Chocolate M&M Cookies with Mini Christmas Candies
Rich chocolate cookies studded with colorful mini M&Ms that bring festive cheer to any holiday gathering. The cocoa-forward dough creates a deep chocolate base that perfectly complements the sweet candy coating of the M&Ms. These cookies require chilling time to prevent spreading, resulting in thick, chewy treats with a tender crumb. The double-chill method ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking, creating an ideal texture that's soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or gift-giving, these treats combine the nostalgia of classic chocolate cookies with the fun of colorful candy pieces.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a bowl and set aside
- 2
Beat butter and sugar in stand mixer with paddle attachment for 3 minutes until creamy
- 3
Add egg and beat on low until combined, then add vanilla extract and mix for 30 seconds
- 4
Gradually add flour-cocoa mixture, mixing on low speed until well combined
- 5
Scrape down bowl sides with rubber spatula and form into ball, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
- 6
Scoop chilled dough into balls using small cookie scoop
- 7
Roll dough balls in mini Christmas M&Ms, place on parchment-lined baking sheet and press with palm to flatten slightly
- 8
Refrigerate shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes
- 9
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 10
Bake for 8-10 minutes
- 11
Cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack
Tips
Double chilling prevents spreading and ensures cookies maintain their shape during baking
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking
Press M&Ms gently into dough so they stick but don't sink completely
Good to Know
Store in airtight container for up to one week at room temperature
Dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated, or shaped cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months
Best served at room temperature within first few days for optimal texture
Common Mistakes
Chill dough thoroughly to avoid spreading
Don't overbake as cookies continue cooking on hot pan
Press M&Ms gently to avoid cracking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
5
FAQ
Can I use regular sized M&Ms instead of mini?
Yes, but chop them roughly or use fewer as they may overwhelm the cookie size and make rolling difficult.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until workable. The dough should remain slightly sticky for best texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.