Forget store-bought treats this year! These M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a truly decadent cookie that everyone will love.
With their soft centers, crispy edges, and festive colors, they're guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering (or a sweet treat just for you!).
Life is too short to say no to a cookie every now and then. Check out all the other Christmas cookies to help you celebrate the holiday season!
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The holidays are a time for sharing, and these M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are made for spreading joy.
I love baking up a batch of these cookies along with a few other holiday favorites. Then, I package them in festive tins or boxes tied with a pretty ribbon.
It's such a simple gesture, but it's a wonderful way to spread some holiday magic and connect with the people around you. Plus, who can resist something homemade during the holidays?
Looking for more easy cookie recipes to make during the holidays? Try my Marshmallow Christmas Cookies and my Chocolate Christmas Cookies.
Table of Contents
- Tips for Baking Christmas Cookies
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- How to Shape Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Bake Cookies Like a Pro!
- Baking Instructions
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- Storing and Thawing Tips
- Ready for more Easy Cookie Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Tips for Baking Christmas Cookies
- Make sure the ingredients you’re using are fresh. If you don’t bake often, you might want to purchase a new box of baking soda or baking powder before you start a new recipe.
- Don’t over-mix the dough.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour before baking. This improves the texture and rise of the cookies as they bake.
- Using a cookie scoop ensures you get the same size cookie each time and that they will bake evenly.
- Watch the cookies as they bake. Baking time for most recipes is a “guideline” but you know your oven better than me. Watch them closely as they bake so you don’t overcook them. Cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly browned.
- Remember, cookie centers will continue to cook for a few minutes while they’re out of the oven and cooling.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix!
- Fold in some crushed pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet twist.
- Use mini M&Ms for smaller bursts of color and chocolate.
- Change the color of M&Ms for different holidays like I do with my Valentine's Day Chocolate Chip Cookies and my Easter Cookies.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Cream together the butter and sugars with vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
How to Shape Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 2: Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake Cookies Like a Pro!
Use a cookie scoop to form the dough balls to ensure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Not sure what size cookie scoop to use? Grab my FREE Cookie Scoop Size Cheat Sheet!
Baking Instructions
Step 3: Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
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Storing and Thawing Tips
Pantry: Allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I always layer cookies between waxed paper or parchment paper so there's no sticking.
Freeze Raw Cookie Dough Balls: Prepare the recipe as directed, then scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag for longer storage. (For more freezing tips, check out my Freezing Cookie Dough post!) Freeze for up to 3 months.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze already baked cookies by allowing them to fully cool before adding to a freezer safe container with pieces of wax paper or parchment paper in between the layers of cookies. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Bake the dough balls from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Thaw the already baked cookies at room temperature on a plate or wire rack for 30-60 minutes.
Ready for more Easy Cookie Recipes:
- Check out my other recipe for Peppermint Christmas Cookies.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies.
📖 Recipe Card
M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup plain red and green M&M's
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350° F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine together the flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually beat in flour mixture.
- Stir in morsels and M&M candies.
- Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F degree oven for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips for Baking Perfect Cookies:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are room temperature.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutesr before baking. This improves the texture and rise of the cookies as they bake.
- Using a cookie scoop ensures you get the same size cookie each time and that they will bake evenly.
- Check the cookies after 9 minutes and if the bottoms are set and just starting to brown, they're ready.
- Remove the cookie sheet pans from the oven and leave the cookies on the hot sheet pans for about two minutes so that they can finish baking.
- Cool on wire racks before enjoying...if you can wait that long!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I do so wish that I had time this year to bake up a variety of cookies and package them up all pretty for gifts. But, it'll just be us and the kids snarfing down these delicious cookies this year...wait, what was I just complaining about?! 😛
Seriously tho, your M&M chocolate chip cookies are just what I've been looking for: crispy around the edges and soft in the middle. MY JAM!