Festive & Fudgy Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide
The holiday season calls for treats that are both delicious and visually appealing, and these Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies fit the bill perfectly. They offer a delightful, fudgy twist on the classic brownie, infused with festive red and green M&M candies. Imagine the rich, decadent flavor of a homemade brownie, transformed into a soft, chewy cookie that’s incredibly easy to make thanks to a convenient brownie mix base. These cookies are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of holiday cheer, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even leaving a special plate out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your holiday traditions, these M&M’s cookies provide an accessible and rewarding baking experience. Their fudgy texture, combined with the delightful crunch and vibrant colors of holiday M&M candies, makes them an instant favorite. They are versatile enough for any festive occasion, from bustling holiday parties to cozy family gatherings, and they make a thoughtful, homemade gift. Let’s dive into creating these simple yet irresistible brownie mix cookies that promise to bring smiles and sweetness to your seasonal celebrations.
Discover the Magic of Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Chocolate brownie cookies have become a beloved staple in holiday baking, cherished for their deep chocolate flavor and comforting texture. Over the years, these festive treats have seamlessly integrated into countless family traditions, marking the beginning of joyful celebrations. Their popularity stems not only from their irresistible taste but also from the ease with which they can be prepared, making them a go-to for busy holiday schedules. They are a common sight at holiday parties, their vibrant colors adding a festive touch to any dessert spread. Furthermore, they are frequently exchanged as thoughtful, homemade gifts in cookie swaps, bringing warmth and cheer to recipients.
Beyond their role in festive gatherings, baking these cookies can be a wonderful activity to enjoy with loved ones. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen, filling your home with the enchanting aromas of chocolate and vanilla. Whether you’re seeking a fun, engaging baking project for the family or simply wish to indulge in a truly delicious holiday treat, these cookies are an impeccable choice. Embrace the warm, cozy flavors of the season by adding this versatile and delightful recipe to your holiday baking repertoire, and experience the joy they bring.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Festive Chocolate Cookie Recipe
This particular recipe for Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies is designed to capture hearts and taste buds with its unique combination of convenience and decadence. Here’s why it’s destined to become a holiday favorite:
- Irresistibly Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike traditional brownies that can sometimes be too dense, these cookies strike the perfect balance. The thoughtful addition of all-purpose flour and two eggs to the brownie mix ensures a beautifully soft and supremely chewy interior, contrasted by a delicate, slightly crispy edge. Each bite delivers a satisfying textural experience that makes these cookies truly addictive.
- Captivating Festive Appearance: The visual appeal of these cookies is undeniable. Adorned with vibrant red and green Mini M&M’s, each cookie is a tiny burst of holiday cheer. The colorful candies pop against the rich, dark chocolate background, making them instantly recognizable as a holiday treat. This festive look makes them ideal for dessert platters, gifting, and simply brightening up your holiday table.
- Perfect for Sharing and Gifting: The holiday season is all about giving, and these cookies are perfectly suited for sharing. Their robust flavor and attractive appearance make them a welcomed addition to any holiday gathering. Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon, and they transform into thoughtful, homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, and family. They’re also a fantastic choice for cookie exchanges, ensuring you bring a show-stopping treat.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. By starting with a brownie mix, you significantly cut down on prep time and ingredient measuring, making it ideal for busy individuals or spontaneous baking sessions. This streamlined process means you can whip up a batch of these delectable cookies in under 30 minutes, from start to finish, without compromising on flavor or quality.
- Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor: For chocolate lovers, these cookies are a dream come true. The combination of a quality brownie mix, chocolate syrup (or hot fudge), and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips creates an intensely rich and satisfying chocolate experience. Each bite is a decadent journey into chocolate bliss, perfectly complemented by the other ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Brownie M&M Cookies
Crafting these sensational Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies is straightforward, thanks to a combination of pantry staples and festive additions. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that bring this recipe to life:
- Brownie Mix: The foundation of this incredibly easy recipe is one 19.9-oz package of your favorite chocolate brownie mix. While any brand will yield delicious results, choosing a mix known for its fudgy texture will elevate your cookies even further. This shortcut saves time and ensures a consistently rich chocolate base, perfect for holiday baking.
- All-Purpose Flour: A mere ¼ cup of all-purpose flour is added to the brownie mix. This small but crucial addition is what transforms the brownie batter into a perfect cookie dough consistency, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and contributing to their signature soft and chewy texture.
- Large Eggs: Two large eggs are essential binders in this simple cookie dough. They not only help hold all the ingredients together but also add richness and moisture, contributing to the fudgy texture that makes these cookies so appealing.
