Nothing beats a festive cookie that’s crunchy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed full of holiday cheer—enter these Large Batch Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies! Each buttery bite unleashes gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips and bursts of red and green M&Ms, making them perfect for sharing around the tree or slipping into stockings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying cookies for the first time, this easy beginner-friendly recipe will have your kitchen smelling like pure joy in no time. Ready to bake a crowd-pleaser?
Key Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a big batch of festive cookies. Each component brings its own magic to the final bite.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and that wonderful chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies a slight rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and crisp edges.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Injects warm, aromatic vanilla notes.
- 4 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and keeps cookies moist.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Delivers pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
- 2 cups red and green Christmas M&Ms: Infuses festive color and extra crunch.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a toasty flavor and crunchy texture.
How To Make Large Batch Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe is designed for holiday success—perfect for busy bakers who want a festive treat without fuss. You’ll prep your pans, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, combine dry and wet ingredients carefully, and fold in all the chocolatey goodness and colorful candies. From there, scoop, bake, and cool your cookies to achieve that golden edge with a soft center. Follow these steps for a stress-free baking session that yields dozens of irresistible cookies.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine on any holiday table. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite beverages and festive decor.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a large wooden board with sprigs of evergreen for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Milk Pairing: Serve with cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa for a classic, comforting combo.
- Gift Jars: Stack cooled cookies in a decorative jar, tie with ribbon, and give as homemade presents.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
Tips For Perfect Large Batch Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking for a crowd can be a breeze when you know a few insider tips. From making dough ahead to adding festive twists, these insights will elevate your holiday baking game.
- These cookies freeze well, so feel free to make a large batch ahead of time for festive gatherings.
- For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the dough during mixing.
- You can customize the colors of M&Ms for different occasions or seasons by swapping out the seasonal colors.
- Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to ensure perfect edges and centers.
How To Store It
Keeping your cookies fresh and flavorful is easy with the right storage method. Choose one that works best for your timeline and preferences.
- Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Add Moisture: Place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container to maintain softness.
- Refrigeration: For a slightly firmer texture, chill cookies in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers to keep your baking on track:
- Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake this recipe?
A: You’ll spend about 15–20 minutes measuring and mixing the dough, plus 10–12 minutes in the oven for each rack of cookies. Allow an additional 5 minutes of on-sheet cooling and 10–15 minutes for them to cool completely on wire racks. If you bake two sheets at once, plan for roughly 35–40 minutes total from start to finish.
- Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time or freeze it?
A: Yes. After folding in the chips and M&Ms, portion the dough into scoops on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to airtight bags for up to three months. You can bake frozen scoops directly—add about 1–2 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, refrigerate scooped dough for up to 48 hours to develop deeper flavor before baking.
- Q: How should I store baked cookies, and how long will they stay fresh?
A: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container to maintain softness. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months; thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
- Q: My cookies spread too thin. What can I do to prevent this?
A: Make sure your butter is softened but not melting; overly soft butter leads to excess spread. Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking to firm it up. Also, avoid greasing the baking sheet directly—use parchment or a silicone mat to allow the edges to set quickly.
- Q: Can I substitute ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences?
A: You can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber, though the texture will be slightly denser. Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips to make them dairy-free. If you need gluten-free, replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum. M&Ms can be replaced with other candy-coated chocolates or seasonal color variants.
- Q: What are some useful flavor variations or add-ins?
A: For a festive twist, stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon when you add vanilla. Toasted pecans or walnuts (up to 1 cup) add crunch. You can also mix in white chocolate chips or swap semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate. Changing the candy colors lets you customize for birthdays, weddings, or other holidays.
- Q: Why do I need both baking soda and salt, and can I adjust these amounts?
A: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them a tender crumb by neutralizing acidity, while salt enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness. If you reduce the salt, the cookies may taste overly sweet or flat. You can add a pinch more baking soda (up to 2¼ teaspoons) for slightly puffier cookies, but stick to the recipe’s salt ratio to maintain flavor balance.
- Q: How can I ensure even mixing and distribution of M&Ms and chocolate chips?
A: After combining wet and dry ingredients, use a sturdy spatula to fold in the mix-ins in two stages: first chocolate chips, then M&Ms. This prevents color from bleeding and ensures the candies stay intact. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom to catch any stray bits, then give a gentle final stir to distribute everything evenly before scooping.
What Makes This Special
These cookies hit all the right notes—crispy edges, chewy centers, melty chocolate chips, and pops of red and green that scream holiday fun. The combination of simple pantry staples and colorful M&Ms makes them both easy to bake and impossible to resist. Print this recipe and save it for your festive file—you’ll want to make these year after year. If you give them a try or have any questions, drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out!
Large Batch Christmas M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description
Soft, buttery cookies with crisp edges release gooey chocolate and bursts of colorful M&M's as you bite in. A hint of vanilla in every chewy morsel makes these holiday treats irresistibly festive and perfect for sharing around the tree.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
-
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips and Christmas M&Ms using a spatula. If using nuts, add them at this stage as well.
-
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
-
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Note
- These cookies freeze well, so feel free to make a large batch ahead of time for festive gatherings.
- For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the dough during mixing.
- You can customize the colors of M&Ms for different occasions or seasons by swapping out the seasonal colors.
- Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
