How to Make the Best M&M Christmas Cookies from Scratch

Every Christmas, I look forward to the smell of cookies baking in the oven, and these M&M Christmas Cookies are one of my absolute favorites to make. There’s something about those red and green candies peeking through the soft, golden dough that just feels magical. I always make sure to have a big bowl of these on the counter throughout December because they never last long once the family spots them.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up from scratch. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a little Christmas spirit. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake up soft, chewy, and full of color. They’re the perfect treat to make with the kids, especially if you like sneaking a few M&Ms while you bake.

These cookies are always a hit at cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and cozy nights in with a cup of hot cocoa. They’re festive, delicious, and so simple to make that they’ve become part of my yearly Christmas baking lineup. Once you try them fresh from the oven, with melty chocolate chips and crunchy M&Ms in every bite, you’ll see why they’re a must-bake for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – gives the cookies their perfect soft and chewy structure.

• 1 tsp baking soda – helps the cookies rise just enough to stay light and tender.

• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – adds rich flavor and keeps the cookies soft.

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the dough and helps the edges turn golden.

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – adds moisture and that delicious caramel-like taste.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – brings a warm, cozy flavor that makes the cookies irresistible.

• 2 large eggs – help bind everything together for the perfect cookie texture.

• 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&M’s (red and green) – add festive color and a bit of crunch in every bite.

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Gently fold in the Christmas M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips, if using.

7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas M&M cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect M&M Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the sugars.

• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, this keeps the cookies soft and chewy.

• Save a handful of M&Ms to press on top of each cookie before baking for that pretty bakery-style look.

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that don’t spread too much.

• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the bottoms from over-browning.

• Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

• For extra festive flair, mix in both mini and regular M&Ms or swap colors for different holidays.

Serving

• Serve these cookies fresh from the oven when they’re still slightly warm and gooey inside.

• Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for the perfect treat.

• Stack them on a festive platter for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges.

• Crumble a few over ice cream for an easy holiday dessert idea.

• Tuck one or two into lunchboxes or holiday goodie bags for a sweet surprise.

• They also make a fun addition to holiday movie nights or family baking days.

Storing

• Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to stay soft and chewy.

• Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture and freshness.

• For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months, just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

• You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from frozen when you’re craving a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas ones?
Absolutely! You can use any color M&Ms or mix them up for different holidays and seasons.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t required, but it helps the cookies hold their shape and turn out thicker.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?
You can, but butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine may make the cookies spread more.

How do I keep my cookies soft after baking?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, the moisture from the bread keeps them soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your butter was too soft or the dough too warm, the cookies may spread. Try chilling the dough before baking next time.