Sweet Holiday Cookie Treat

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

These festive Christmas cookies combine a soft, chewy cookie base with colorful M&Ms and holiday sprinkles. Easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:28:34 GMT
A plate of festive cookies topped with green and red candies, along with chocolate chips, is displayed attractively. Pin it
A plate of festive cookies topped with green and red candies, along with chocolate chips, is displayed attractively. | recipesim.com

My Holiday Cookie Collection

Every December my kitchen transforms into a cookie wonderland. After years of perfecting these recipes I can't wait to share my favorites with you. The star of the show is always my M&M Christmas Cookies they're like little bites of holiday magic with their festive colors and perfect chewy texture.

Your New Favorite Holiday Treats

I've tested countless cookie recipes over the years and these are the ones my family begs for every Christmas. Those Holiday M&M Cookies disappear first always. My Mint Chocolate Chip version started as an experiment but now they're tradition. The Kitchen Sink Cookies came from cleaning out my pantry one day and turned into an unexpected hit.

The Classics You Need

Some cookies just scream Christmas. My grandmother's Sugar Cookie recipe still stands the test of time they hold their shape perfectly for decorating. The Brown Sugar Molasses Cookies fill the house with the most amazing aroma and that Snickerdoodle recipe? It's got two secret ingredients that make them absolutely irresistible.

Save Some for Later

I love having cookies ready whenever company drops by. Most of these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months just double wrap them to keep them fresh. My favorite trick is freezing cookie dough balls they bake up perfectly straight from frozen. Just remember to freeze them on a baking sheet first before bagging them up.

A close-up of a plate stacked with festive cookies decorated with red and green candies and chocolate chips. Pin it
A close-up of a plate stacked with festive cookies decorated with red and green candies and chocolate chips. | recipesim.com

Sharing the Love

When I'm sending cookies to family far away I stick to the sturdier varieties like sugar cookies or chocolate chip. I've learned to pack them snugly in plastic containers and always use quick shipping. Nothing beats seeing their faces when they open a box of homemade cookies.

My Famous M&M Christmas Cookies

The recipe that started it all! You'll need 1 cup butter softened ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 2¼ cups flour ½ tsp each of baking soda baking powder and salt 1 cup holiday M&M's ½ cup chocolate chips and festive sprinkles. Just cream the butter and sugars add egg and vanilla mix in dry ingredients fold in M&M's and chips then roll in sprinkles. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until just golden around the edges.

What Makes These Special

These cookies come out perfect every time crispy edges soft centers and no chilling required. They're my go to when I need cookies in a hurry. Plus they freeze beautifully either baked or as dough balls. My daughter loves helping press extra M&Ms on top before baking they look so festive when they're done.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use one of two methods right after baking: Either swirl a glass over hot cookies to shape them, or use the back of a spoon to gently push edges inward. Both methods must be done while cookies are still hot.

→ Should I chill the dough?

Chilling for 15 minutes helps ensure thicker cookies. If butter is too soft or you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for up to one hour before baking.

→ How should I measure the flour?

Either fluff flour and scoop with measuring cup before leveling, or spoon flour into measuring cup and level off. Proper measuring ensures the right cookie texture.

→ Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled to make more cookies. Just maintain the same proportions for all ingredients.

→ How do I know when the cookies are done?

Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly underdone. This creates a soft, chewy cookie that will firm up as it cools.

Christmas M&M Cookies

Classic holiday cookies featuring colorful M&Ms and festive sprinkles, with a soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
9 Minutes
Total Time
29 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (15-20 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour.
02 1 teaspoon baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool.
06 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
07 1/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed.
08 1 large egg.
09 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
10 1½ cups M&M's or mixture of M&M's and chocolate chips, divided.
11 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients into wet on low speed until just combined. Gently stir in about 1 cup M&M's.

Step 05

Scoop 1½-2½ tablespoon dough balls. Press remaining M&M's on top and dip in sprinkles.

Step 06

Can bake immediately for thinner cookies or chill 15 minutes for thicker cookies.

Step 07

Bake 8-11 minutes until edges set but center slightly underdone. Shape if desired while hot.

Step 08

Cool completely on wire racks. Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Notes

  1. Can be made thicker by chilling dough.
  2. Recipe can be doubled.
  3. Shape while hot for perfect circles.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer.
  • Wire cooling racks.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g