Christmas M&M cookies made with red and green M&Ms, chocolate chips, and a soft, chewy vanilla cookie base. Perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, Christmas parties, and gifting. Easy recipe with festive colors and classic ingredients kids and adults love.

Soft, chewy, and packed with festive color, these Christmas M&M Cookies are a holiday baking essential. With a buttery vanilla base, melty chocolate chips, and red and green M&Ms, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, Christmas parties, or leaving out for Santa.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

200g butter, at room temperature
60g (¼ cup) caster sugar
200g (1 cup) brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
450g (3 cups) plain flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
150g chocolate chips
100g red and green M&Ms

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter, caster sugar, and brown sugar for 1 minute until smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated—do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms until evenly distributed through the dough.
Scoop the dough into balls (about 45g each) and place them on a lined baking tray. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan bake. Line 2–3 baking trays with baking paper.
Arrange the cookie dough balls on the trays, leaving room to spread.
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the tops are golden and just set.
Let the cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances flavor.
For a more festive look, press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball before baking.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.

Variations and Substitutions

No chocolate chips? Use all M&Ms or chopped chocolate instead.
Add-ins: Crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips add extra holiday flair.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

How long do they stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate.
Add to a holiday cookie box or platter.
Wrap in cellophane for a homemade edible gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and kid-friendly
Festive and colorful with red and green M&Ms
Perfect texture—chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
Ideal for gifting, parties, or Christmas baking traditions