Why Make This Recipe
M&M Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that add a touch of joy to any holiday gathering. Their colorful candy coating not only makes them visually appealing but also brings a crispy, sweet burst of flavor with each bite. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with family during the festive season.
Baking these cookies is an enjoyable experience for both seasoned bakers and novice cooks. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, everyone can join in on the fun. Plus, the smell of fresh cookies wafting through your home is bound to evoke the spirit of the holidays, making it a perfect activity to share with loved ones.
Equipment Needed for M&M Christmas Cookies
To make M&M Christmas Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. A mixing bowl is necessary for combining ingredients. A whisk will help mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. For creaming butter and sugar, a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is ideal. You should also have a spatula for scraping down the sides of mixing bowls.
Don’t forget to grab two baking sheets to hold your cookie dough, as well as parchment paper to line them. Lastly, you will need a shallow bowl to hold the holiday sprinkles for decoration. With these tools in hand, you’re all set to start baking!
What You Need to Make M&M Christmas Cookies
- 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour (see note)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened but still cool)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (lightly packed, make sure it’s fresh and soft)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups M&M’s or a mixture of M&M’s and chocolate chips (divided)
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
How to Cook M&M Christmas Cookies Step by Step
Begin your delightful cookie-making adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out delicious. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the dry base of your cookies, helping them rise and maintain a lovely texture. Set this aside for now while you work on the wet ingredients.
In a separate, larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix this for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy; this process incorporates air into the butter, which is essential for soft cookies. Once fluffy, add the large egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed well.
Gradually add in the flour mixture you prepared earlier, mixing on low speed until just combined. This is important to avoid overmixing, which could lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the M&M’s and optional chocolate chips, reserving some to top the cookies later.
To add a festive flair, place the holiday sprinkles in a shallow bowl. Now, it’s time to shape your cookie dough! Scoop out portions of cookie dough that are between 1½ and 2½ tablespoons. For each scoop, gently press a few M&M’s onto the top of the dough ball to ensure they are well-coated in color.
Next, lightly press the top of each dough ball into the bowl of sprinkles. This adds an extra festive touch to your cookies. At this stage, you can bake the cookies right away, but for a thicker cookie, you may want to chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.
Once your dough balls are ready, place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch or two between each ball to allow for spreading during baking. To ensure the cookies are thick and chewy, make sure the dough balls are mounded higher rather than flattened.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-11 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the edges of the cookies are set, while the center should still look slightly underdone. This helps achieve that soft cookie texture everyone loves. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, you can shape them if needed, to create an even better appearance.
Allow the baking sheets to cool on wire racks. Let the cookies cool completely before moving them, as they will firm up a bit as they cool. This final touch helps maintain that perfect chewy consistency.
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies
Making M&M Christmas Cookies is a simple process that combines the joyful spirit of baking with delicious flavors. By following the clear steps laid out and ensuring you have everything ready, you’ll create scrumptious cookies that are sure to delight.
Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. Gathering all your ingredients before starting helps streamline the process and reduces any chances of missing an ingredient. Prepping your cookie dough ahead of time, such as chilling it for thickness, can greatly enhance the texture.
As you shape your cookies, feel free to get creative with the placement of M&M’s and sprinkles. This isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a visual feast. After baking, enjoy the aroma of warm cookies filling your home, and share them with friends and family to spread holiday cheer.
How to Serve M&M Christmas Cookies
Once your M&M Christmas Cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to serve them! You can present these colorful cookies on a festive serving platter to showcase their charm. Their bright colors are sure to attract everyone’s attention, perfect for holiday gatherings.
For an extra special touch, consider serving these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. This pairing not only complements the sweetness of the cookies but also provides a cozy and comforting experience, especially during the colder months.
If you’re at a holiday party, offering individual servings or stacking them in festive boxes can make great gifts for guests to take home. Just be sure to sprinkle some extra M&M’s on top when serving to maintain that bright, festive look.
What to Serve with M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies can be enjoyed with various treats and beverages during the holidays. Hot cocoa is an excellent complement, as the warm, rich drink pairs perfectly with the soft sweetness of the cookies. For a refreshing option, a tall glass of cold milk is a classic choice that will satisfy both kids and adults.
