Name: Christmas M&M Mini Cookies for a Festive Holiday Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (Sweet Cream, Salted) (at room temperature); 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla (pure vanilla extract recommended); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (add gradually); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (for leavening); 1 cup Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Red and Green M&M Minis; 1/4 cup Additional M&M's (for topping)

As I prepped for the holiday season, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: Christmas M&M Mini Cookies. These bite-sized gems encapsulate the festive spirit with their vibrant red and green shells, making them a joyful addition to any cookie platter. Not only are they incredibly quick to whip up, but their mini size makes them the perfect guilt-free indulgence during those busy holiday gatherings. Imagine surprising friends and family with these irresistibly cute treats that pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or milk. Trust me, your kitchen will feel like a festive wonderland, and you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more—what’s not to love about that? Ready to dive into this merry cookie-making adventure? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Miniature magic: With each cookie packed with festive flavor, these Christmas M&M Mini Cookies bring joy in every bite. Quick and easy to prepare, they fit perfectly into your busy holiday schedule while delighting both kids and adults alike. Colorful M&M’s not only brighten up your cookie platter but also deliver a delightful crunch. Versatile enough for any festive occasion, they shine as gifts, party treats, or a sweet addition to your dessert spread. Pair them with a hot cocoa or even these delicious Christmas Truffles Melt for a cozy evening treat—you’re going to love them!

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to create the perfect festive treat!

For the Cookie Dough

Butter (Sweet Cream, Salted) – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
Dark Brown Sugar (packed) – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, resulting in chewy texture that elevates your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.
Granulated Sugar – Balances richness and enhances sweetness for a delightful flavor.
Large Eggs – Acts as a binder, helping the cookies maintain their shape; using room temperature eggs allows for better mixing.
Vanilla – Infuses depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste experience.
All-Purpose Flour – The main ingredient that builds structure; add it gradually to achieve the right consistency.
Baking Powder – Essential for leavening, ensuring your cookies are fluffy and delightful.
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds that yummy chocolatey flavor; feel free to use regular chocolate chips if preferred.
Red and Green M&M Minis – Provides festive color and sweetness; mini M&M’s are recommended for the best visual appeal and enjoyment.

Optional Topping

Additional M&M’s – Place a few extra on top before baking for a pop of color and added sweetness in every bite.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your kitchen is warm and ready for baking these delightful Christmas M&M Mini Cookies. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine room-temperature sweet cream salted butter with packed dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, signaling it’s ready for the next delicious step.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the large eggs one at a time, along with pure vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly for another 3 minutes until everything is well blended. You’ll notice a creamy consistency forming, which will be the base of your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the baking powder and all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Mix until fully combined, ensuring no flour pockets remain. This will give structure to your cookies while keeping them soft and chewy, so avoid overmixing to maintain the tender texture of your treats.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s
Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive red and green M&M Minis. This adds a delightful surprise in every cookie, enhancing the holiday spirit. Make sure the candies are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough for a pop of color in every bite.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Scoop small spoonfuls of dough, approximately 0.5 oz each, and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet, slightly flattening each one. For an extra festive touch, place a few additional M&M’s on top of each cookie before baking—this adds to their vibrant appearance!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 8 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest briefly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack. This final step is key for achieving that perfect chewy texture in your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed or shared with family and friends during the holiday festivities!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas M&M Mini Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the cookies just as delicious upon baking. If you prefer, you can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; when ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Just remember to let your cookies cool completely before serving to maintain their chewy texture and vibrant color!

Tips for the Best Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth, well-blended cookie dough.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can ruin the soft texture of your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.

• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes. This helps the cookies to maintain their shape while baking.

• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies bake evenly.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be golden at the edges and soft in the center. Remove from the oven before they get too firm.

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these delightful Christmas M&M Mini Cookies your own with these fun twists!

Nutty Delight: Substitute M&M’s with chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Nuts add a warm, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet dough.
Cocoa Infusion: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolatey dough. For extra moisture, replace some sugars with buttermilk for a red velvet effect that’s simply irresistible.
Peanut Butter Twist: Mix in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to create a delectable peanut butter chocolate cookie. The combination of flavors adds richness and a satisfying chew.
Minty Fresh: Swap out M&M’s for mint chocolate candies or add peppermint extract for a festive twist. This adds a refreshing coolness perfect for holiday cookie trays!
Spiced Holiday: Incorporate 1 tsp of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spiced flavor. It’ll evoke cozy holiday memories with every bite, ensuring they disappear quickly!
Colorful Candy Swap: Use seasonal candies like holiday-themed chocolate or Sprinkles instead of M&M’s. The vibrant colors will add to the festive cheer and surprise your guests!
Lower Sugar Option: Opt for a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sweetness while still enjoying the holiday flavors. It’s a lovely way to accommodate dietary choices without sacrificing taste.

Don’t forget, these mini marvels also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or even a slice of the rich Christmas Trifle Deliciously to create a perfect festive snack spread!

What to Serve with Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Nothing completes a festive gathering like a delightful spread, and these mini cookies are sure to shine alongside your holiday favorites.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, velvety texture of hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with the sweet crunch of mini cookies, creating a cozy taste of nostalgia.
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a wonderful contrast of warm and cold, enhancing their sweetness and richness.
Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of mixed seasonal fruits adds a healthy and vibrant contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
Gingerbread or Peppermint Bark: These classic holiday treats can heighten the festive spirit, giving a delightful chocolate and spice contrast to the cookies.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the sweetness of the cookies, creating a soothing, aromatic experience alongside every bite.
Holiday Cheese Platter: Introducing a variety of cheeses adds depth to the cookie spread, with creamy brie or sharp cheddar complementing the sweetness beautifully.
Sparkling Cranberry Juice: This festive drink can enhance the jolly spirit of your gathering, adding a refreshing burst that complements the cookies’ sweetness.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Strawberries or oranges dipped in chocolate create a delightful contrast to the cookies, offering a luxurious sweetness that is simply irresistible.

Imagine setting your table with these diverse accompaniments, each bringing their unique texture and flavor that elevates your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies to an unforgettable holiday experience.

Storage Tips for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and keeps them fresh.

Fridge: To extend freshness, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Enjoy your festive Christmas M&M Mini Cookies!

Christmas M&M Mini Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select M&M’s for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing M&M’s, look for fresh, vibrant red and green mini sizes that are free from any dark spots or damage. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies but also ensures each bite is sweet and festive.

How should I store my Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
You can store these delectable cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them a bit longer, refrigerate them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for Christmas M&M Mini Cookies?
Very! I often freeze the cookie dough to have fresh cookies on hand. To do this, scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer the balls to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, arrange them on a lined cookie sheet and add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spread too much, don’t fret! This can happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before baking, or ensure your butter is softened rather than melted when you start mixing.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this recipe?
Absolutely! Since this recipe includes chocolate, keep these cookies away from pets, especially dogs, as chocolate is toxic to them. Additionally, if you’re concerned about allergies, always check that the M&M’s and any other ingredients are free from common allergens like nuts, gluten, or dairy, depending on your guests’ needs.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with something else?
Yes! I recommend it! You can easily substitute mini semi-sweet chocolate chips with mini white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even dried fruits like cranberries if you’re looking for a different flavor profile. Just ensure whatever you choose complements the festive vibe of your Christmas M&M Mini Cookies.