There’s something magical about the sight of colorful Christmas M&M Cookies cooling on the counter during the holiday season. With their festive red and green candies, golden-brown edges, and soft, chewy centers, these cookies are a must-bake treat that will bring joy to your kitchen.

I first made these cookies years ago as a fun baking project with my kids. Watching their faces light up as they decorated each one made the experience unforgettable—and the cookies quickly disappeared from the plate! Now, it’s a cherished tradition that we look forward to every year.

Ready to add a little holiday magic to your baking? Let’s dive into what makes these cookies irresistible.

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday cookie! These Christmas M&M Cookies are festive, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make.

First, they’re the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. The buttery dough melts in your mouth, while the crunchy M&Ms add a delightful texture.

Another reason to love them? They’re a breeze to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and requires only basic ingredients.

These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can bake them ahead of time for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. They’re guaranteed to spread holiday cheer wherever they go.

Finally, they’re just plain fun. From the colorful candies to the sweet aroma filling your home, baking these cookies is an experience you’ll want to repeat every Christmas season.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Christmas M&M Cookies lies in their simplicity. Here’s a closer look at what makes these cookies so special:

Unsalted Butter: Butter is the base of this recipe, creating that rich, classic cookie flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: This combination provides the perfect sweetness while keeping the cookies moist and chewy.
Eggs: The eggs bind everything together and give the cookies structure. For best results, use large eggs at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on this! It enhances the overall flavor and complements the chocolate in the M&Ms beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple, this gives the cookies their body and structure. Be sure to measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Baking Soda and Salt: These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise just right and have a balanced flavor.
Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show! These red and green candies add a festive flair and a pop of chocolatey goodness to every bite.
Optional Mix-ins: Want to mix it up? Add white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or crushed candy canes for an extra holiday twist.

How To Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Baking these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the M&Ms: Gently stir in the Christmas M&Ms, saving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This ensures every cookie looks picture-perfect.
Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store for later!

Storage Options

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they keep, making them perfect for holiday planning.

At Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to keep them soft longer.
In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Freezing the Dough: Prefer to bake fresh cookies on demand? Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

When reheating frozen cookies, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to enjoy that just-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are versatile enough to suit every taste and occasion. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or chunks alongside the M&Ms for double the chocolate goodness.
Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Peppermint Twist: Replace some of the M&Ms with crushed candy canes for a minty holiday spin.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and substitute a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for the eggs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these cookies your own!

With their irresistible flavor, festive appearance, and universal appeal, these Christmas M&M Cookies are sure to become a holiday staple in your home. So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and start spreading some holiday cheer—one cookie at a time!