There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The aroma of warm cookies wafting through the house, the laughter of loved ones gathered around, and the festive spirit in the air make it all so special. My absolute favorite treat to whip up are these delightful Christmas M&M cookies. They’re not just your average cookie; the colorful M&M’s bring a cheerful pop that perfectly captures the holiday vibe! Plus, I love how easy they are to make—my kids always get excited to help. Trust me, once you get a taste of these gooey, chewy cookies, they’ll be a staple in your holiday baking lineup!
Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these festive treats! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup packed brown sugar for that rich, caramel flavor
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar to add just the right amount of sweetness
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature to help the dough come together
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for a warm, inviting aroma
- 3 cups all-purpose flour for that perfect cookie structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda to help them rise a bit
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s for a festive touch and burst of color
How to Prepare Christmas M&M Cookies
Prepping Your Ingredients
Let’s get started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly! While that’s warming up, grab two mixing bowls—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry. It’ll make the mixing process so much smoother. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way!
Mixing the Dough
Now, in your large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I usually whip this together until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the magic happens! Then, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget the vanilla extract! It adds such a lovely flavor that will fill your kitchen with warmth. Mix until everything is combined and looking deliciously creamy.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In your second bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential because it helps evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour. Now, gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds—mixing gently until just combined each time. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want soft, chewy ones!
Adding the Christmas M&M’s
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in those vibrant Christmas M&M’s. I usually save a few to sprinkle on top before baking because who doesn’t love a cookie that looks as festive as it tastes? Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite is a colorful surprise!
Baking the Cookies
Now it’s time to drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for spreading. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniformity, but a spoon works just fine too! Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft. Once they’re out, let them cool on a wire rack. The smell will be irresistible, I promise!
Tips for Success with Christmas M&M Cookies
To make sure your Christmas M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, if you like your cookies a bit thicker, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better. Also, don’t forget to store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy—trust me, they won’t last long, but it’s good to try! Lastly, if you want to switch things up, consider adding some nuts or sprinkles for extra crunch and color. Happy baking!
Variations of Christmas M&M Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun variations to try with these delightful cookies! For a classic twist, swap out the Christmas M&M’s for regular M&M’s or even peanut butter M&M’s for a deliciously nutty flavor. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Another fun idea is to mix in some festive sprinkles or even a dash of peppermint extract for a holiday minty vibe! Whatever you choose, these variations will keep your cookie game exciting and delicious throughout the season!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to the nutritional values of these Christmas M&M cookies, it’s important to note that they can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Factors like the type of butter, sugar, or even the M&M’s can alter the nutritional profile. Common nutrients to consider include calories, sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. So, while I’ve provided some general guidance, I always recommend checking the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ about Christmas M&M Cookies
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to use a stick form of margarine for the best results; it’ll still give you that lovely texture.
How should I store my cookies?
Keep your Christmas M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long!
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No worries! You can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but your cookies will miss that rich flavor. If you have molasses, you can mix a tablespoon with regular sugar to mimic brown sugar!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be golden brown, while the centers will look slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture!
Why You’ll Love Christmas M&M Cookies
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Vibrant festive colors that brighten up any dessert table
- Deliciously chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness
- Fun to make with kids, creating sweet holiday memories
- Always a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings
Christmas M&M Cookies: 5 Steps to Holiday Happiness
- Całkowity Czas: 32 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious Christmas M&M cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Składniki
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the Christmas M&M’s.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Uwagi
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can replace Christmas M&M’s with regular M&M’s.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 12 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 100mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas m m cookies
