Festive M&M Cookies Recipe Perfect for Celebrating Any Holiday

Cookies are a classic treat that bring joy to any celebration. When you add colorful M&M candies, they become even more festive and fun. I originally made these M&M cookies for Valentine’s Day, but they work beautifully for any holiday where you want a sweet, colorful touch. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or a birthday party, these cookies will brighten the table and delight everyone.

This recipe combines a soft, buttery cookie base with the crunch and chocolate of M&M candies. The dough is easy to prepare, and the cookies bake up with golden edges and a chewy center. The best part is how the M&Ms coat one side of each cookie, giving a vibrant, candy-covered top that looks as good as it tastes.

Freshly baked M&M cookies with colorful candy coating

Ingredients You Will Need

To make about 12 large festive M&M cookies, gather these ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated white sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups milk chocolate M&M candies

  
  

Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing. Using both brown and white sugar gives the cookies a rich flavor and chewy texture. The combination of baking powder and baking soda helps the cookies rise just right.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these clear steps to bake your festive M&M cookies:

1. Mix Wet Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

   
   

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed.

   
   

3. Fold Dry into Wet

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the flour mixture in until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

   
   

4. Shape the Dough

   Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all dough is portioned.

   
   

5. Coat with M&Ms

   Dip one side of each dough ball into the bowl of M&M candies. Press gently so the candies stick well to the dough.

   
   

6. Arrange on Baking Sheet

   Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Position them with the M&M side facing up. Space the cookies far apart to prevent sticking and allow spreading.

   
   

7. Bake

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers will still look soft but will firm up as they cool.

   
   

8. Cool Properly

   Let the cookies set on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and finish baking gently.

   
   
   
   

Tips for Perfect Festive M&M Cookies

• Use fresh M&Ms for the best color and crunch. Holiday-themed M&Ms come in seasonal colors that add extra festivity.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Cookies spread as they bake, so give each dough ball plenty of space.

• Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or cool. Start checking at 9 minutes to avoid overbaking.

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 5 days.

• Try different M&M varieties like peanut or crispy for a fun twist on texture and flavor.

  
  

Why These Cookies Work for Any Holiday

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. The M&M candies can be swapped out for any holiday-themed colors or flavors. For example:

• Red and green M&Ms for Christmas

• Pastel colors for Easter

• Orange and black for Halloween

• Red, white, and blue for Independence Day

  
  

The cookie base remains the same, soft and buttery, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. The candy coating adds a festive look that fits any celebration without extra effort.

Final Thoughts on Making Festive M&M Cookies

These M&M cookies are a simple way to add color and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. The recipe is straightforward, uses common ingredients, and delivers consistent results. Whether you bake them for Valentine’s Day, a winter holiday, or a summer party, they bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings.