Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
Introduction
During the holiday season, the aroma of freshly baked cookies can truly elevate the festive spirit in your home. These Christmas M&M cookies, with their buttery base, crisp edges, and chewy center filled with red and green M&Ms, are not just delicious but also visually delightful.
Why choose this Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe?
These Christmas M&M cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking lineup for several reasons. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and sure to impress both family and friends.
Ingredients for Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&Ms
Preparation Steps for Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving a soft and chewy texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Stir in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Christmas M&Ms
Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms, reserving some to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a festive appearance.
Step 6: Form and Bake Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Add a few M&Ms on top of each dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Christmas M&M cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa!
Health Benefits of Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
While Christmas M&M cookies are undeniably delicious and a holiday favorite, they are not typically considered a health-conscious treat. However, in moderation, these cookies can contribute to your overall well-being by providing a source of joy and satisfaction during the festive season. Remember that balance is key, so enjoy these cookies as part of a varied and balanced diet.
Origin and History of the Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
The Christmas M&M cookies recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies, incorporating festive red and green M&Ms to add a pop of color and flavor. While the exact origin of this recipe is uncertain, it has become a popular choice for holiday baking and cookie exchanges. These cookies are a fun and festive addition to any Christmas celebration, bringing joy with every bite.
Delicious Variations Around Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
There are endless possibilities for creating unique variations of the classic Christmas M&M cookies. Consider experimenting with different types of M&Ms, such as peanut or almond varieties, to add a nutty twist. You could also mix in other favorite holiday candies or toppings, like crushed peppermint candies or white chocolate chips, for a personalized touch. Get creative and have fun exploring new flavor combinations to make your Christmas cookies truly special.
Chef’s Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas M&M Cookies Recipe
To ensure your Christmas M&M cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use softened butter for a smooth and creamy dough.
- Cream the butter and sugars well to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Press additional M&Ms onto the dough balls before baking for a festive appearance.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Christmas M&M cookies to a new level of perfection and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
While making these delightful Christmas M&M cookies, there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of to ensure your baking experience is smooth and your cookies turn out perfect:
- Overmixing the Dough: Be cautious not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- Not Chilling the Dough: It’s essential to chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling time.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated accurately to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. An oven that is too hot or too cold can affect the cookies’ outcome.
- Using Melted Butter: Avoid using melted butter in the recipe as it can cause the cookies to spread excessively while baking. Softened butter at room temperature is the way to go.
Ingredient Alternatives for Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors or customize your Christmas M&M cookies, here are some ingredient alternatives to consider:
- Chocolate Chips: Replace the M&Ms with chocolate chips for a classic chocolate chip cookie variation.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes can add a festive peppermint twist to your cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolatey taste.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Your Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
Enhance your Christmas M&M cookies with these expert tips and tricks to elevate your baking game:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smooth mixing and a uniform texture.
- Underbaking: Slightly underbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze the dough for future baking.
- Gift Giving: Package the cookies in festive boxes or jars for a delightful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Side Dish Suggestions for Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
Pair your scrumptious Christmas M&M cookies with these complementary side dishes to create a festive dessert spread:
- Hot Cocoa: Serve warm mugs of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon alongside the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Create cookie ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- Fruit Platter: Offer a colorful fruit platter with fresh berries, sliced oranges, and grapes to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Peppermint Bark: Add a touch of minty freshness with homemade or store-bought peppermint bark as a festive treat.
FAQ about the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
How to store the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe after cooking?
To keep your Christmas M&M cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature, scoop, and bake as directed. This makes it convenient to have freshly baked cookies whenever you desire.
What ingredients can be substituted in the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe?
If you want to switch up the flavors in your Christmas M&M cookies, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. You can substitute the M&Ms with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even crushed candy canes for a seasonal twist. Get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
How to adapt the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe for a vegetarian version?
To make a vegetarian version of the Christmas M&M cookies, ensure that the ingredients you use are free of animal by-products. Check the labels on the M&Ms to verify they are suitable for vegetarians. You can also use plant-based butter and egg substitutes in the recipe to make it completely vegetarian-friendly while retaining the delicious flavors and textures.
Is the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! Kids love the colorful and fun appearance of these Christmas M&M cookies. They can even join in the baking process by helping to mix the dough or place the M&Ms on top of the cookies before baking. These treats are perfect for holiday parties, school events, or as a special homemade gift for children to enjoy.
Conclusion about the recipe Christmas M and m Cookies Recipe
These Christmas M&M cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. With their festive colors, chewy texture, and buttery flavor, they embody the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are a delightful treat that spreads joy and happiness. Embrace the magic of the holidays with each delicious bite of these Christmas M&M cookies!
📌 Keep This Recipe Handy & Discover More Tasty Ideas!
Enjoyed this recipe? Don’t let it slip away! Save it now on Pinterest so it’s always just a click away. Pinning it also helps others find simple, delicious meal ideas!
💡 Whether you’re organizing your weekly meal plan or whipping up something special for guests, having your go-to recipes saved makes life in the kitchen so much easier. Use Pinterest to collect your favorites, explore new versions of classic dishes, and revisit your top meals anytime.
📲 Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a daily dose of inspiration — from cozy family dinners and quick lunches to seasonal desserts and healthy snacks. We update regularly with recipes designed to fit your lifestyle and taste.
📖 Craving more? Head over to our full recipe library to browse a wide variety of easy and flavorful dishes. No matter your skill level, you’ll find recipes that are simple to make and packed with flavor.
✨ Bookmark your favorites and swing by often — there’s always something fresh and delicious waiting for you!
