There's nothing quite like the festive aroma of freshly baked Christmas M&M cookies filling your home during the holiday season. These colorful, chewy delights are the perfect treat to share with friends and family—or to enjoy with a cozy mug of hot cocoa by the fire.

I first started making these cookies as a way to add some holiday cheer to my usual baking routine. The vibrant red and green M&Ms make them feel extra special, and they’ve quickly become a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to each year. Ready to create your own batch of Christmas magic? Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite holiday cookie. These Christmas M&M cookies are more than just delicious—they’re a delightful way to add festive cheer to any occasion.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a little holiday spirit! They come together quickly, making them a great choice for last-minute holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.

Second, they’re kid-friendly. Not only do children love eating them, but they’ll also have a blast helping to make them. From mixing the dough to sprinkling in those colorful M&Ms, this recipe is a fun family activity.

Third, these cookies are perfectly chewy and soft. The secret lies in using brown sugar and butter, which create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, the addition of festive M&Ms brings a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Finally, these cookies are customizable. Want to add nuts, sprinkles, or a dash of cinnamon? The possibilities are endless, making this recipe as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Christmas M&M cookies lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes them so irresistible:

Unsalted Butter: Butter is the base of these cookies, providing rich flavor and a tender texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar: The secret to soft, chewy cookies. Brown sugar retains moisture, ensuring that your cookies stay fresh for days.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create those lightly crisp edges.
Vanilla Extract: A good-quality vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in the recipe. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, creating a sturdy yet soft cookie base.
Christmas M&Ms: These are the star of the show! Their bright red and green colors make these cookies look festive, while their crunchy texture adds a fun element to every bite.

If you have a stand mixer, it will make creaming the butter and sugars a breeze. A hand mixer works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. Be sure to have parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for lining your cookie sheet—it makes cleanup effortless and prevents sticking.

How To Make These Christmas M&M Cookies

Creating these festive cookies is easier than wrapping presents—plus, it’s a lot more fun! Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of Christmas cheer:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily from the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture, so don’t rush it!

Next, beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

Now comes the fun part—gently fold in your Christmas M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies for decoration.

Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. A cookie scoop ensures consistent sizes, but a tablespoon works fine too. Press a few of the reserved M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball for extra festive flair.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy, and delightfully festive cookies ready to enjoy.

Storage Options

These cookies are perfect for making ahead, as they store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In the Freezer: Place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing the Dough: If you’d rather bake them fresh, freeze the dough balls instead. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

To reheat, pop the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add Chocolate Chips: Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips with the M&Ms for an extra chocolatey twist.
Use Holiday Sprinkles: Swap some of the M&Ms for festive sprinkles for even more holiday flair.
Try Different Flavors: Use peanut butter M&Ms or mint-flavored ones for a unique spin.
Add a Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to accommodate dietary needs.

No matter how you customize them, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy and a splash of color to your holiday celebrations.

So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake some holiday cheer—these Christmas M&M cookies are sure to become a family favorite!