As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a wonderland of scents and colors, filled with the warmth of baking and the excitement of sharing. This year, I’m whipping up a batch of Christmas M&M Mini Cookies—an enchanting twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that automatically brightens any festive gathering. These delightful mini cookies are not only a fun and easy way to bring loved ones together, but their vibrant red and green M&M’s make them a total showstopper on the dessert table. Perfectly chewy with a hint of crispness at the edges, they capture the essence of holiday joy in every delightful bite. What’s your favorite way to celebrate the season with baked treats?
Why are Christmas M&M Mini Cookies a must-try?
Joyful Sharing: These cookies are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer at gatherings or gift exchanges.
Kid-Friendly Fun: With their vibrant colors and easy-to-make recipe, they’re perfect for little helpers in the kitchen.
Flavorful Twist: The combination of mini M&M’s and chocolate chips adds an extra layer of sweetness to the classic cookie experience.
Versatile Treat: Feel free to swap M&M’s for other seasonal candies or nuts to suit your taste.
Quick Bake Time: Ready in just 8 minutes, these festive cookies are perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions.
Storage Friendly: Enjoy them fresh or store them for a last-minute snack; they stay delicious for days!
For more festive ideas, check out my Tiramisu Christmas Cookies and Joy Christmas Fudge to keep your holiday spirit alive!
Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
• Butter (1 cup) – Adds richness and moisture; choose unsalted for better control over sweetness.
• Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness; light brown sugar can be substituted for a milder flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Enhances sweetness and supports cookie structure for that perfect bite.
• Large Eggs (2) – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; be sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – Boosts flavor significantly; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups) – Provides structure to the cookies; avoid overmixing to keep them tender.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise perfectly.
• Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Adds a rich chocolatey flavor; can be omitted based on preference.
• Red and Green M&M Minis (1 cup) – Essential for that festive touch; mini M&M’s are ideal for these bite-sized cookies.
Expert Tips
• Keep both butter and eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• A stand mixer is great for creaming ingredients, but a hand mixer will work if you’re up for it.
• Baking times might vary; test with one cookie to perfect your timing.
• Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
These delicious Christmas M&M Mini Cookies not only bring joy but are a festive addition to any holiday dessert table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of dark brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a stand mixer for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add 2 large eggs (at room temperature) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing for an additional 3 minutes until well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed between additions just until the flour is incorporated. This will ensure the dough remains tender for your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.
Step 3: Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of red and green M&M Minis using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want the candies and chocolate chips evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delightful burst of color and flavor in your cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 0.5 oz balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand for uniformity. Optionally, press a few extra M&M’s into the tops for that festive touch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Christmas M&M Mini Cookies for approximately 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the edges to turn a golden brown while the centers remain soft. This balance ensures a chewy texture with a delightful bite.
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Although some M&M’s may crack, the cookies will still be delicious. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up for the best sweet indulgence!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas M&M Mini Cookies
Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature for a couple of hours, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Reheating: To revive the freshness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing those delightful Christmas M&M Mini Cookies to become soft and inviting again.
Expert Tips for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies
Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure both butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, well-mixed dough.
Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating flour, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Test Your Oven: Baking times can vary; consider testing with one cookie first to perfect your timing for these Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking throughout each batch.
Keep an Eye on Baking: Watch the edges closely; you want them golden brown while keeping the centers soft for the perfect chewiness.
What to Serve with Christmas M&M Mini Cookies
Bring the festive spirit to your table with these delightful treats that invite joyous companionship.
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Milk and Cookies: The classic pairing of warm cookies and a cold glass of milk is a nostalgic match made in heaven, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate and citrus adds a sweet contrast and brightens the cookie plate with vibrant colors.
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Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a cozy atmosphere with rich, homemade hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, elevating your cookie experience to new heights.
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Gingerbread Men: Serve these alongside spicy gingerbread cookies to blend rich chocolate flavors with aromatic spices, providing a delightful taste exploration.
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Sugar Cookies: Fluffy and simple sugar cookies can be a great addition, offering a blank canvas to showcase seasonal decorations or fun frosting techniques.
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Christmas Punch: A festive punch infused with cranberries and spices can complement the sweetness of the cookies while adding a cheerful holiday flair to your celebration.
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Cheesecake Bars: Rich and creamy cheesecake bars with a hint of peppermint are a decadent option. Their textures wonderfully contrast with the soft chewiness of the Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.
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DIY Cookie Decorating Station: Invite everyone to participate in the fun by setting up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and fun candies, perfect for both kids and adults to get creative!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas M&M Mini Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then chilling it in the refrigerator. This not only helps consolidate your baking tasks but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough or shape it into balls, and bake according to the instructions. To maintain quality, be sure to cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Enjoy stress-free baking and delightful treats!
Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these festive cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Nut-Free: Omit chocolate chips and M&M’s, substituting with dried fruit for a chewy texture.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same delightful cookies without gluten.
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious alternative.
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Extra Crunchy: Add crushed pretzels or nuts for an unexpected salty crunch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and holiday spirit.
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Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate M&M’s or chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a rich flavor experience.
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Minty Fresh: Add peppermint extract and some crushed candy canes to the mix for a vibrant holiday twist.
Imagine the delightful contrast of chocolate and refreshing mint, just like a candy cane!
For additional holiday inspiration, consider trying out some festive Christmas Cupcakes Deliciously or the rich flavor of Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream for your gatherings!
Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ripeness of ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature, making it soft but not melted, so it creams well with sugars. Room temperature eggs help in the mixing process, creating a smooth batter. A tip I often share: if your eggs are cold, place them in warm water for about 10 minutes to bring them up to temperature!
How should I store my Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
To maintain their deliciousness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them in a single layer on a plate, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I freeze Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours, or warm them in the microwave for a quick treat!
What should I do if my cookies don’t spread while baking?
If your cookies come out too puffy and don’t spread, it might be due to overmixing the dough or too much flour. Measure the flour accurately—scooping straight from the bag can lead to excess flour. If dough seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to help with spreading. A tip: always include a test bake with one cookie to fine-tune your baking time and texture!
Are there any dietary considerations for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
Very! For allergy concerns, you can make these cookies nut-free by choosing candies that don’t contain nuts and ensuring your chocolate chips are also nut-free. If you’re baking for kids or friends with allergies, always check labels. Alternatively, you can create a dairy-free version using appropriate substitutes such as coconut oil for butter and almond milk for eggs!
How can I adjust the recipe for different flavors?
The more the merrier! To switch things up, feel free to replace M&M’s with seasonal candies or even nuts for a delightful crunch. You might try mixing in butterscotch, peanut butter chips, or even swapping out some of the flour for cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. Get creative with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for that festive twist!
Delight in Christmas M&M Mini Cookies for a Festive Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing for an additional 3 minutes until well combined.
- Whisk together flour and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&M Minis.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into 0.5 oz balls and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 8 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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