Last December, I baked a batch of Christmas M&M cookies that quickly became a favorite among my family and friends. Their cheerful bursts of color not only brightened the holiday table but also sparked conversations about childhood memories tied to festive treats. If you're looking for a straightforward yet delightful recipe that captures the essence of the season, you might want to contemplate this one. There's more to this cookie than just a sweet taste; the way it complements your holiday gatherings can be quite surprising.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas M&M Cookies that are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to your holiday gatherings. Here's what makes this recipe a favorite among cookie lovers:
- Easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Bursting with colorful M&M's that add a fun and cheerful touch to any dessert table.
- Soft, chewy texture paired with a rich vanilla flavor, creating a delightful treat for everyone.
Recipe
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas M&M Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. These cookies are colorful, sweet, and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&M candies
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 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.
- Fold in the Christmas M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes:
- For a chewier texture, underbake the cookies slightly.
- You can substitute regular M&M candies with mini ones or other festive colors.
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Serving: Makes about 36 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
- Cuisine: American
Enjoy these scrumptious Christmas M&M Cookies as a treat for yourself or as a thoughtful gift during the holiday season!
What to Serve With This Recipe
When I whip up a batch of Christmas M&M cookies, I like to think about what else to serve alongside them.
Whether it's a hot cup of cocoa, some creative packaging for gifts, or maybe even a fun platter to showcase my treats, having a plan makes everything feel extra special.
Let's chat about some festive ideas that'll make your cookie experience even sweeter!
Festive Beverage Pairings
While savoring your festive M&M cookies, it's delightful to contemplate the perfect beverage pairings that can enhance their flavor.
I love indulging in a warm cup of rich Hot Cocoa, with its creamy texture wrapping around the sweetness of the cookies.
Alternatively, sipping on homemade Eggnog Delight adds a festive twist, balancing the sugary goodness perfectly.
Grab your favorite mug and enjoy!
Creative Packaging Ideas
To make your Christmas M&M cookies even more special, think about creative packaging ideas that can elevate their presentation.
I love using decorative boxes to showcase these treats, and don't forget the gift wrapping! Bright, colorful paper and festive ribbons add a fun touch.
It's like giving a gift of joy, and who doesn't love receiving something beautifully wrapped?
Enjoy your cookie gifting!
Ideal Serving Temperature
After you've beautifully packaged your Christmas M&M cookies, it's time to think about enjoying them at the perfect temperature.
I suggest serving them warm, around 15 to 20 minutes out of the oven for that gooey goodness.
This is one of my favorite baking tips! Trust me, the cookie temperature makes a difference.
Pair them with a glass of milk, and you're golden!
Storage Recommendations
Once you've indulged in those delicious Christmas M&M cookies, you'll want to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness.
For the best shelf life, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you've baked a ton, consider freezing options! Just pop them in a freezer bag, and they'll be good for a couple of months.
Enjoy your treats later!
Festive Platter Suggestions
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, a visually appealing festive platter can elevate your Christmas M&M cookies into the star of the dessert table.
I love to include a mix of other holiday cookies for variety, like gingerbread or snickerdoodles. Adding some chocolate truffles or peppermint bark enhances the dessert presentation, making it irresistibly fun and festive!
Enjoy creating your holiday cookie masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute M&Ms With Other Chocolates?
Sure, you can totally swap M&Ms for other chocolates! Think about how fun it'd be to mix flavors—like peanut butter cups or dark chocolate chips. The possibilities for flavor combinations are endless and liberating!
How Should I Store Leftover Christmas M&M Cookies?
I've found that storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh longer. For cookie storage solutions, I typically layer them with parchment paper and keep them in a cool, dry place for maximum enjoyment.
How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
You'd think cookies could last forever, right? Sadly, even the best ones eventually lose their charm. With proper storage, they stay fresh for about a week. Check ingredient shelf life for ultimate cookie freshness tips!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely, you can freeze the cookie dough! I always recommend dough portioning into individual balls before freezing. It's one of my favorite freezing tips, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever I want.
What Is the Best Way to Decorate These Cookies?
When it comes to decorating cookies, I love getting creative! I swirl on colorful, creative frosting and sprinkle seasonal sprinkles for that festive touch. It makes each cookie feel unique and oh-so-fun to eat!
