There's something magical about baking Christmas M&M Cookies during the holidays. The warm aroma of vanilla and butter fills the house, and the sight of red and green candies nestled in soft, chewy cookies makes everyone smile. These cookies are the perfect mix of festive cheer and irresistible sweetness, a must-have for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just cozy evenings by the fire.

I started making these cookies years ago as a fun tradition with my kids. We’d sit around the kitchen table, sneak a few M&Ms, and watch the dough transform into colorful bites of joy. Now, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a batch of these cookies baking in the oven.

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to add a new favorite to your holiday baking lineup. These Christmas M&M Cookies are a festive delight that checks all the boxes for a perfect holiday treat.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday cravings or impromptu baking sessions with kids.

They’re as festive as they are delicious. The bright red and green M&Ms add a cheerful pop of color that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. Plus, the combination of soft, buttery dough and crunchy candies creates a texture that’s absolutely irresistible.

These cookies are also wonderfully versatile. You can swap out the M&Ms for other holiday candies or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated twist.

Finally, they’re a hit with everyone. Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors, setting them out for Santa, or indulging in a midnight snack, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to every face.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Christmas M&M Cookies lies in their simple ingredients, which come together to create holiday magic.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of these cookies. Be sure to measure it accurately for the perfect soft and chewy texture. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of sugars gives these cookies their signature chewiness and slight caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the buttery sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
Red and Green M&Ms: The star of the show! These festive candies add color, crunch, and a dose of holiday cheer.
Eggs: These provide structure and moisture. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results.

No special equipment is required, just a mixing bowl, hand mixer, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.0

How To Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Making these Christmas M&M Cookies is as easy as decking the halls. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating soft, chewy cookies, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in your vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and slightly shiny.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold in most of the red and green M&Ms, saving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies for a festive finish.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up while staying soft and chewy.

Storage Options

These Christmas M&M Cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing, ensuring you always have holiday treats on hand.

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft and fresh.
Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Refrigerator: You can also refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days. Bake as needed for fresh cookies on demand.

Reheat cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their freshly baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

one of the best things about these cookies is how adaptable they are. Here are some fun variations to try:

Chocolate Lovers: Mix in white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for an extra dose of decadence.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Nuts for It: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the chewy cookies.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet twist.
Different Colors: Swap the red and green M&Ms for blue and white for a winter wonderland theme or pastel colors for spring celebrations.

No matter how you customize them, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

This holiday season, bring the joy of baking into your home with these Christmas M&M Cookies. They’re festive, easy to make, and absolutely delicious – the perfect addition to your holiday traditions.