The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to fill your kitchen with delicious smells and colorful treats. If you’re like me, you get a little extra excited when it comes to holiday baking. The joy of mixing, decorating, and tasting is something special. This post is all about creating fun and festive desserts using one of our favorite candies: M&M’s.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for festive ideas to share with family, these 10 Holiday M&M Baking Recipes will surely bring a smile to your face. If you love cookies that are bursting with color and flavor, or if you enjoy impressing your friends with creative holiday snacks, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready for a fantastic collection of recipes that will brighten up your dessert table. Each recipe is designed to be simple and enjoyable, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time with loved ones while sharing sweet moments. From M&M Holiday Sugar Cookies to M&M Peppermint Bark, there’s something for everyone. These colorful baking treats are perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in, making your celebrations even more special.
So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into these delicious holiday baking M&M recipes. You’re going to love how easy and fun these festive cookie ideas can be!
Key Takeaways
– Discover 10 unique M&M dessert ideas that are simple to make and perfect for any holiday gathering.
– Each recipe is designed to be colorful and festive, adding a touch of cheer to your holiday celebrations.
– From cookies to cupcakes, these baking treats cater to various tastes and preferences.
– Easy-to-follow instructions ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these delightful snacks.
– Enjoy quality time with family and friends while creating delicious memories this holiday season.
1. M&M Holiday Sugar Cookies
You want cookies that brighten a holiday table. These M&M Holiday Sugar Cookies stay soft in the center and crisp at the edges. The vanilla butter dough is simple, and the candy adds color and crunch. You can top them with extra festive sprinkles to boost the merry look.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 24 cookies
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 25 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Sugar: 7g
Ingredients:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla until well mixed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in M&M’s and additional sprinkles if desired.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
9. Allow to cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips:
– Use a mix of regular and mini M&M’s for added texture.
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for denser cookies.
FAQs:
– How can I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week.
– Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze it for up to three months!
2. M&M Cookie Bars
Craving a big, easy-to-share treat? These M&M Cookie Bars take the classic cookie vibe and turn it into chewy slabs that slice cleanly. They stay moist in the middle and hold up well for gift boxes and party trays. The mix of butter, brown sugar, and M&M’s gives a warm, festive bite that everyone loves.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 16 bars
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 180 per bar
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Carbohydrates: 26g
– Sugar: 12g
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 cup M&M’s
– 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Gradually mix in the flour and baking soda.
5. Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips:
– Use holiday-themed M&M’s for a festive touch.
– Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra sweetness!
FAQs:
– Can I store these bars? Yes, they last for about a week in an airtight container.
– Can I add nuts? Absolutely, chopped nuts would be a great addition!
3. M&M Peppermint Bark
M&M Peppermint Bark blends rich chocolate with a bright peppermint kick. No oven is needed, so it comes together fast for quick gifts or last-minute desserts. The festive color from M&M’s makes it a standout on any tray, and you can swap flavors to taste.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 12 pieces
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 0 minutes
– Total Time: 15 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 170 per piece
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Sugar: 12g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups white chocolate chips
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.
3. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
4. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
5. Melt the milk chocolate chips and swirl them on top of the white chocolate.
6. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint and M&M’s on top.
7. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
8. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Tips:
– Experiment with different chocolate combinations for unique flavors.
– Store in a cool, dry place to keep the bark crisp.
FAQs:
– How long does the bark last? It can be stored for up to two weeks.
– Can I use different types of candy? Yes, feel free to mix it up with your favorites!
4. M&M Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies bring the cozy feel of a mug of hot cocoa into a chewy cookie. Rich chocolate and M&M bursts make every bite fun, especially on cold nights. Pair them with a warm drink for a perfect holiday moment that’s easy to share.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 24 cookies
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 12 minutes
– Total Time: 32 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugar: 10g
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup M&M’s
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
3. In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in M&M’s.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set.
9. Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips:
– Add mini marshmallows to the dough for a hot chocolate twist.
– Keep an eye on them while baking to prevent overcooking.
FAQs:
– Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, freeze it for up to three months.
– How do I make them chewy? Bake just until the edges are firm and the centers look soft.
