Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies are the kind of holiday treat that disappear from the cookie tray almost as soon as they land on it. They have everything people love in a festive homemade cookie: a soft and chewy center, rich peanut butter flavor, crisp edges, and bright pops of red and green candy that instantly make them feel ready for Christmas gatherings.

They are also wonderfully simple to make, which makes them perfect for busy baking days in December. Whether you are filling cookie tins, setting out desserts for a holiday party, or baking with kids on a cozy afternoon, these cookies bring a fun seasonal touch without asking for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why Are Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies So Good?

What makes these cookies stand out is the balance of flavor and texture. Peanut butter gives them a rich, nutty base and a tender bite, while brown sugar helps keep them soft. The holiday M&Ms add a little crunch and a burst of chocolate in every few bites, which makes each cookie feel a little more playful and festive.

They are also easy to customize. You can keep them classic, add a handful of chocolate chips, or even sprinkle a little flaky salt on top before serving. That flexibility is part of what makes this cookie recipe one you will want to return to every holiday season.

Ingredients for the Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup Christmas M&M candies
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional

How To Make the Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and lift off easily.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy. This helps create a lighter texture and evenly distributes the sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick step helps prevent clumps and gives you a more even cookie dough.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Fold in the Christmas M&Ms and, if using, the chocolate chips. Save a few candies to press on top of the dough balls before baking for a prettier finish.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Scoop the dough into evenly sized balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets with a little room between each one. Gently press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball.

Step 7: Bake Until Just Set

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake if you want soft, chewy cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. They will finish setting as they cool.

Serving and Storing Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk, a mug of hot chocolate, or a cup of coffee during the holiday season. They look beautiful on cookie platters and make a cheerful addition to gift boxes and dessert exchanges.

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can. Crunchy peanut butter adds more texture, though the cookies may be slightly less smooth and tender.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not usually. If your kitchen is very warm or the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 20 to 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake them a day or two in advance, or freeze the dough so it is ready whenever you want fresh cookies.

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday colors?

Absolutely. The holiday version makes them more festive, but the recipe works just as well with regular M&Ms.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

That usually happens if the butter was too soft, the dough was too warm, or the flour was measured a little light. Chilling the dough briefly can help.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes. Chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or mini chocolate chips all work nicely in this recipe.

If you love these Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies, you might also enjoy a few other sweet bakes from Nina Dishes:

Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for another festive cookie tray favorite.
Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies when you want an easy, family-friendly batch.
3 Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a simpler cookie-style treat.
Healthy Cookies Recipe if you want a lighter option to keep on hand.
Lemon Sugar Cookies for a bright citrus change of pace.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday baking board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know how your batch turned out. Did you add extra chocolate chips, use crunchy peanut butter, or make them extra colorful with more holiday candies?

I always love seeing how these recipes turn out in real kitchens. For more daily recipe inspiration, visit Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

Christmas M&M Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, chocolatey bites, and festive holiday color. They are easy to make, perfect for cookie swaps and dessert trays, and just the kind of cheerful homemade treat that makes Christmas baking feel extra special.