Christmas M&M Cookies

ByJaclyn Shimmel On12/06/202512/06/2025

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.

These Christmas M&M cookies with white chocolate chips are colorful, chewy, and full of holiday cheer. The perfect Christmas cookie recipe for a cookie swap, holiday party, or for the kids to leave out for Santa on Christmas eve.

Overhead view of Christmas cookies with white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles on a plate with holiday decor.

They’ve got the perfect balance of sweetness from white chocolate chips, festive M&Ms, and just a little crunch from sprinkles They’re always a hit with family and friends at holiday parties, and honestly, they’re just as good with a cup of cocoa on a cozy night in.

If you’re working your way through your holiday baking list, don’t miss my full collection of Christmas cookie recipes. There’s something for every cookie tray, swap, and stocking.

And if you’re looking for a fun gift idea, you can even turn this same dough into a festive, make-ahead cookie gift everyone will love.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Soft, chewy centers with crisp edges.
Festive mix-ins make them feel extra Christmassy.
One-bowl, easy-to-follow recipe.
Kid-friendly and great for cookie exchanges.
Bakes beautifully every time.

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Top-down view of ingredients labeled with text: all-purpose flour, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Each ingredient is in its own bowl on a white surface.

Butter: Use room temperature unsalted butter. If you only have salted, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar – The combo gives these cookies soft centers with just the right amount of chew. Brown sugar also adds a little richness.
Eggs – Make sure they’re at room temperature so they mix in smoothly.
Vanilla extract – Adds classic cookie flavor. Use real vanilla if you can.
All-purpose flour – Nothing fancy needed here. Just be sure to measure it properly by weight or by spooning it into your cup and leveling it off.
Baking soda – Gives the cookies the perfect rise.
Salt – Just a touch balances the sweetness.
White chocolate chips – Sweet, creamy, and perfect with M&Ms. You can also use milk or semisweet chips if you prefer.
Christmas M&Ms – Use red and green holiday M&Ms to make these cookies extra festive. Any seasonal or regular M&Ms will work too.
Christmas sprinkles – Totally optional, but they add a fun pop of color and texture. Go with whatever festive sprinkles you have on hand.

Jaclyn’s Kitchen Faves

Using a cookie scoop makes baking so much easier and ensures perfectly uniform cookies every time! I love my set of 3 scoops—they’re perfect for making cookies of all sizes.

How to Make Christmas M&M Cookies

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars. Mix in eggs and vanilla.

Split image showing the early stage of cookie dough preparation. Left side shows brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter in a bowl. Right side shows the creamed mixture with two cracked eggs and vanilla added on top.

Step 2: Whisk together the dry ingredients, then combine with the wet.

Two images of cookie dough preparation: left shows a bowl of the dry ingredients, and right shows the flour mixture added to creamed dough before being mixed.

Step 3: Fold in M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

Side-by-side bowls of Christmas cookie dough before and after mixing in Christmas M&M candies, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

Step 4: Scoop and bake until edges are lightly golden.

Close-up of a plate of Christmas cookies with red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles.

Storage

Baked Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Cookie Dough

To store the dough for later baking you can refrigerate rolled dough balls for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from chilled or frozen, increasing the bake time by a couple minutes. No need to bring dough to room temperature before baking.

Tips for the Best M&M Christmas Cookies

Don’t overbake. Cookies finish setting as they cool.
Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball before baking.
Line your pans with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent the overspread that can be caused by greasing your pans.

Christmas cookies with red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. One cookie has a bite taken out.

Additions and Variations

Swap in semisweet or peppermint chips.
Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
Use almond or peppermint extract for a fun twist.
Try different seasonal M&Ms or chopped candy bars.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy holiday flavor.

Want to Turn This Cookie Douh Into a Gift?

You can easily turn this cookie dough into a fun and festive edible gift. Learn my simple method for in my post on how to gift break-and-bake cookie dough.