- Melted Butter: You’ll need ¼ cup of melted butter to infuse these treats with an incredibly rich and luxurious flavor. Butter not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall depth of taste, making these cookies truly indulgent. Be sure to melt it gently and let it cool slightly before adding to the mix.
- Chocolate Syrup or Hot Fudge: For an even deeper, more intense chocolate experience, incorporate 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or hot fudge. This ingredient boosts the chocolate notes, ensuring every bite is intensely satisfying for chocolate lovers.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: To round out and enhance all the wonderful flavors in this recipe, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is a must. Vanilla works magic by deepening chocolate flavors and adding a warm, aromatic note that is classic in baked goods.
- Mini Christmas M&M Candies: One 11-oz package of Mini Christmas M&M candies is the star of the show for visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast. These festive red and green candies provide a cheerful pop of color and a satisfying crunch in every bite, making them perfect for the holiday season.
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: To truly load these cookies with maximum deliciousness, include ½ cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully within the cookie, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that complement the fudgy brownie base and the crunch of the M&M’s.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Christmas Brownie Cookies
Creating these festive M&M brownie cookies is a straightforward process, promising delicious results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to bring a batch of holiday cheer to your kitchen:
Prep Work: Getting Started
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature when the cookies are ready to bake, leading to even cooking. Next, prepare two standard baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Parchment paper is crucial for preventing sticking and makes for easy cleanup, ensuring your beautiful cookies slide right off without a hitch. Set these prepared sheets aside while you mix the dough.
Crafting the Perfect Cookie Dough
In a medium to large-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire package of chocolate brownie mix with the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Use a fork or a whisk to thoroughly stir these dry ingredients together, breaking up any lumps and ensuring they are well incorporated. This initial step helps create the ideal base for our chewy cookies.
Next, add the wet ingredients: the two large eggs, the ¼ cup of melted butter (ensure it’s cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs), the 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup (or hot fudge), and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. You can continue using the same fork for a rustic touch, or for a quicker, more uniform mix, an electric hand mixer on low speed will work wonderfully. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Once your base dough is ready, gently fold in about a ¼ cup of the Mini M&Ms and the ½ cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir just enough to evenly distribute these delicious add-ins throughout the batter. This initial incorporation ensures a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.
Now it’s time to shape your cookies. Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop (a medium-sized scoop is ideal for consistent cookie size), portion out each cookie dough ball. Place them onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading during baking.
For an extra festive touch and an irresistible appearance, take each scooped cookie dough ball and gently press its top into the remaining Mini M&Ms. This step ensures that the colorful candies are prominently displayed on the baked cookies, making them even more appealing. Once pressed, place them back onto the cookie sheets, ready for baking.
Baking and Cooling to Perfection
Carefully place the baking sheets into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake the cookies for exactly 8 minutes. The short baking time helps to ensure they remain wonderfully fudgy and chewy, rather than becoming dry or cakey. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. Remove them promptly from the oven once the baking is complete.
Resist the urge to move them immediately! Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. This crucial step lets them firm up properly and prevents them from breaking. As they cool, their texture will continue to set, yielding that perfect fudgy chewiness. Once cooled, transfer them to a serving platter or tray. Serve these delightful Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies immediately and savor every chocolatey, festive bite!
Creative Customizations: Substitutions & Variations for Your Brownie Cookies
One of the joys of baking is the ability to personalize recipes to suit your taste or dietary needs. These Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies are wonderfully adaptable, allowing for numerous delicious substitutions and variations:
- Kitchen Sink Variation: For those who adore a mix of flavors and textures, transform these into “kitchen sink” cookies. Beyond the M&M’s and chocolate chips, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch, chewy dried cranberries or cherries for a tart counterpoint, shredded coconut for a tropical twist, or even pretzel bits for a salty-sweet surprise. Mini marshmallows can also add a delightful chewiness. Feel free to get creative and incorporate your favorite sweet or savory mix-ins!
- Gluten-Free Options: For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, enjoying these cookies is still entirely possible. The key is to make two simple substitutions. First, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour (which adds a lovely nutty flavor), oat flour (ensure it’s certified gluten-free), or a pre-made gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Second, and equally important, ensure that your chosen chocolate brownie mix is also certified gluten-free. Fortunately, many brands now offer excellent GF brownie mixes, so you won’t have to miss out on this amazing holiday treat. Be aware that the texture might be slightly denser or crumbly with some GF flours, but the flavor will remain fantastic.
