There’s something so joyful about baking this **Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe** — a perfect blend of chewy chocolate chip goodness with vibrant holiday M&Ms that just brighten up the season. I absolutely love how every bite feels like a little celebration, and I think you will too once these come out of the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun: The colorful Christmas M&Ms bring instantly festive vibes that kids and adults both adore.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy with crispy edges—this cookie hits that Goldilocks zone just right.
- Easy to Make: I love that this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment, making holiday baking stress-free.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your own twist to suit your holiday family traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe works so well because of the balance between rich butter, soft brown sugar, and the light crunch of M&Ms combined with chocolate chips. Plus, a touch of cornstarch keeps them wonderfully tender.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for that classic cookie texture.
- Cornstarch: This helps make the cookies soft and tender, a little trick I discovered recently and love.
- Baking soda: Acts as the leavening to give cookies just a gentle lift.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and really brings out the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and that subtle molasses flavor I think is essential to cookie goodness.
- White Sugar: Gives slight crunch and sweetness structure.
- Large Egg: Helps bind everything and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: The secret ingredient that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: Classic chocolate chunk goodness, a must-have in every bite.
- Christmas M&Ms: These festive candies add extra color and crunch—always my favorite part!
Variations
One of the best parts about this Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or add some chopped nuts to give my batch a little extra crunch. You can totally make it your own!
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely texture contrast and a bit of depth in flavor I adore.
- Gluten-Free Version: I once used a gluten-free flour blend with great success—just ensure it has xanthan gum to keep cookies together.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirling in a bit of peanut butter before baking makes the cookies richer, perfect for peanut butter fans.
- Extra Chocolate: Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate chunks or add white chocolate chips for a mix of flavors.
How to Make Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Tools
First things first, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking—trust me, it’s a game-changer. Then whisk your dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Getting this ready beforehand makes mixing a breeze and ensures your rise is even.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter with light brown and white sugar for about a minute until fluffy and creamy. This step is where the cookie’s tender and chewy texture starts building, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The egg helps bind your cookie dough, and vanilla brings warmth and depth to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Scrape down the sides of the bowl so nothing is left behind, then gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or your cookies might turn out tougher than I like.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms with a Spoon
This part is a trick I learned the hard way: switch to a wooden spoon here to gently fold in chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms. Using a mixer risks breaking those festive candies—a little extra care keeps them whole and pretty.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies and Chill
Scoop dough into balls on the parchment-lined sheet—eight per sheet is my sweet spot to keep them roomy while baking. Then, press a few extra M&Ms and chocolate chips on top for that picture-perfect holiday look. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes or overnight; chilling helps prevent spreading and intensifies flavors.
Step 7: Bake until Slightly Underbaked
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes—they’ll look a bit underbaked in the center but trust me, they’ll finish firming up as they cool. Patience here is key if you want beautifully chewy cookies.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This step allows those edges to set perfectly while keeping the centers soft—exactly how I like them.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Butter Softness Matters: I used to make the mistake of melting butter, which made cookies too flat; softened butter just shy of finger-tender is perfect.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps control spreading and improves flavor, especially if you have time overnight.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone—they crisp up as they cool for that chewy center.
- Use a Wooden Spoon for Mix-ins: Folding in M&Ms and chocolate chips gently keeps the candies intact and colorful.
How to Serve Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a few extra Christmas M&Ms pressed on top just before baking—that little pop of color makes the cookies look festive and inviting every time.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, or even a peppermint mocha if you’re feeling fancy—holiday vibes all around!
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party, I love arranging these cookies on a festive platter with pine sprigs and a sprinkle of powdered sugar snow. Gift-wrapped in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon, they also make an adorable edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep the edges crisp and centers chewy, I recommend adding a slice of bread to the container—it works wonders!
Freezing
I usually freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. This allows me to bake fresh cookies anytime I want, especially handy during the busy holiday season.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm and melty, heat cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Fresh-from-the-oven texture without rebaking the whole batch!
FAQs
-
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas M&Ms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Regular M&Ms will work just fine and still give you that wonderful chocolate crunch. The Christmas variety just adds a festive visual touch that’s perfect for the holidays.
-
Why is cornstarch included in the recipe?
Cornstarch helps make the cookies extra soft and tender. It’s a little trick I learned that keeps cookies chewy without making them cakey.
-
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. Just let the dough come to room temperature a bit before baking for best results.
-
How do I keep the M&Ms from melting during baking?
Pressing a few M&Ms onto the surface of each cookie dough ball before baking helps them stay intact and visually vibrant since they are less buried in the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and fun. I love how easy they are to make, and every year my family crowds in to grab seconds (and thirds!). I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy these cozy, colorful cookies as much as I do—trust me, they’ll add some magic to your holiday baking.
Print
Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining classic chocolate chips with colorful holiday-themed M&Ms for a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Sheets: Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a standing mixer, beat together softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and continue stirring until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms: Switch to a wooden spoon to gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms, being careful not to break the candies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop cookie dough into balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Press 2-3 additional M&Ms and chocolate chips on top of each cookie ball, then roll into smooth balls.
- Chill Dough (Optional): If desired, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or store in a sealed bag overnight. Allow dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking if chilled overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches temperature before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange cookie dough balls spaced apart on the parchment-lined baking sheets (preferably 8 per sheet). Bake for 10 minutes until cookies appear slightly underbaked but edges are set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Butter should be softened but still slightly firm; it should yield gently under pressure without being greasy or melted.
- Pressing additional M&Ms and chocolate chips on top before baking adds visual appeal and extra candy flavor.
- Chilling the dough enhances the texture and flavor but is optional if short on time.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- For best results, allow refrigerated dough to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