Consider presenting a selection of other holiday cookies alongside these vibrant delights. Gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark fit right into the festive theme, making for a delightful cookie platter. If you want a bit more variety, adding seasonal fruit, such as oranges or pomegranates, can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Finally, feel free to offer a variety of hot beverages, such as spiced apple cider or herbal tea, to create a cozy atmosphere at your holiday gathering. This diverse menu will cater to all tastes and ensure everyone enjoys their festive treats.
How to Store M&M Christmas Cookies
To keep your M&M Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store them properly. Allow your cookies to cool completely before placing them in a container. This prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to soggy cookies.
Consider using an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can layer the cookies in between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you have a lot of cookies, consider using different containers for different types to help keep everything organized.
If you’d like to keep your cookies for a longer period, freezing is a viable option. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Tips to Make M&M Christmas Cookies
To ensure your M&M Christmas Cookies turn out perfectly, consider a few handy tips. Always use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, as this helps create a nice, fluffy dough. Soft, cool butter can be mixed more easily and effectively with both sugars.
Pay attention to the mixing of your dry and wet ingredients. Mix just until combined and avoid overmixing, which can result in dense cookies. The secret to soft cookies is baking them slightly underdone; this keeps them chewy and retains moisture.
For an extra festive touch, you can change up the colors of M&M’s used in the recipe. Using themed colors can match your holiday event or personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to try adding additional flavors, such as nuts or dried fruit, to enhance the cookie experience further.
Variation
While the classic M&M Christmas Cookies are festive and delightful, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. One popular variation is to incorporate a combination of M&M’s and chocolate chips. This brings in an extra layer of chocolate deliciousness.
Another fun twist is to include chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. You could also switch the holiday sprinkles for themed sprinkles depending on the season, allowing you to enjoy these cookies year-round.
For an exciting flavor bomb, consider adding a touch of peppermint extract along with the vanilla. It transforms these cookies into a holiday favorite with a minty kick.
Best Time to Make M&M Christmas Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies are best made during the holiday season when the spirit of joy and cheer fills the air. However, there is no strict time limit; you can prepare these cookies whenever you crave a tasty treat or want to share something special.
Baking a batch in early December can kickstart your holiday festivities and provide delicious snacks for gatherings. Hosting a cookie exchange or holiday party? These cookies are perfect for sharing, allowing you to showcase your baking skills and spread the joy.
Don’t hesitate to bake these delightful cookies throughout the year, either. They make excellent gifts or snacks for any occasion, proving that the fun of cookie making isn’t reserved just for Christmas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best M&M Christmas Cookies, it’s essential to avoid some common baking mistakes. One frequent error is using cold butter straight from the fridge. Softened butter blends better and helps create that desired texture.
Also, ensure you are accurately measuring your flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can create flat, spread-out cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
Be careful not to overbake your cookies. Keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time. Cookies continue to cook even after being removed from the oven, so trust your instincts, and take them out while they still look a bit underdone.
Nutritional Notes
M&M Christmas Cookies offer a delightful blend of sweetness and texture. Though they are a treat, it’s still important to consider moderation when enjoying these cookies. Each cookie provides sugar and carbohydrates, making them energy-boosting snacks.
Adding M&M’s contributes to the overall fun of these cookies but also increases their sugar content. If you are watching your sugar intake, consider enjoying these treats as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.
Each cookie can typically provide around 150 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. Always remember to balance delicious treats with plenty of nutritious foods in your diet.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolates instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely! You can substitute M&M’s with chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or any other favorite candy. Just keep the total amount in mind; you want to maintain the right cookie consistency.
How long will baked cookies last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, baked M&M Christmas Cookies can last up to one week at room temperature, and about three months in the freezer.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance flavor and make preparation easier for holiday gatherings.
Conclusion
M&M Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that brings color, flavor, and happiness into the kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, your family, or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The steps are easy to follow, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Try making a batch this holiday season and enjoy the aroma of fresh cookies filling your home. As you and your loved ones share each delicious bite, you’ll create lasting memories and spread joy throughout your celebrations. Happy baking!
