There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your home during the holiday season, and these Christmas M&M cookies are the perfect treat to spread some festive cheer. With a buttery base, crisp edges, and a chewy center loaded with red and green M&Ms, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
I discovered this recipe when planning a Christmas cookie exchange, and it quickly became the star of the show. Not only are they visually stunning, but they’re also incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules. Let’s dive in and see why these cookies deserve a spot on your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
Get ready to embrace the joy of holiday baking with these irresistible cookies. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season in every bite.
First, they’re a breeze to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, even if you’re juggling multiple holiday tasks. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are needed—just simple, festive magic.
Next, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or packaging them as gifts, these cookies always impress. The vibrant red and green M&Ms pop against the golden cookie dough, making them a visual delight.
Finally, they’re endlessly customizable. While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. Swap in different candies, add a touch of spice, or experiment with different extracts for a personal twist.
Let’s look at the simple ingredients that make these cookies so special.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cookies lies in their balance of flavors and textures. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients:
Unsalted Butter: The base of the dough, butter adds richness and ensures a tender crumb. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: This combination gives the cookies their signature chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor. Don’t skip the brown sugar—it’s the secret to a soft cookie!
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract works best, but imitation vanilla can work in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough. Be sure to measure it correctly (spoon and level) to avoid dense cookies.
Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show! These colorful candies add festive cheer and a delightful crunch. You can find holiday-themed M&Ms at most stores during the season.
Baking Soda and Salt: The unsung heroes of cookie baking. Baking soda helps the cookies rise, while salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!
How To Make This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is as simple as mixing, scooping, and baking. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and chewy texture.
Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it can make the cookies tough.
Fold in the Christmas M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This ensures a festive look once they come out of the oven.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Add a few M&Ms to the tops of each dough ball for an extra festive touch.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
To keep them fresh, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their softness.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To reheat frozen cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or let them thaw at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the Christmas M&Ms for regular ones if baking outside the holiday season.
- Add a handful of white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for an extra festive twist.
- Experiment with almond or peppermint extract in place of vanilla for a unique flavor.
- Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your personal flair, these cookies are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer. So grab your apron and enjoy the magic of baking this festive favorite!
PrintChristmas M&m Cookies Recipe
Indulge in these festive Christmas M&M cookies, a holiday favorite packed with red and green candy-coated chocolates. These soft, chewy cookies are easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or as a treat for Santa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Christmas M&Ms
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in the Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra festive cookies, press a few additional M&Ms on top of the dough balls before baking.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the perfect chewy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
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