Break and Bake Christmas Cookie Dough
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Some of my favorite holiday gifts are the ones you can eat. If you’re looking for something thoughtful and homemade, but also easy and practical, this break and bake Christmas cookie dough gift idea is perfect.
You’ll press the dough into a pan, score it into cubes, and wrap up ready-to-bake portions that are perfect for sharing. One batch makes 4 giftable packs, each with 9 pre-portioned cookies. The dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, and the cookies can be baked straight from the fridge or freezer.
These little ready-to-bake cookie dough packs are ideal for neighbors, teachers, friends, or family this holiday season. It’s the kind of edible gift that feels personal but doesn’t require a ton of time or cleanup.
This method works with lots of doughs, but my go-to are my Christmas M&M Cookies. They’re soft, colorful, and packed with white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and festive M&Ms. A perfect Christmas food gift recipe that feels special, but couldn’t be easier.
Why You’ll Love This Edible Gift
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
- Budget-friendly and simple to prep.
- A unique edible Christmas gift that people will actually use.
- The easiest kind of food gift for Christmas—no baking required by you!
How to Gift Cookie Dough for Christmas
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.
- Prepare the Christmas cookie dough.
- Press the dough into a lined pan.
- Score the dough and chill for 1 hour.
- Wrap and decorate.
How to Store the Cookie Dough Packs
Refrigerate dough in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Free Printable: Baking Instruction Tag
Make your cookie dough gift even easier to use with this ready-to-print tag! It includes clear baking directions and a festive look, so all you have to do is print and tie it on.
Tips from my Kitchen
- Use a sheet of parchment over the top to press dough evenly into the pan without it sticking to your hands.
- Top with extra sprinkles or candy for a more festive look.
- Score the dough before chilling to keep the edges clean.
- Wrap tightly to keep the dough fresh and prevent freezer burn.
Variations to Try
- Use peppermint chips or crushed candy canes.
- Swap white chocolate chips for dark or semisweet.
- Try it with sugar cookie or gingerbread dough.
- Make mini homemade gifts by seperating into smaller portions.
- Add to a holiday gift basket with a cookie sheet, parchment paper, and napkins.
More Recipes that Make Great Food Gifts
- English Toffee
- Marshmallow Fluff Fudge
- Pecan Turtles
- Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar – with free printable!
- Crockpot Candy
Break and Bake Christmas Cookie Dough
Equipment
- 9×13 inch sheet pan
- dough cutter or knife
- ribbon or twine
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (330 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170 g) Christmas M&Ms
- ¼ cup (40 g) christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a large bowl, cream butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.1 cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture util just incorporated.1 cup unsalted butter, 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- Fold in white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 cup Christmas M&Ms, ¼ cup christmas sprinkles
- Spread the prepared cookie dough evenly into the pan. Press it all the way to the edges. You can add extra mix-ins on top to make it look even more festive when wrapped.
- Use a dough cutter or knife to lightly score the top into 1-inch squares. This creates easy break and bake portions.
- Refrigerate the dough in the pan for 1 hour. Chilling helps it hold its shape and makes wrapping easier.
- Divide the dough into quarters and wrap in plastic wrap along with a bow and baking instructions. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to gift.
- When ready to bake, no need to thaw cookies first. Bake at 350℉ for 11-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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