Name: Festive Christmas M&M Mini Cookies for an Easy Holiday Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup dark brown sugar (can substitute with light brown sugar); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (reduce for milder sweetness); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (can substitute with imitation vanilla); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (can replace with gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (can swap with dark chocolate chips); 1 cup red and green M&M Minis (essential for the festive look)

The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, drawing family and friends into the kitchen, hungry for a taste of holiday magic. My Christmas M&M Mini Cookies are not just your average treat; they’re a festive twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With a delightful chewy texture, these vibrant mini cookies come together in just over 20 minutes, making them the perfect quick baking option for busy holiday schedules. Not only do they look stunning on any dessert platter, but they also taste like pure joy in every colorful bite. Ready to create some cheer in your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Quick Baking Delight: These Christmas M&M Mini Cookies come together in just over 20 minutes, making them a perfect solution for those last-minute holiday gatherings.

Visual Appeal: The vibrant red and green M&M’s not only taste great but also add a cheerful touch to any dessert platter, enticing friends and family alike.

Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft chewiness and a slight edge crispness, satisfying every cookie lover’s craving.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich chocolate and sweet candy combine seamlessly, ensuring these cookies engage everyone’s tastebuds and keep them coming back for more.

Versatile Treats: Feel free to mix things up! You can swap the M&M’s for other festive candies or even add walnuts for an extra crunch.

Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them with hot cocoa or a glass of milk, making them the ultimate comfort treat during the holiday season.

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Ingredients

•Get ready to bake something festive!

For the Batter
Butter – 1 cup – Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.
Dark Brown Sugar – 1 cup – This adds a deep flavor and chewy texture. Light brown sugar can also be used if you prefer.
Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup – For that sweet edge and crispiness; reduce for milder sweetness.
Eggs – 2 large – Room temperature eggs bind the ingredients beautifully and help with leavening.
Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon – Enhances the cookie’s flavor profile; imitation vanilla is a good substitute if you’re in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour – 2 3/4 cups – Provides structure; this can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
For the Mix-Ins
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup – These create delightful pockets of chocolate; feel free to swap with dark chocolate chips.
Red and Green M&M Minis – 1 cup – Essential for that festive look and sweetness—try different colors for other occasions, but red and green radiate Christmas cheer!

With these Christmas M&M Mini Cookies ingredients, you’re equipped to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large room temperature eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing for an additional 3 minutes to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand to avoid flour spills. Take your time to blend smoothly until no dry flour remains visible, ensuring the cookie dough is soft yet firm.

Step 3: Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of red and green M&M Minis using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to have a beautiful rainbow of candy pieces distributed throughout your dough. The festive colors will make these Christmas M&M mini cookies visually appealing and delightful.

Step 4: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form small cookie balls, roughly 0.5 oz each, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball, giving them an even shape for baking. For an extra festive touch, press a few additional M&M’s on top of the cookies before they head into the oven.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookies for approximately 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they should be golden brown around the edges but remain soft in the center. Enjoy the comforting aroma of these Christmas M&M mini cookies filling your kitchen as they bake!

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them set and maintain their soft and chewy texture. Some M&M’s might crack during cooling, but that’s perfectly okay; it adds character to these festive treats!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas M&M Mini Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can shape the cookie balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen cookie balls directly on a lined baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked, festive cookies with minimal effort and just as delicious flavor. Happy baking!

Expert Tips for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better aeration. This helps create a lighter, fluffier cookie.
Prevent Tough Cookies: When adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cookies that are tough instead of soft and chewy.
Use the Right Tools: A stand or hand mixer is ideal for achieving the perfect dough consistency. Mixing by hand can lead to uneven texture.
Consistent Size: Scoop uniform cookie balls (about 0.5 oz each) to ensure even baking. This helps all cookies bake at the same rate, ensuring consistency.
Visual Appeal: Press extra M&M’s on top before baking for a festive look. The colorful candies add to the holiday charm.
Storage Tips: Keep your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months!

What to Serve with Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

The festive spirit is alive and well, inviting you to pair these colorful delights with perfect companions that elevate the holiday charm.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: Nothing warms the heart like a creamy cup of hot cocoa, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cookies. The rich chocolate flavors create a cozy pairing that screams holiday cheer.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve these cookies with a warm mug of spiced apple cider. The fruity and cinnamon notes enhance the cookie’s festive flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with crumbled cookies for a dessert that’s pure bliss. The creamy texture and coolness balance the soft, warm cookies beautifully.
Festive Fruit Platter: A platter filled with fresh seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and grapes offers a refreshing contrast. The vibrant colors match the cookies, making for a cheerful presentation.
Chocolate Milk: A classic pairing, chocolate milk adds a nostalgic charm to your cookie experience. The sweet, chocolaty flavor harmonizes with the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.
Holiday Eggnog: Offer a glass of creamy eggnog alongside the cookies for a festive twist. The rich and spiced drink pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of these whimsical treats, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: For a crunchy element, serve an assortment of mixed nuts and dried fruits. Their earthy flavors contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies, adding depth to your dessert spread.

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds!

Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch; they perfectly complement the sweetness of the M&M’s.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; keep the joy of cookies accessible to all!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil in place of butter and plant-based milk for a delicious dairy-free treat that tastes just as heavenly!
Minty Twist: Toss in some peppermint extract along with your vanilla for a refreshing holiday flavor; this variation is sure to invigorate the senses!
Different Colors: Use seasonal M&M’s in various colors like pastels for Easter or autumn hues for Thanksgiving; each celebration deserves its own unique twist on these cookies!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for holiday gatherings; it brings that cozy winter vibe to every bite!
Chocolate Chunk Wonder: Exchange M&M’s for rich chocolate chunks or holiday-themed chocolate nuggets; this twist ensures every cookie is a gooey chocolate paradise!
Caramel Surprise: Fold in some caramel bits for bursts of chewy sweetness; a true treasure of flavor in each mouthful that elevates your cookie game!

While you’re enjoying this festive treat, you might also love to explore Christmas Cookies Butterscotch or whip up a batch of Hot Buttered Mini as delightful alternatives to keep the holiday spirit alive!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating: To bring back their warm, fresh-baked taste, reheat cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as they can become too soft!

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right M&M’s for this recipe?
Absolutely! For these cookies, I recommend using red and green M&M Minis to capture the festive spirit of Christmas. Look for M&M’s that are vibrant in color and free from any visible dark spots, which could indicate that they’re past their prime. And if you’re feeling adventurous, any color M&M’s can be used to match different occasions!

How should I store my leftover cookies?
Very good question! To keep your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful cookies for up to 3 months. Here’s how: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, ensuring they’re spaced out to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a fresh-baked taste, you can give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
Oh no, dry dough can be a common issue! If you find your cookie dough not coming together, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Remember, the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet. Before adding more liquid, check that you haven’t over-mixed; this can sometimes create a drier texture.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
It’s essential to be cautious! While these Christmas M&M Mini Cookies are perfect for human indulgence, they contain ingredients harmful to pets, such as chocolate. Make sure to keep them out of reach of your furry friends. Also, check for allergens—these cookies contain gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter), so please substitute with gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter for any dietary restrictions.