There’s nothing like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season, and these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat to make your holiday baking even sweeter. With festive red and green holiday M&Ms, gooey chocolate chips, and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious.
What makes these cookies so special is the combination of the classic chocolate chip cookie base with the addition of festive M&Ms. These colorful candies not only add a fun pop of color but also a delightful crunch to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or simply to share with loved ones, these Christmas chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer!
I first made these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies during a family holiday gathering when I wanted to bake something festive but didn’t want to stray too far from the classic chocolate chip cookie. By adding M&Ms and some red and green sprinkles, they became the perfect holiday treat. Since then, these cookies have become a go-to for every holiday season—my family looks forward to them each year, and I hope they’ll be a hit in your home too!
Why These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite
- Classic and festive: They’re the beloved chocolate chip cookie, but with a fun holiday twist thanks to colorful M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Soft and chewy: These cookies have the perfect chewy texture, with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, these cookies are a breeze to bake.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or giving them as gifts, these cookies are great for spreading holiday joy.
- Customizable: Add extra holiday spices, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a different twist on this classic cookie.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt (if using). Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is fully combined.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms (and sprinkles, if using).
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!
Tips
- For softer cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
- Customize the mix-ins: Swap the M&Ms for other festive candies like mini marshmallows or crushed candy canes, or add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Make a batch to share: These cookies are perfect for holiday gift-giving! Package them in cute gift bags or boxes for a homemade treat your friends and family will love.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.
- Peanut Butter Version: Add peanut butter chips or swap out some of the chocolate chips for peanut butter M&Ms for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- No M&Ms?: No problem! Simply double the amount of chocolate chips or use other candy like chopped-up chocolate bars for added texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Less Fat: Use a lighter butter option, like reduced-fat butter, or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version.
Closing
And there you have it! These Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of classic chocolate chip flavor and festive holiday cheer. With gooey chocolate chips, crunchy M&Ms, and just the right touch of sweetness, these cookies will be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to friends and family, or simply enjoying them yourself, they’re sure to bring joy to everyone who takes a bite. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and check out more of our holiday baking recipes for even more festive treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 2 months. - Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. - Can I make these cookies without M&Ms?
Yes! You can use just chocolate chips or any other candy or add-ins you like. - Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can use a flax egg or chia egg as an egg replacement in this recipe. - Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips would give these cookies a more intense chocolate flavor and would pair beautifully with the sweet M&Ms. - How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and prevent excessive spreading. - Can I add other spices for a holiday twist?
Yes! Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a spiced version that tastes just like Christmas. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or want to store some cookies for later. - Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Yes! Adjust the size of the cookie dough balls to make smaller or larger cookies. Just keep an eye on the baking time. - Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. - Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is optional but helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. - Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes! Walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to the dough for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies
4
30
minutes40
300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups 2 1/4 all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp 1/2 baking soda
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup 3/4 granulated sugar
3/4 cup 3/4 packed brown sugar
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
2 large 2 eggs
2 cups 2 semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup 1 holiday M&Ms (or regular M&Ms)
1/4 cup 1/4 red and green sprinkles (optional, for extra festivity)
A pinch of salt (optional, for a sweet-salty contrast)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt (if using). Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until the mixture is fully combined.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms (and sprinkles, if using).
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!
Follow US on Pinterest
Follow @middleeastsector on Pinterest