Oh, let me tell you about my Christmas M&M cookies! These little gems are like a burst of holiday cheer in every bite. The vibrant colors of the M&M’s just scream festive, don’t you think? Whenever I whip up a batch, the kitchen fills with the warm, buttery aroma that instantly puts me in the holiday spirit. These cookies have become a beloved tradition in my family; we bake them together while listening to classic Christmas tunes. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing these delightful cookies with loved ones during the holiday season. They’re simply irresistible!
Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these festive cookies shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit at room temperature for that perfect creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This will give your cookies that sweet crunch!
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Use light or dark; both add a lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that warm, inviting aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This is your leavening agent for that perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s – The star of the show! Use the festive mix for extra holiday flair.
Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking, and let’s get those cookies in the oven!
How to Prepare Christmas M&M Cookies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients all lined up, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of Christmas magic in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this—it makes it so much easier! You want to beat them together until it’s light in color and has a soft, creamy texture. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Mixing in Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined and smooth. The vanilla really adds that warm, cozy flavor—perfect for the holidays!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps to ensure that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for a good rise!
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing well after each addition. This way, you avoid any flour clouds and get a lovely, cohesive dough. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it!
Adding Christmas M&M’s
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of Christmas M&M’s into your cookie dough. I like to save a few to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra festive touch. Just be careful not to crush them—keep that colorful crunch!
Shaping the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and drop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each one (about 2 inches), as they’ll spread while baking. This is where the magic happens!
Baking the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. They might look a little soft in the middle, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is key—you want them to set just a bit before they’re moved. Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen right now is heavenly!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas M&M Cookies
- Festive Appearance: The bright, colorful M&M’s make these cookies a showstopper on any holiday dessert table!
- Delicious Taste: Each bite is a perfect blend of buttery sweetness and chocolatey crunch—who can resist?
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: They’re a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for parties, cookie swaps, or cozy family nights.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite M&M’s or add nuts for extra texture—make them your own!
- Fun to Make: Gather the family and enjoy some quality time in the kitchen creating these sweet treats together!
Tips for Success with Christmas M&M Cookies
Want to make sure your Christmas M&M cookies turn out perfectly? Here are some of my top tips to elevate your baking game:
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and results in a chewy texture.
- Variations of M&M’s: Get creative with the M&M’s! You can use different seasonal mixes or even swap in peanut M&M’s for a fun twist. The options are endless!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This keeps your cookies tender and ensures they don’t turn out tough.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent sticking, giving you perfect cookies every time!
- Test for Doneness: Remember, cookies will continue to cook a little after you take them out of the oven, so it’s okay if they look slightly underbaked in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for days—if they last that long!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most delightful Christmas M&M cookies this holiday season!
Nutritional Information for Christmas M&M Cookies
Now, let’s chat about the numbers! Each Christmas M&M cookie is a delightful treat, and here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in each one:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind, nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is just a guideline. Enjoy your cookies without too much worry—after all, it’s the holidays! 🎄
FAQ about Christmas M&M Cookies
If you’ve got questions about making these scrumptious Christmas M&M cookies, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you bake with confidence.
Can I use regular M&M’s instead of Christmas M&M’s?
Absolutely! While the Christmas M&M’s add a festive touch, regular M&M’s will work just as well. You can even try seasonal mixes for a fun twist!
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months!
Can I substitute the butter for something else?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using a plant-based butter substitute. Just make sure it’s a good quality one that can be creamed like regular butter.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
No worries! You can substitute it with baking powder, but you’ll want to use about three times the amount of baking powder since it’s less potent. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture slightly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch. You could also mix in some chocolate chips or dried fruits for an extra flavor boost. Get creative!
How can I make these cookies thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them that chewy texture!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover cookies?
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds. Or, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked again!
Got more questions? Feel free to reach out! I love helping fellow bakers enjoy these festive treats as much as I do.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a scrumptious batch of Christmas M&M cookies, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store your delicious treats:
- Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to a week—if they last that long!
- Layering with Parchment Paper: If you’re stacking them, consider placing a sheet of parchment paper between each layer. This helps prevent them from sticking together and keeps them looking as good as they taste!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a future occasion, you can freeze the cookies! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Now, if you’re craving a warm cookie, here’s the best way to reheat them:
- Microwave: Pop a cookie in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. This will warm it up and restore that fresh-baked softness.
- Oven: For a batch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They’ll come out warm and delicious, just like they were freshly baked!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your Christmas M&M cookies long after they come out of the oven. Enjoy every bite!
Drucken
Christmas M&M Cookies: 7 Irresistibly Festive Treats
- Gesamtzeit: 27 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
These Christmas M&M cookies are festive and delicious, perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 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
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
- Fold in the Christmas M&M’s.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can substitute chocolate chips for M&M’s if desired.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: christmas m m cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
