Festive Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe – Easy Holiday Treat

Posted on November 15, 2025

The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, mingling with the scent of pine and cinnamon candles, is the essence of Christmas, isn’t it? Every holiday season, I find myself reaching for my go-to recipe for Festive Christmas M&M Cookies. These colorful, cheerful cookies are not only a joy to bake but also a delight to share. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday treat, you’ve come to the right place!

I discovered this recipe years ago when I wanted something fun and festive for a holiday potluck. Let’s just say it was love at first bite. The soft, buttery cookies paired with the crunch and sweetness of the M&Ms make them irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that they’re perfect for last-minute baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with kids, or simply craving a festive treat, these cookies are bound to bring joy to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Festive and Fun: The bright red and green M&Ms are perfect for Christmas and add instant holiday cheer to your dessert table.
Kid-Friendly: This recipe is a blast to make with kids. Let them help mix the dough or press the M&Ms into the cookies—it’s a holiday memory in the making.
No Fancy Ingredients: All you need are pantry staples and a bag of holiday-themed M&Ms. Easy peasy!
Customizable: Want to add a little extra sparkle? Toss in some sprinkles or try different mix-ins like white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.

What sets these cookies apart is their perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. The buttery dough practically melts in your mouth, while the candy-coated chocolate brings a delightful textural contrast. They’re not just cookies—they’re little bites of Christmas magic.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, easily accessible ingredients to create a festive treat that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich and creamy dough.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
Large egg: The binding agent that holds the cookie dough together.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor enhancement.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Holiday M&Ms: The star of the show! Pick up a bag of red and green M&Ms to give these cookies their festive charm.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or swap out the holiday M&Ms for regular ones if Christmas isn’t in the air. You can even add a handful of walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze, but a hand mixer works just as well.
Baking sheets: Non-stick or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cookie scoop: Ensures consistent cookie sizes for even baking.
Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly while maintaining their texture.

Don’t have a cookie scoop? No worries—two spoons work just fine for scooping the dough. Just remember to lightly grease your baking sheets if you’re skipping the parchment paper.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (227 g) of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (100 g) of granulated sugar, and 1 cup (200 g) of brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract until well combined.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing!
Fold in the M&Ms: Stir in 1 1/2 cups (270 g) of holiday M&Ms, reserving a handful for topping.
Scoop and shape: Use a cookie scoop or spoons to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for a festive look.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They may look slightly underbaked in the center—this is perfect for a soft, chewy texture.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make your cookies dense and tough. Mix just until combined.
Chill the dough (optional): If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rise.
Watch the baking time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Customize the size: For smaller cookies, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup (60 g) of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Peppermint Surprise: Stir in crushed candy canes for a minty holiday flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap half the M&Ms for chocolate chips or chunks.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).

Last year, I made a batch with white chocolate chips and cranberries—it was a huge hit! Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served warm with a cold glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa. Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties or wrap them up in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts.

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their soft texture.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen after a day, so these cookies are just as delicious on day two or three!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional perks:

Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie (depending on size).
Protein: 2 g per cookie.
Key Ingredients: Butter provides healthy fats, and M&Ms offer a quick energy boost.
Dietary Notes: Contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Enjoy these cookies guilt-free as part of your holiday celebrations—they’re worth every bite!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fun, festive, and oh-so-delicious, these Festive Christmas M&M Cookies are the answer. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.

Why not make a batch today and share the joy with your loved ones? Trust me, these cookies will become a holiday tradition in no time.

I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out! Leave a comment below, share your variations, or tag me on social media with your holiday baking creations. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday-themed ones?

Absolutely! While the red and green M&Ms add festive flair, regular M&Ms work just as well.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

How can I make these cookies softer?

Be sure not to overbake them and consider adding an extra egg yolk for added moisture.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add other mix-ins to the cookies?

Definitely! Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed candy canes for unique flavor combinations.

Pin This Recipe!