30-Minute Christmas M&M Sprinkle Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies loaded with festive M&M candies, colorful holiday sprinkles, and both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. The melted butter creates an incredibly tender texture while the combination of brown and granulated sugars adds depth. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as gifts for neighbors. These oversized cookies stay soft and bakery-style thanks to slightly underbaking them. The extra M&Ms pressed on top after baking create an irresistible candy-studded appearance that screams Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
Use 1:1 baking flour for best results
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp table salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
- 1 cup holiday M&Msdairy-free chocolate candies1:1vegandairy-free
Many brands make similar candies
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Combine melted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in mixing bowl and beat well
- 3
Slowly beat in egg and vanilla
- 4
Mix in flour, baking soda and salt on low speed until ingredients are just combined
- 5
Fold in semi-sweet and white chocolate chips followed by half of the M&Ms and all sprinkles
- 6
Portion dough into 9 large balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart
- 7
Bake 11 minutes until they look underdone
- 8
Press additional M&Ms into tops of baked cookies before they set
- 9
Let cookies set on baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool
Tips
Don't overbake these cookies - they should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Press extra M&Ms into the tops immediately after baking while cookies are still warm so they stick properly.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on the bottom.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be portioned and frozen for up to 3 months - bake directly from frozen adding 1-2 extra minutes
Best served at room temperature when cookies are soft and chewy
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake to avoid hard, crispy cookies
Don't overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies
Press M&Ms gently to avoid breaking them
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Many brands make similar candies
Gluten-Free Swaps
Use 1:1 baking flour for best results
FAQ
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, divide into 18 smaller portions and bake for 8-9 minutes instead of 11 minutes.
What if I don't have holiday M&Ms?
Regular M&Ms work perfectly, or substitute any similar candy-coated chocolate pieces.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Store in airtight container for up to one week at room temperature for best texture.