- Vegan Variations: To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, a few mindful substitutions will do the trick. Replace the butter with an equal amount of softened coconut oil or a high-quality vegan margarine. For the eggs, flax eggs are an excellent plant-based binder: simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg needed, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until gel-like, and then add to your dough. Lastly, swap out regular chocolate chips for vegan chocolate chips or finely chop a vegan chocolate bar. Remember to double-check that your brownie mix does not contain any dairy or egg ingredients, as some brands may vary. While the texture might differ slightly from the original, the resulting vegan brownie cookies will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
- Nutty Delights: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding various nuts. Alongside the M&M’s, incorporate ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can bring out their rich flavors even more.
- Spice It Up for the Holidays: Infuse your cookies with extra holiday warmth. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of allspice can add a wonderful festive aroma and taste. For a minty twist, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract (and perhaps swap some chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and use mint M&M’s!).
- Alternate Chocolate Experiences: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, try milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie, dark chocolate chunks for a more intense bitter-sweetness, or white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the brownie base and M&M’s.
Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies
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Ingredients
- 19.9 oz chocolate brownie mix (your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 TBSP chocolate syrup or hot fudge
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 11 oz Mini Christmas M&M candies (divided)
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix and all-purpose flour. Stir thoroughly with a fork until no lumps remain.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter (ensure it’s slightly cooled), chocolate syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a uniform cookie dough forms. You can use a fork or an electric hand mixer on low speed.
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Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in about ¼ cup of the Mini M&Ms and ½ cup of the mini chocolate chips into the batter. Stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Scoop Cookies: Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop (medium size) to portion out individual cookie dough balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging during baking.
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Decorate: Press the top of each cookie dough ball into the remaining Mini M&Ms, gently embedding the candies for a vibrant, festive finish. Place them back on the cookie sheet.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven when they are set at the edges but still appear soft in the center.
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Cool & Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a serving platter or tray. This allows them to firm up and prevents breakage. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious holiday treats!
Notes
For extended enjoyment, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Nutrition
Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Brownie Cookies Fresh and Delicious
Ensuring your Christmas M&M Brownie Cookies remain as fresh and delicious as the day they were baked is key to enjoying them throughout the holiday season. Proper storage methods vary depending on how quickly you plan to devour these delightful treats:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you anticipate enjoying your cookies within a few days of baking, storing them at room temperature is perfectly acceptable and convenient. The most important rule here is to place them in an airtight container. This simple step is vital for preventing them from drying out, becoming stale, or losing their wonderful chewy texture. A cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic food storage container works perfectly.
- Refrigerator Storage: For those residing in warmer or more humid climates, or if you simply wish to extend their freshness by a few extra days, storing your cookies in the refrigerator is a smart option. Refrigeration can help maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. However, it’s worth noting that chilling can sometimes cause certain cookies to become a bit firmer or alter their original soft texture. To mitigate this, consider letting them come to room temperature for a short while before serving. Always use an airtight container to protect them from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
- Freezer Storage for Extended Freshness: If you’re planning to bake ahead for the holidays or want to save some cookies for enjoyment long after the festive season, freezing is your best bet. To freeze baked cookies, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, wrap them tightly individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This dual layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. After wrapping, place the individually wrapped cookies into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. This method ensures you always have a delicious, fudgy brownie cookie ready to enjoy!
Gifting and Thoughtful Packaging for Your Christmas Brownie Cookies
These festive Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies are not only a joy to bake but also make exceptional holiday gifts. Thoughtful presentation can elevate your homemade treats from simple cookies to cherished presents. When preparing them for gifting, keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure Complete Cooling: Before any packaging begins, it’s absolutely crucial that your cookies are entirely cooled. Warm cookies will release steam, which can lead to condensation inside your packaging, making the cookies soggy and compromising their delightful texture. Patience here will pay off!
- Add a Festive Touch to Packaging: The holidays are all about sparkle and cheer, and your packaging should reflect that. Opt for holiday-themed gift bags, boxes, or even clear cellophane bags that allow the vibrant M&M’s to shine through. You can tie a festive ribbon, twine, or even a small jingle bell around the package for an extra touch of charm. Consider adding a homemade gift tag with a personalized message.
- Layering for Protection: If using a box, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together or getting crushed, especially if you’re stacking multiple cookies. This also helps maintain their freshness and appearance.
- Consider a Variety: If you’re gifting to a cookie enthusiast, consider packaging a mix of different holiday cookies alongside these brownie M&M ones. This provides a delightful assortment and showcases your baking prowess.
