There's something truly magical about the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, especially during the holiday season. These Christmas M&M cookies are the perfect blend of festive charm and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Bright pops of red and green M&Ms make them as beautiful as they are tasty.

I first baked these cookies during a last-minute holiday party, and they instantly stole the show. Ever since, they've been a staple on our Christmas cookie tray. Let me show you why this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Why You'll Love This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Get ready to meet your go-to holiday cookie recipe! These Christmas M&M cookies have everything you could want: flavor, ease, and festive flair.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy techniques or equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a mixing bowl.

Second, the texture is unbeatable. The edges are golden and slightly crisp, while the centers stay soft and chewy for days, making them ideal for both baking ahead and enjoying fresh out of the oven.

Finally, they’re endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking to mix in some chocolate chips, sprinkle in crushed candy canes, or swap in different M&M colors for other holidays, this recipe adapts beautifully.

So, grab your apron and let’s bake up some Christmas magic together!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect cookie.

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure. Be sure to measure it correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough. If you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added salt by half.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of these sugars gives the cookies their chewy texture and caramel-like sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract if you can for the best taste.
Red and Green M&Ms: These holiday candies not only add a festive pop of color but also provide a delightful crunch and chocolatey surprise in every bite.

No special equipment is required for this recipe, though a stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.

How To Make This Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these steps for guaranteed success.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour.

Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, reserving a handful to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking. This little trick makes the cookies look extra festive.

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.

Storage Options

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead of time.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—it works wonders!
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

To reheat, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is festive. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.

Different Colors: Swap the red and green M&Ms for pastel colors at Easter or orange and brown for Thanksgiving.
Add-ins: Stir in some white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Candy Cane Crush: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the dough balls before baking for a minty twist.

Experiment with your favorite mix-ins to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours. No matter how you customize them, these cookies are sure to be a hit!