Welcome to the wonderful world of holiday baking! Few things evoke the festive spirit quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And if you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies, prepare to fall in love with these easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious Festive Holiday Cookies. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating joyful memories, sharing warmth, and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. With a touch of seasonal magic from red and green Christmas M&M’s, these cookies are ready in minutes and devoured even faster. So, tie on your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s make some holiday cheer together!
Why These Festive Holiday Cookies Are a Must-Bake
These aren’t just any cookies; they are an instant mood-lifter, a burst of flavor, and a delightful feast for the eyes. Here’s why these Festive Holiday Cookies, adorned with their cheerful red and green M&M’s, will become your go-to recipe this season:
- Irresistible Flavor: Building on the beloved foundation of a perfect chocolate chip cookie, these treats offer that same comforting, buttery, and sweet profile you crave, enhanced with the satisfying crunch and extra chocolatey goodness of M&M’s.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant pop of red and green M&M’s instantly transforms a simple cookie into a festive masterpiece, perfect for holiday platters, gift boxes, or just a cozy evening by the fire. They truly capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- Remarkably Easy: You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up a batch of these beauties. The recipe is designed for simplicity, coming together quickly in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer. It’s the ideal recipe for busy holiday schedules.
- Fun for All Ages: Get the kids involved! The quick prep time means little hands won’t get bored, and they’ll love adding the colorful M&M’s and watching the dough transform. It’s a fantastic way to bond and create lasting family traditions.
- Perfect for Sharing & Gifting: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a treat to a potluck, or assembling homemade gifts for friends and neighbors, these cookies are always a hit. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them universally loved. You can easily scale the recipe up or down, making a small batch for your family or doubling/tripling it for a larger crowd.
Experience the joy of baking and sharing these delightful cookies. They’re simple, tasty, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Festive Holiday Cookies
Creating these wonderful holiday treats is a breeze! Follow these straightforward steps to bake a batch of perfect Festive Holiday Cookies that everyone will adore. Remember, the key to great cookies is to enjoy the process and have fun with it!
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature before you put the cookies in is crucial for even baking and that desirable golden edge. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, typically for 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium-low speed for about one minute, just until everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Mix on low speed until a soft, tacky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until no streaks of dry flour remain.
- Fold in the Festive M&M’s: Gently mix or fold in your red and green Christmas M&M’s into the dough. You can do this with the mixer on its lowest setting for a few seconds or by hand with a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
- Scoop and Arrange Cookies: Using a cookie scoop (or a spoon), drop approximately 24 small, uniform balls of dough onto your parchment paper-lined baking sheet. For a more substantial treat, you can make 12 larger cookies. Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are beautifully golden brown, and the centers still look slightly soft. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven and the size of your cookies.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly. Then, gather your loved ones and savor these delicious Festive Holiday Cookies!
Expert Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies 🍪
Achieving cookie perfection is easier than you think! Here are some expert tips to ensure your Festive Holiday Cookies turn out absolutely flawless every time:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Softened butter creams more easily with sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dough, and room temperature eggs emulsify better into the mixture, creating a smoother batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate baking, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour and a dry, crumbly cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your cookies tough and less tender.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can deepen the flavors, prevent excessive spreading, and result in a chewier cookie with a more pronounced M&M flavor.
- Evenly Sized Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This guarantees they bake evenly and look professional on your holiday platter.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies continue to cook slightly even after they’re removed from the oven. For soft, chewy cookies, take them out when the edges are golden and the centers still look a little underdone. They will firm up as they cool.
- Customize Your M&M’s: While Christmas M&M’s are perfect for the holidays, feel free to use other seasonal colors for different occasions (e.g., pastel for Easter, red/pink for Valentine’s Day, or team colors for game day!).
Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions for Your Festive Holiday Cookies
These Festive Holiday Cookies are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily modify them for dietary needs, personal taste preferences, or simply to use what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature holiday treats! Remember to adjust quantities as needed for your chosen variations.
- Classic Chocolate Boost: If M&M’s aren’t your preference or if you just want more chocolate, replace them with a variety of chocolate chips or chunks. Think milk chocolate, semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips for different textures and flavor depths.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor by incorporating chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. For an even richer taste, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the dough. This complements the sweet cookie base beautifully.
- Sweet White Chocolate Twist: For a sweeter, creamier, and subtly vanilla-flavored cookie, substitute the M&M’s with white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate bars. The contrast against the golden cookie is also visually appealing.
- Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream: Elevate the flavor profile with the addition of peanut butter. You can stir in peanut butter chips for distinct pockets of flavor or swirl a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter directly into the dough for a marbled effect and an amazing chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: To make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Most 1:1 blends are designed to behave similarly to regular flour, though you might notice a slight difference in texture.
