Posted by Looking for a cookie recipe that combines classic holiday flavors with a playful twist? These festive M&M cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery goodness, and a delightful mix of sweet and salty toppings. With colorful red and green M&Ms, crunchy pretzels, potato chips, and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20 cookies:
- Butter and Sugars:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- Wet Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fun Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
- 2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles (jimmies)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Continue mixing for about two minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft cookie texture.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is pale, smooth, and fluffy—this usually takes around two minutes.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Fold in the Mix-ins
Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chips, and sprinkles. These ingredients add a festive flair and a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Portion the Cookie Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure out 20 evenly sized dough balls. Place them about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For a more festive appearance, press a few extra M&Ms, pretzel pieces, and sprinkles onto the tops of the dough balls.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For a chewier cookie, bake closer to 10 minutes. If you like them crispier, leave them in for 12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft.
Shape the Cookies (Optional)
For perfectly round cookies, use a circular cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. This step is optional but gives a professional bakery-style finish.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them fresh, or store in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious for days.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.
- Measuring Flour: Avoid packing the flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate, or use holiday-themed pretzels for extra flair.
FAQ
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
3. What’s the secret to chewy cookies?
Underbaking slightly and letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet helps retain their chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these festive cookies with a tall glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Looking for a cookie recipe that combines classic holiday flavors with a playful twist? These festive M&M cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery goodness, and a delightful mix of sweet and salty toppings. With colorful red and green M&Ms, crunchy pretzels, potato chips, and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Calories: Approx. 160 kcal per cookie
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
- 2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles (jimmies)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix until pale and smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, and sprinkles.
- Scoop dough into 20 balls and place on baking sheets. Press extra toppings onto each ball for decoration.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
