M&M Christmas Cookies

Nothing brings the festive spirit into your kitchen like a batch of M&M Christmas Cookies. These cookies are not only a treat for the eyes with their vibrant red and green colors but also a delight for the taste buds. With a soft and chewy texture, they become an instant favorite during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting, or simply indulging at home, these cookies are bound to spread joy. Let’s dive into the magic of M&M Christmas Cookies.

Why This Recipe Works

This M&M Christmas Cookies recipe combines the perfect balance of chewy and soft textures with a hint of buttery goodness. The addition of cornstarch helps to achieve that soft center, while the melted butter ensures a rich flavor. The semisweet chocolate chips complement the sweetness of the M&Ms, creating a delightful contrast. This recipe is simple, making it accessible for bakers of all levels, and the colorful M&Ms add a festive touch that’s perfect for the holidays.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (280 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (5 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 grams, melted; 1 1/2 sticks)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (160 grams)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (85 grams)
• 10 tablespoons red and green M&Ms (106 grams, divided; 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons for topping)

Cook’s Kit

• Mixing Bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk – To ensure your sugar and butter mixture is well-combined.
• Spatula – For folding in the flour and M&Ms gently.
• Baking Sheet – A non-stick or lined sheet for baking your cookies evenly.
• Cookie Scoop – To portion out the perfect amount of dough for each cookie.

Cook M&M Christmas Cookies Like This

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the M&Ms. This is where the fun begins, as the colors of the M&Ms start to pop in your dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 7: Add More M&Ms

Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the tops of the cookie dough balls to ensure they look festive and colorful once baked.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious M&M Christmas Cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa!

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

• Add festive sprinkles for an extra holiday touch.
• Use different colored M&Ms for various occasions.
• Serve the cookies in holiday-themed tins as gifts.
• Pair with seasonal drinks like eggnog or spiced cider.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

When baking M&M Christmas Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not chilling the dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Using stale ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
• Not spacing cookies properly: Leave enough space on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To keep your M&M Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Layering: If stacking cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Common Questions

Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Absolutely! Feel free to use peanut M&Ms, pretzel M&Ms, or any of your favorite varieties to customize your cookies.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent for a vegan option.

How do I make these cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping can help create thicker cookies. You can also increase the flour slightly.

Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to these cookies. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips and M&Ms.

Desserts to Finish

• Chocolate Macarons – A sophisticated treat for chocolate lovers.
• Classic Puppy Chow – A crunchy, sweet snack that’s perfect for sharing.

In Closing

M&M Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to embrace the holiday season. With their festive colors and delicious flavors, they make for a perfect addition to any gathering or a wonderful gift for friends and family. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the baking begin! These cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home during this joyful time of year. Enjoy every bite of your M&M Christmas Cookies and happy baking!

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