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This classic Christmas cookie is everything you want in a sweet bite soft centers golden edges and full of chocolate and festive color. These M and M cookies come together quickly and always disappear fast at parties or after school. They are a holiday favorite and just as fun to bake as they are to eat
I made these for the first time when my youngest asked for a colorful cookie for Santa and now it is the only one he wants to leave out each year
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened: adds rich flavor and helps create that tender chewy bite look for butter without added oils
- Brown sugar: gives a deep caramelized sweetness and keeps the cookies soft use fresh packed sugar for best moisture
- White sugar: balances flavor and helps with spreading fine granulated works best
- Egg: binds the dough and provides structure always use room temperature for even mixing
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall cookie flavor go for pure extract for best taste
- Golden syrup or light corn syrup: gives that signature chew without needing extra steps
- All purpose flour: provides structure choose unbleached for better texture
- Baking soda: offers lift and softness test for freshness if you haven’t baked in a while
- Salt: balances the sweetness and brings out flavors use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Chocolate chips: melt beautifully into the dough semisweet or milk depending on your taste
- M and Ms: give color and crunch try using holiday blends for extra fun
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Butter and Sugars:
- Cream softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer for about three to four minutes until pale and fluffy this is key to a soft and golden cookie
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg vanilla and syrup just until incorporated do not over mix or the dough can toughen
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking soda and salt then gradually add to the wet mixture mixing gently until just combined
- Fold in Mix-Ins:
- With a spatula or clean hands gently fold in half the chocolate chips and M and Ms leave the rest to press on top later this prevents over mixing
- Shape the Dough:
- Scoop one tablespoon size portions for regular cookies or two for jumbo ones spacing them at least three inches apart on a lined baking sheet
- Top with Candy:
- Press the remaining chocolate chips and M and Ms onto the tops of the dough balls for a festive look and even chocolate distribution
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for eleven to twelve minutes until the edges are just golden and the centers look pale and puffed they will finish cooking as they cool
- Cool Completely:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least thirty minutes this helps set their structure without drying them out
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage freeze baked cookies between parchment layers in a sealed bag for up to two months. Dough can also be frozen in scooped portions then baked from frozen adding two extra minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have golden syrup use light corn syrup or even maple syrup for a deeper flavor. You can swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk or white depending on preference. To make it more festive use seasonal M and M colors or chopped holiday candies
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with hot cocoa or chilled milk. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a fun dessert sandwich. Wrap in clear bags with ribbon for a sweet handmade gift
Cultural and Historical Context
Cookies like these became a modern Christmas tradition in North America in the mid twentieth century. Leaving them out for Santa with a glass of milk is a cherished ritual in many families. M and Ms add a colorful modern twist to this classic tradition and kids love the pop of color
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the cookies soft and chewy?
Use syrup like golden or maple syrup in the dough and avoid overbaking to keep the centers soft.
- → Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required. The dough can be baked immediately, making it quick and easy.
- → Can I use different types of syrup?
Yes, golden, rice, maple, coconut, or light corn syrup can all help achieve that soft texture.
- → How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard?
Take them out of the oven once edges are golden, even if centers look underdone. They’ll set as they cool.
- → What’s the best way to get M&Ms on top of the cookies?
Press extra M&Ms into the tops of the dough balls just before baking for a festive look.