- Allergy Awareness: Always, always include a small label with the ingredients list. This is a crucial step, as it informs the recipient of any potential allergens (like nuts, dairy, or gluten if not made with substitutions), allowing them to enjoy your gift safely or share it appropriately. You can handwrite a charming note or print a neat label.
By following these simple gifting and packaging tips, your Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies will not only taste incredible but also look professionally presented, making them an unforgettable holiday treat for everyone on your list.
Prepare Ahead: Can You Make This Cookie Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! Preparing cookie dough in advance is a fantastic way to manage your holiday baking schedule, allowing for fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. This brownie cookie dough is quite versatile for make-ahead options:
- Refrigerating Cookie Dough: You can easily whip up a batch of this delicious dough and store it in the refrigerator. Simply place the prepared dough in a covered bowl or an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 48 hours. Chilling the dough actually has an added benefit: it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, often resulting in an even richer-tasting cookie. When you’re ready to bake, just pull it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly (making it easier to scoop), and then proceed with scooping and baking as directed.
- Freezing Cookie Dough Balls: For longer-term storage and ultimate convenience, freezing individual cookie dough balls is an excellent method. After preparing the dough and scooping it into uniform balls (as described in the “How to make” section), place these dough balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them flat for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the hardened dough balls to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy fresh cookies, simply pull out as many frozen dough balls as you need. You can bake them from frozen (they might need an extra minute or two in the oven) or let them thaw on a baking sheet at room temperature for about an hour before baking as directed in the recipe. This allows for warm, homemade cookies with minimal effort at any time!
The Secret to Flavor: What Type of Vanilla Extract Should I Use?
While often seen as a minor ingredient, the quality of vanilla extract can profoundly impact the overall flavor profile of your baked goods. For these rich Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies, choosing a high-quality vanilla is key to enhancing the deep chocolate notes and adding a warm, aromatic complexity.
A few years ago, after extensive testing of various vanilla extracts, I discovered some new favorites that I wholeheartedly recommend. For everyday baking, including these brownie cookies, I absolutely love using TOTONAC’s Mexican Vanilla. This pure vanilla extract contains no alcohol, which is a significant plus for me, as I find that alcohol-based extracts can sometimes introduce an undesirable aftertaste. The flavor of Totonac’s is exceptionally smooth and rich, truly elevating whatever it’s added to. Every time I experiment with a different brand, I quickly find myself returning to the superior taste of Totonac’s; it’s simply that good!
Another incredible option, especially if you want to impart a more gourmet touch and visible flecks of vanilla bean, is Nielsen Massey Vanilla Bean Paste. This paste offers an intensely concentrated vanilla flavor that is far more robust and nuanced than typical extracts. It truly provides the best flavor by far, adding a luxurious depth that makes a noticeable difference in your baking. While it’s a bit of an indulgence, a little goes a long way, and the results are consistently outstanding.
Ultimately, selecting a pure vanilla extract (whether liquid or paste) over an imitation one will always yield superior results. Good vanilla doesn’t just add its own flavor; it enhances all the other ingredients, particularly chocolate, making your cookies truly shine. Investing in quality vanilla is a small step that makes a huge difference in the deliciousness of your homemade treats.
Need More Amazing Holiday Dessert Recipes? Give These a Try:
The holiday season is a fantastic time to explore new and exciting dessert recipes. If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire beyond these delightful M&M brownie cookies, here are some other festive treats that are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth:
- PUMPKIN GINGERSNAP COOKIES
- REINDEER COOKIE CAKE
- ICED GINGER MOLASSES COOKIES
- MINI GINGERBREAD COOKIES
- ORANGE CARDAMOM COOKIES
- RECIPES FOR A BUTTER COOKIES BOX
- FROSTED GINGERBREAD SUGAR COOKIES
- STRAWBERRY THUMBPRINT COOKIES
- FROSTED EGGNOG COOKIES
- BEST GINGERBREAD CUT OUT COOKIES
- COCONUT SHORTBREAD COOKIES
- ICED GNOME COOKIES
- HOLIDAY SPICED SNICKERDOODLES
- CRANBERRY PISTACHIO SNOWBALLS
These diverse recipes offer a range of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for every palate at your holiday celebration. Happy baking!
Ultimately, these Christmas Brownie M&M Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful embodiment of holiday cheer, making them perfect for your next festive gathering or a lively cookie exchange. Their rich, fudgy chocolate flavor, combined with the cheerful crunch of holiday M&M candies, creates a truly irresistible treat. This simple yet spectacular chocolate Christmas dessert is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth and bring joy to everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of the season, and bake a batch of these unforgettable cookies!
