There's something truly magical about a batch of Christmas M&M Cookies fresh out of the oven. With their chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and festive pops of red and green candies, these cookies are an absolute must-have during the holiday season.

I still remember making these cookies as a child with my grandmother – sneaking a handful of M&Ms while the dough came together. Now, they’ve become a beloved tradition in my own family, filling the kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies and holiday cheer. Whether for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or a cozy night in, these cookies are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with a cookie recipe that’s equal parts festive and delicious. These Christmas M&M Cookies are so simple, you’ll find yourself baking them on repeat all December long.

First, they’re quick and easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques – just basic pantry staples and your favorite red and green M&Ms. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of perfectly baked cookies ready to enjoy.

These cookies are also soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crunch from the colorful candy coating. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, buttery cookie dough and chocolatey goodness.

They’re perfect for the holidays! Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute treat for guests, filling a cookie tin for gifting, or leaving something sweet for Santa, these festive cookies are a holiday crowd-pleaser.

Best of all, they’re family-friendly and versatile. Get the kids involved in rolling the dough and pressing the M&Ms – it’s a fun holiday activity that doubles as dessert prep!

Ready to start baking? Let’s dive in.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simple ingredients, all of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Christmas M&M Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cookies their structure. Be sure to measure accurately for the best results – too much flour can make the cookies dry.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars gives these cookies the best of both worlds – a crisp edge (from the white sugar) and a chewy center (thanks to the brown sugar).
Eggs: Eggs add moisture and help bind the dough together. Use large eggs at room temperature for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this! It enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a warm, cozy aroma.
Baking Soda & Salt: These work together to give the cookies their perfect rise and balance the sweetness.
Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show! Use red and green M&Ms for that festive holiday vibe. You can also mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips if you like an extra chocolate kick.

Special Equipment: All you need is a mixing bowl, a hand or stand mixer, baking sheets, and parchment paper.

How To Make Christmas M&M Cookies

Making these festive cookies is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps to whip up the best Christmas M&M Cookies in no time:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for soft, chewy cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in 2 large eggs (one at a time) and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of Christmas M&Ms using a spatula. Save a handful of M&Ms to press on top of the cookies before baking – this makes them look extra festive!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for decoration.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly soft – that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Pour yourself a glass of milk and enjoy these warm, gooey cookies straight from the oven!

Storage Options

These Christmas M&M Cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead or sharing as gifts.

At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft and chewy.
In the Fridge: If you need to store them longer, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
In the Freezer: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Store cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm.

Freezing the Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these cookies is how versatile they are. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Use Different M&Ms: Swap out the Christmas M&Ms for other seasonal varieties – Valentine’s Day pink and red M&Ms, Easter pastels, or classic colors for year-round baking.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For a sweet-and-salty twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your M&Ms are gluten-free, too.

No matter how you customize them, these cookies will bring joy to anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

Make these Christmas M&M Cookies a part of your holiday tradition, and watch as they disappear faster than you can bake them. With their bright, festive colors and irresistible flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. So preheat that oven, grab your apron, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer – one cookie at a time!