M&M Christmas Cookies for Kids are a fun and festive treat perfect for holiday baking traditions.
These vibrant, colorful cookies not only delight the eyes but also offer a chewy texture with bursts of chocolate from the M&M candies.
They’re easy to make, making them ideal for young bakers enthusiastic to join in the kitchen fun, and they provide a great opportunity for families to bond over cookie decorating.
Packed with joy and cheer, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to children and adults alike during the holiday season.
This ingredient list guarantees that you have everything you need to bake delicious M&M Christmas Cookies that kids will love!
Cooking Steps
Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F) and position the oven rack in the center. Line two baking sheets (approximately 38 cm x 26 cm or 15 in x 10 in) with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar and ¾ cup (165 g) packed brown sugar to the butter, mixing until well combined and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes more.
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture from step 2 into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie.
Gently fold in 1 cup (about 170 g) M&M candies and ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips (if using) using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (approximately 15-20 ml) and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 5 cm (2 in) apart.
Press a few extra M&M candies on top of each cookie dough mound for decoration before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies should have a slight shine and a soft texture in the middle.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (approximately 20 minutes).
Verify the cookies are completely cooled before serving or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variations
Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Replace ½ cup (125 g) of the butter with ½ cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist and increased protein.
Gluten-Free M&M Cookies: Swap the 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free M&M Cookies: Use 1 cup (227 g) coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free adaptation.
Vegan M&M Cookies: Substitute the 2 large eggs with ½ cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce and replace the butter with 1 cup (227 g) vegan margarine for a completely plant-based option.
Tips on plating and presentation
After exploring delicious variations of M&M Christmas cookies, it’s time to think about how to beautifully present these festive treats.
First, I love using a colorful platter that complements the bright M&M colors, making the cookies pop. You can stack them in neat piles or arrange them in a circular pattern.
Adding festive accents like sprigs of mint or holly gives a cheerful touch. If you’re feeling creative, try dusting powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies for extra flair.
Finally, wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes for a delightful gift or party favor.
What other dishes can I pair it with?
While preparing your M&M Christmas cookies, consider pairing them with other festive dishes that can elevate the holiday spirit.
I love serving these cookies alongside a vibrant fruit salad featuring pomegranate seeds and fresh oranges. The sweetness of the fruit complements the cookies beautifully.
Another great option is a warm batch of gingerbread, adding a spiced, chewy texture to the array.
For something hearty, a savory cheese board works well; I usually include a variety of cheeses and some honey to balance the sweetness.
Finally, don’t forget about popcorn—consider drizzling some with chocolate or caramel.
Each of these dishes enhances the joyful vibe and creates a delightful holiday spread that everyone will enjoy!
What drinks can I pair it with?
To enhance the enjoyment of your M&M Christmas cookies, I love pairing them with festive drinks that complement their sweetness. A classic choice is cold milk, as it balances the indulgent flavors perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a peppermint hot chocolate; the minty twist adds a revitalizing zing. For a lighter option, I enjoy a spiced apple cider, warm and fragrant, it brings a cozy vibe.
If you want to keep it simple, a fruity sparkling water can also work wonders, adding a fizzy touch without overwhelming the sweetness.
Finally, for the grown-ups, a cup of mulled wine can be delightful, enhancing the holiday flavors of your cookies. Each pairing takes cookie enjoyment to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sugar Alternatives in This Cookie Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use sugar alternatives in the recipe! I often substitute with options like coconut sugar or stevia. Just remember to adjust amounts for sweetness, as alternatives can differ in potency!
How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. I’ve noticed they taste best the first few days, so I usually share them quickly to keep everyone happy!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
I always store leftover cookies in an airtight container, stacking them with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. It’s worked wonders for me, keeping my treats soft and delicious for days!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for later use! I usually shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag. It’s convenient for a quick treat later!
Are There Any Allergy-Friendly Substitutions for This Recipe?
I often use gluten-free flour, dairy-free chocolate chips, and applesauce instead of eggs. These substitutions keep the taste delicious while being allergy-friendly. Trust me, everyone loves these adjustments, regardless of dietary restrictions!
