Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies
Baking during the holiday season brings a special kind of joy that fills the home with warmth and excitement. As the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, it feels as if the very essence of Christmas is simmering in the kitchen. Whether it’s for holiday get-togethers, school parties, or just a cozy night in, there’s always an occasion for some festive treats.
Imagine for a moment, a plate stacked high with soft, chewy cookies adorned with red and green M&M’s that immediately evoke the spirit of the season. As you take a bite, the burst of chocolate from semi-sweet chips and the crunch of candy coating mingling with buttery cookie goodness brings an instant smile. This is not just about cookies; it’s about creating memories with family and friends, sharing laughter, and savoring every delicious moment together. Today, I am thrilled to share my beloved recipe for Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies, guaranteed to bring joy to every festive gathering.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
To create these delightful Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies, having the right tools at hand can make all the difference. Here are a few essentials that will ensure a successful baking experience:
- Mixing bowls: A medium bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, and a larger one for combining all ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat is key for even baking.
- Spatula: This handy tool helps combine your ingredients smoothly and effectively.
- Cookie scoop: A medium cookie scoop makes it easy to divide the dough into uniform cookies.
- Cooling rack: This allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking, giving them the perfect texture.
Each tool plays a vital role in achieving that desired soft and chewy cookie texture, making your baking process smooth and enjoyable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these festive cookies, but let’s focus on some of the most enticing aspects. Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies not only taste delicious; they also evoke feelings of happiness, nostalgia, and togetherness.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy, colorful M&M’s creates a joyful flavor that dances on your taste buds. The butter adds richness, while the sugars create a delightful sweetness that is perfectly balanced.
- Comforting Texture: Soft, chewy in the center, and slightly crisp at the edges. Each bite is a comforting embrace, perfect for snuggling up with a warm drink by the fire.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll not only impress yourself but also your loved ones with your baking prowess.
- Festive Look: The vibrant colors of red and green M&M’s instantly grab attention. They make your cookie plate scream “Merry Christmas!”, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday celebrations.
Baked with love, these cookies become more than just a treat; they are a handcrafted part of your festive traditions.
Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients is the first step to baking magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tbsp butter (Slightly softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp + 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup mini Christmas M&M’s (extra for topping)
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in crafting the gooey, delicious goodness that these cookies are famous for.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. This allows for easy cookie removal after baking.
In a medium bowl, cream the slightly softened butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use a spatula to mix until everything is smooth and combined, with a light and fluffy texture.
Add in the egg yolk and the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar blend. Mix everything together until it is smooth and well incorporated, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Carefully add the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients. Gently stir just until combined; avoid over-mixing as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the mini Christmas M&M’s, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the dough.
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough and create approximately 10 equal cookies, placing them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between.
Top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips and more M&M’s for that festive look. Bake them for 8-9 minutes, keeping an eye on them. Don’t worry if they seem a bit underdone or gooey; that’s exactly how we want them! They will continue to cook slightly even after being pulled from the oven.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set perfectly and be ready for indulging.
Fun Variations You Can Try
If you want to mix things up a bit or cater to different taste preferences, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Nutty Delight: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Add Spices: Incorporate a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the holiday spirit.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
- Candy Cane Twist: Crush some candy canes and mix them in for a festive minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of frosting or your favorite nut butter between two cookies for a rich and indulgent treat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! That’s what baking is all about, making it your own.
How I Love to Serve It
Serving these Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies is a joyful experience. I love to stack them high on a festive holiday plate, garnishing the display with some sprigs of fresh mint or holly for that extra special touch.
- Warm and Fresh: There’s nothing like serving them warm. I often pop them in the oven for a minute right before serving, allowing the chocolate to be melty and inviting.
- Pairing: These cookies are delightful with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. I love to create a cozy snack bar where everyone can customize their drinks while indulging in these treats.
- Gift Idea: These cookies make adorable gifts too! Place them in festive tins or boxes wrapped with a bow for a heartfelt homemade present.
Creating an inviting atmosphere around food adds to the charm of the moment. The laughter and chatter of loved ones enjoying fresh-baked cookies fill the room with warmth.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
To bring out your inner baker, here are a few tips I’ve gathered from my experiences in the kitchen:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened properly—this creates an ideal texture for your cookie dough. Too cold, and your cookies may not spread; too warm, and they could turn out flat.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Measuring ingredients correctly ensures perfect results. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and sugar.
- Cooling Time: Be patient and allow the cookies to cool as instructed. This helps them set and achieve the perfect chewiness.
- Batch Baking: If you plan to freeze some dough, scoop the cookie dough balls and freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes.
- Taste Testing: Always save a few dough balls to bake as test cookies! This way, you can adjust sweetness or chocolate ratios for the next round.
Baking is all about joy, so trust your instincts and have fun!
Important Cooking Reminders
When making these Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies, keep these important cooking reminders in mind:
- Cookie Temperature: Be mindful of your oven temp. Ensure it’s preheated correctly to ensure consistent baking.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing them in a zip-top bag.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid over-mixing after adding the flour; this can lead to dense cookies.
- Reheating: To refresh cookies, microwave briefly (about 10-15 seconds) or reheat in the oven for a couple of minutes.
These tips will help you make the most out of your cookie-baking adventure.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
When enjoying delicious cookies, it’s helpful to be aware of some nutritional information:
These cookies are approximately:
- Calories: 120 per cookie
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation, especially during the festive season!
Recipe Details
Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
Common Questions You Might Have
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute white sugar for brown, but using a mix of both provides a richer flavor and a chewier texture, which complements these festive cookies beautifully.
What can I substitute for flour to make it gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure that any other ingredients you choose are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How do I store cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prolong their life, consider freezing the baked cookies. Properly wrapped, they can be stored for up to three months.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas chocolate chip M&M’s cookies transcends the act of merely preparing a treat; it’s about creating connections and cherishing traditions. The transformation of simple ingredients into a beautiful, flavor-packed cookie is delightful and rewarding. As you pull those cookies from the oven and let the aroma wrap around you like a warm hug, you’ll know that you’ve made something truly special.
The joy these cookies bring will not only brighten your holiday gatherings but also linger on, creating memories for years to come. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk, served at a festive gathering, or gifted to a friend, they carry the spirit of the season in every gooey bite. I hope you enjoy making these merry treats as much as I do. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!
Christmas Chocolate Chip M&M’s Cookies
- Total Time: 24
- Yield: 10 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful, soft, and chewy holiday cookies filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips and festive red and green M&M’s.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (slightly softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp + 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup mini Christmas M&M’s (extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
- In a medium bowl, cream the slightly softened butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Carefully add the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt; gently stir just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini Christmas M&M’s.
- Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top each cookie with extra chocolate chips and M&M’s. Bake for 8-9 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
These cookies are perfect for gifting and storing in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. Can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 9
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, chocolate chip cookies, holiday baking, M&M's cookies