a festive treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Serve these delightful cookies in various ways to make your celebrations even more special.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter surrounded by holiday decorations for a cheerful presentation.

With Milk or Hot Cocoa

• Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of hot cocoa creates the perfect cozy snack.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon and give them as sweet party favors for guests to take home.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring these cookies to a cookie exchange party, where everyone can sample different treats and share recipes.

How to Perfect Christmas M&M Cookies

To ensure that your Christmas M&M Cookies are nothing short of amazing, follow these helpful tips for baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking enhances flavor and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. An accurate temperature leads to consistent baking results.
• Add Extra M&Ms: For a festive touch, press additional M&Ms on top of each cookie before baking. This adds visual appeal and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas M&M Cookies

While Christmas M&M Cookies are delicious on their own, they can be paired with delightful side dishes that enhance your holiday spread. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Holiday Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, apples, and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include an assortment of cheeses with crackers and nuts for a savory balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Veggie Tray with Dip: Fresh vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip offer a crunchy complement that lightens up dessert time.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate with dippable items like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels for interactive fun.
5. Mini Sandwiches: Offer small turkey or chicken sandwiches to create a savory option amidst the sweet treats.
6. Hot Apple Cider: This warm beverage infused with spices creates a festive drink pairing that complements holiday flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Christmas M&M Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Boldly skipping the softening step: Make sure your butter is softened properly. This helps create a light and fluffy cookie texture.
• Boldly neglecting the measurement: Always measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
• Boldly ignoring oven calibration: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An uncalibrated oven can lead to uneven baking.
• Boldly forgetting to chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help maintain shape during baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas M&M Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Properly stored, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Christmas M&M Cookies

• Boldly using the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Boldly opting for the Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat!
• Boldly considering Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing cookies for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Christmas M&M Cookies special?

These cookies combine classic chocolate chip flavors with festive M&M’s, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

How long do Christmas M&M Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for three months.

Can I customize my Christmas M&M Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or add nuts for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!

Are Christmas M&M Cookies easy to make?

Yes! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It’s ideal for holiday baking with family and friends.

Can I use different types of M&M’s?

Yes! Feel free to use any seasonal or colored M&M’s that you prefer. This adds variety and fun to your cookie creations.

Conclusion

Christmas M&M Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any holiday occasion. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors make them a festive treat everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy baking these delightful cookies with loved ones!