5. M&M Snowman Cupcakes
Snowman cupcakes melt hearts with cute faces and bright frosting. They turn a simple dessert into a festive scene that kids love. A little frosted charm goes a long way at parties, and these bake up neatly for a crowd. You get sweet treats that are fun to decorate and easy to share.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 12 cupcakes
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 18 minutes
– Total Time: 38 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 200 per cupcake
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 9g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 31g
– Sugar: 16g
Ingredients:
– 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required)
– 1 cup white frosting
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
– Mini chocolate chips for eyes
– Orange candy corn for noses
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
3. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18 minutes.
4. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
5. Frost each cupcake with white frosting.
6. Decorate with M&M’s to create snowman faces and bodies.
7. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and candy corn for noses.
8. Enjoy your adorable snowman creations!
Tips:
– Use different colors of frosting for a rainbow snowman theme.
– Make a cupcake stand to elevate your festive display!
FAQs:
– How long do these cupcakes last? They stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container.
– Can I use homemade cake mix? Absolutely, homemade is always a great choice!
6. M&M Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread gets a bright twist with colorful M&M’s. These cookies keep the warm spice you love while adding candy pops for a festive look. They make sweet gifts or a cheerful addition to a cookie plate. The recipe is simple, and the flavor works for any holiday gathering.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 36 cookies
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 130 per cookie
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 4g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 22g
– Sugar: 10g
Ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tbsp ginger
– 1 tbsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp salt
– ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup molasses
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth.
4. Add egg and molasses, then mix until combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in M&M’s.
7. Roll dough into balls and place on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set.
9. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips:
– Decorate with icing to enhance their holiday charm.
– Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
FAQs:
– Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, they can be made a week in advance.
– What’s the best way to decorate them? Use royal icing to create festive patterns!
❝ For holiday baking m&m recipes, these gingerbread cookies prove that warm spices can mingle with candy pops for a festive twist. They stay cozy and crowd-pleasing, making gifts or plate-ready treats simple and fun. Bake a batch and watch the color sparkles lift every gathering. ❞
7. M&M Brownie Bites
Brownie bites bring rich chocolate flavor in cute, bite-sized form. These treats stay fudgy and decked with bright M&M’s for a party-ready tray. They’re quick to bake, fun to share, and easy to customize with different candy colors. A little bite goes a long way during the holidays.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 30 bites
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 35 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 100 per bite
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Carbohydrates: 13g
– Sugar: 8g
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 cup M&M’s
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan and mix in sugar, then let it cool slightly.
3. Stir in eggs and vanilla, then mix until combined.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in M&M’s.
6. Spoon batter into the mini muffin pan.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips:
– Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
– Experiment with various flavors of M&M’s for different tastes.
FAQs:
– How long do they stay fresh? Keep them in an airtight container for about a week.
– Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze for up to a month!
8. M&M Christmas Tree Cake
A bright cake becomes the star of the table with M&M Christmas Tree design. Layers of color peek from each slice, while the candy toppers draw smiles from guests. It’s big enough to serve a crowd yet simple enough to finish in one evening. This cake turns a dessert into a memory people will remember.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 12 slices
– Prep Time: 30 minutes
– Cook Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour
– Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 7g
– Carbohydrates: 34g
– Sugar: 18g
Ingredients:
– 2 boxes of cake mix (vanilla or chocolate)
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 5 cups M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the cake mixes according to package instructions and bake.
3. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
4. In a bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy, then add vanilla.
5. Place one cake layer on a serving platter and frost the top.
6. Add the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
7. Decorate the top with M&M’s to create a Christmas tree design.
8. Cut into slices and serve!
Tips:
– Use food coloring to tint the frosting for a colorful design.
– Add edible glitter for a sparkling effect!
FAQs:
– How should I store the cake? Keep it covered at room temperature for up to three days.
– Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, bake and frost a day in advance!
Color and candy turn a bake into a memory. The M&M Christmas Tree Cake serves 12, but the smiles are priceless, and it finishes in under an hour. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday baking m&m recipes.
9. M&M Holiday Granola
Crunchy granola with a holiday glow. This mix pairs oats with nuts and bright M&M’s for a cheerful snack you can grab any time. It’s a thoughtful gift and a tasty topper for yogurt or fruit. A simple bake makes a big difference in your snack game this season.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 12 servings
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Carbohydrates: 24g
– Sugar: 10g
Ingredients:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
– ½ cup honey or maple syrup
– ¼ cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla until evenly mixed.
3. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool.
5. Once cooled, mix in M&M’s.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips:
– Add dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Perfect for snacking or as a topping for ice cream!
FAQs:
– Can I customize the nuts? Yes, any nuts you have on hand will work!
– How do I serve it? Enjoy it on its own or with yogurt and fresh fruit.
Did you know a single bake yields 12 crunchy servings at roughly 180 calories each? That makes holiday baking m&m recipes easier to share as gifts or toppers—perfect for quick, colorful snacks.
10. M&M Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie treats get a bright holiday twist with M&M’s. Gooey marshmallows meet crispy cereal, and the candy colors finish the board. They’re quick to make and loved by kids and grownups alike. A tray of these is a cheerful finish for any holiday lineup.
Recipe Overview:
– Servings: 16 bars
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 5 minutes
– Total Time: 15 minutes
– Calories: Approximately 150 per bar
Nutrition Information:
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 24g
– Sugar: 10g
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mini marshmallows
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 1 cup M&M’s (holiday colors)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Add mini marshmallows, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
4. Gently fold in M&M’s.
5. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
6. Let cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
– Use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
– Add festive sprinkles on top before they cool!
FAQs:
– How do I store them? Keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
– Can I make them ahead of time? Yes, they can be made a day in advance!
Conclusion
Holiday baking with M&M’s is a joyful and creative way to bring festive cheer into your kitchen! These colorful treats not only taste amazing but also brighten up any holiday gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in them yourself, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
Try out these fun and festive M&M baking recipes this holiday season, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Happy baking!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best holiday M&M recipes for colorful treats that everyone will love?
These holiday baking m&m recipes offer a vibrant mix of cookies, bars, and bite-sized treats that shine on any dessert table.
Start with classic holiday cookies swirled with red-and-green M&M’s, then add color-packed bars or cupcakes with M&M toppings for extra flair.
Pro tips: use mini M&M’s for a tidy look and press them into dough while it’s warm so the color sticks.
Chill dough before baking to minimize spreading and color bleed, and store cooled treats in airtight containers to keep flavors fresh.
Perfect for holiday dessert recipes and festive cookie ideas that double as colorful baking treats.
How can I adapt holiday baking m&m recipes to fit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor?
For dietary tweaks, you can adapt many holiday baking m&m recipes with simple swaps.
Try gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and egg replacers like flax eggs to make them vegan-friendly.
If nut allergies are a concern, choose M&M varieties without added nuts and keep separate batches clean from cross-contact.
Always read labels and test a small batch first, then scale up for parties, so your holiday party snacks stay delicious and inclusive.
Which M&M colors or flavors work best for festive cookie ideas and holiday dessert recipes?
Color is everything for festive cookie ideas and holiday dessert recipes. Use red, green, and seasonal M&M colors to match the vibe, or mix in limited-edition holiday flavors for extra sparkle.
Consider combining M&M’s with white chocolate for a creamy contrast, or pair dark chocolate cookies with mint-green M&M’s for a classic look.
The key is balance: a few well-placed M&M clusters or toppers can turn a simple cookie into a standout M&M dessert idea or colorful baking treat.
How should I store and transport these M&M holiday treats so the colors stay bright and the textures stay perfect?
To keep colors bright and textures perfect, store baked M&M treats in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
Avoid humidity and direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
When transporting to a party, pack cookies flat on parchment and use rigid boxes or shallow tins to prevent breakage. If you’re stacking, place parchment between layers and keep cupcakes or bars refrigerated until serving to preserve freshness and mood-worthy colors.
Can I make these M&M treats ahead of time and freeze them for easy holiday party snacks?
Yes—these holiday baking m&m recipes can be made ahead.
Freeze cookie dough logs or slices for quick baking later, and freeze baked cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers.
For frosting and toppings, add them after thawing or keep them in a separate container until serving so they don’t wilt. This makes entertaining easy and ideal for holiday party snacks and a stress-free holiday dessert recipes lineup.
Related Topics
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