Introduction
‘Tis the season to indulge in sweet, festive delights, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of Brownie M&M Christmas Cookies! These cookies are a whimsical blend of the rich, gooey texture of brownies with the colorful crunch of M&Ms. Easy to make and even easier to love, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a delightful way to add a touch of sweetness to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For Mixing In:
- 1 cup M&M’s (preferably red and green for Christmas)
Directions & How to Prepare
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the melted butter and sugar. Then, vigorously beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, creating a smooth mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in M&Ms: Gently fold in most of the M&Ms, saving a handful for decoration.
- Form the Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Press the reserved M&M’s onto the top of each cookie for a festive touch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the cookies to set but remain soft for that perfect brownie texture.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Serve once completely cooled.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Servings
- This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing!
FAQs
- Can I use different colored M&M’s? Yes! Feel free to use any color of M&M’s to match your holiday theme.
- How do I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Is there a gluten-free option? You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe? Yes, chopped nuts can be a great addition for extra crunch.
Conclusion
Creating these Brownie M&M Christmas Cookies is more than just baking; it’s an opportunity to make memories. The process is simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the result is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether shared with family, friends, or left out for Santa, these cookies are a testament to the joy and warmth of Christmas. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and cheer!