There's nothing quite like the sight of a plate piled high with Christmas M&M Cookies to bring festive cheer to your home. These colorful, chewy cookies are packed with holiday magic, making them a hit at parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire.
I first made these cookies for a holiday bake sale, and they were the first to disappear from the table. With their vibrant red and green candies and soft, buttery texture, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You'll Love This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your holiday baking list. These cookies combine nostalgic flavors with festive flair, making them perfect for every occasion this season.
First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. Even if baking isn’t your forte, this recipe is simple enough to follow, yet yields bakery-quality cookies that will impress your family and friends.
The texture is unbeatable. Soft and chewy with just the right amount of crisp on the edges, each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, the pop of chocolate from the M&Ms adds just the right sweetness to complement the buttery dough.
They’re also highly customizable. Whether you prefer adding white chocolate chips, swapping in peanut butter M&Ms, or even using gluten-free flour, these cookies can be tailored to your preferences without losing their festive charm.
And finally, they’re a visual delight. The red and green M&Ms against the golden cookie base scream Christmas, making them a gorgeous addition to any dessert spread.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, which come together to create a holiday masterpiece.
All-Purpose Flour forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure. Be sure to measure it carefully using the spoon-and-level method for perfect results.
Unsalted Butter is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture. Let it soften at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars to create a smooth, fluffy base for your dough.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar provide the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses, which gives the cookies their rich flavor.
Red and Green M&Ms are the stars of the show! Use the holiday-specific mix for the ultimate Christmas aesthetic. For a bit of variety, try combining them with semi-sweet chocolate chips or festive sprinkles.
Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, cozy undertone. A high-quality vanilla extract can make all the difference.
No special equipment is needed beyond a mixer and a baking sheet, making this recipe accessible for everyone.
How To Make This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is as delightful as eating them! Follow these steps for guaranteed success.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, well-mixed dough, so take your time and ensure the sugars dissolve into the butter.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These wet ingredients combine to form the backbone of your cookie dough, adding both moisture and flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, being careful not to crush them. If you’d like an extra festive touch, save a few candies to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll set as the cookies cool.
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 remaining soft and chewy.
Storage Options
These cookies are perfect for making ahead or enjoying throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to store them:
- 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.
- Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
- Freezer: To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
For unbaked cookie dough, scoop it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks alongside the M&Ms for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix to create cookies everyone can enjoy.
- Peanut Butter Fans: Use peanut butter M&Ms instead of regular ones for a deliciously nutty variation.
- Mini Cookies: Scoop out smaller portions of dough for bite-sized treats, perfect for holiday gift boxes or party platters.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! These cookies are forgiving, and experimenting with different add-ins is part of the fun.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just looking to indulge in some holiday cheer, these Christmas M&M Cookies are guaranteed to deliver. Their festive colors, incredible flavor, and easy preparation make them a recipe you’ll return to year after year. Happy baking!
PrintChristmas M&m Cookies Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas M&M Cookies! Soft, chewy, and loaded with red and green M&Ms, these cookies are a must-have for any Christmas dessert table. Perfect for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or as a sweet treat for Santa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups Christmas M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in the Christmas M&Ms.
- Scoop the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- You can substitute regular M&Ms for the holiday ones if needed.
- For extra festive cookies, press a few additional M&Ms on top of the dough before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
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