- Warm Spice Infusion: Introduce a cozy warmth by adding a pinch (or a half teaspoon) of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or even a blend of pumpkin pie spice to your dry ingredients. These spices enhance the holiday feel and pair wonderfully with chocolate.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free Option: For a plant-based version, replace the butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick. For the egg, use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like). Be sure to check that your M&M’s or any other mix-ins are also vegan-friendly, as traditional M&M’s contain dairy. You might opt for vegan chocolate chips instead.
- Citrus Zest Brightness: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough. The citrus oils brighten the flavor profile and add a subtle, fragrant note that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Extra Festive Toppings: After baking, consider drizzling cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze and topping with extra sprinkles for an added touch of holiday cheer.
More Delightful Holiday Cookie Recipes
The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time for baking! If you’ve loved making these Festive Holiday Cookies and are looking for more delicious treats to fill your cookie platters and satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Explore these other fantastic recipes, perfect for gifting, entertaining, or leaving out for Santa! Don’t forget the Easy Gingerbread Cookies for 🎅 Santa!
Snowball Cookies
30 mins
Shortbread Butter Cookies
27 mins
Lemon Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
25 mins
Italian Amaretti Cookies
25 mins
Common Questions About Festive Holiday Cookies
You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend as a direct substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Most quality 1:1 blends are formulated to perform similarly in baking, ensuring your cookies maintain a great texture. You might notice a slight difference in density or chewiness, but they will still be delicious!
During the holiday season, Christmas-colored (red and green) M&M’s are widely available. Check your local grocery store in the baking aisle or candy section. Many large retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon also stock them, especially in the months leading up to December. If you can’t find them, regular M&M’s or a mix of red and green sprinkles work just as well for a festive look!
Yes, vegan butter is an excellent alternative if you prefer not to use regular dairy butter or if you’re making a vegan version of these cookies. Ensure you use a good quality vegan butter stick that is designed for baking, as some brands melt differently. It will provide a rich, buttery flavor and texture similar to traditional butter.
The possibilities are endless! Beyond M&M’s, feel free to get creative with other fillings. Popular choices include chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white), chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch, or even festive sprinkles. You could also experiment with toffee bits, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweet and salty twist.
Ingredient weights can vary for several reasons. For example, while 1 cup of all-purpose flour might weigh approximately 160g in my kitchen (depending on how I measure and the brand of flour), in your kitchen, it could range from 120g to 180g. This discrepancy can be due to:
- Brand of Ingredients: Different brands of flour, sugar, or other ingredients can have varying densities.
- Measuring Technique: “Scooping and leveling” versus “spooning and leveling” can significantly alter the weight of a cup of flour. Spooning flour into the cup often results in a lighter weight than scooping directly from the bag.
- Humidity and Environment: Environmental factors like humidity can affect the moisture content and thus the weight of dry ingredients.
- Kitchen Scale Calibration: Even kitchen scales can have slight variations.
For the most consistent and accurate results with my recipes, it’s always best to follow the specific weights listed in the recipe instructions, especially if provided. If a recipe provides both cup measures and weights, the weight is generally more precise.
Holiday Cookies
Facebook Share
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Dessert
American
24
Cookies
The Modern Nonna
5
minutes
15
minutes
20
minutes
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
-
1
stick
butter,
(1/2 cup) softened to room temperature -
⅓
cup
white sugar -
½
cup
brown sugar -
1
large egg -
1
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
½
teaspoon
baking soda -
1
pinch
salt -
1.5
cups
all-purpose flour -
½
cup
Christmas M&M’s,
or festive sprinkles
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup. Gather your stand mixer with a paddle attachment or prepare your handheld mixer.
-
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth, typically taking 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium-low speed for approximately one minute, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is well-emulsified.
-
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until a soft, tacky dough forms and no dry streaks of flour are visible. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently mix or fold in the Christmas M&M’s. You can use the mixer on its lowest setting for a quick pulse or a spatula to fold them in by hand. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out 24 small, evenly sized cookies onto your prepared baking sheet. For a larger cookie, you can make 12 bigger portions, but be aware that baking time may increase slightly.
-
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set but still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Calories:
115
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
16
g
,
Protein:
1
g
,
Fat:
5
g
,
Saturated Fat:
3
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.2
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
,
Cholesterol:
18
mg
,
Sodium:
62
mg
,
Potassium:
18
mg
,
Fiber:
0.3
g
,
Sugar:
10
g
,
Vitamin A:
137
IU
,
Vitamin C:
0.03
mg
,
Calcium:
12
mg
,
Iron:
0.5
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy your Festive Holiday Cookies for longer or to prepare them in advance, here are some helpful storage and make-ahead tips:
- Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: For quick, fresh-baked cookies anytime, prepare the dough as directed, then scoop individual portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes (15-18 minutes) until golden.
- Make Ahead Dough (Refrigeration): The cookie dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Additional Info
Dessert
American