Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to spread cheer than with delicious sugar cookies? These Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With vibrant colors and fun shapes, these cookies bring holiday spirit into your home.
Baking these cookies is simple and quick, making it a great project for kids and adults alike. Let your creativity shine as you decorate them with colorful M&Ms and frosting. You’ll create sweet memories while making these delightful treats.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms is not just about enjoying a tasty snack. It’s about sharing love and joy during the festive season. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, gift exchanges, or simply indulging in a holiday treat.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize the decorations according to your personal style or the people you plan to share them with. It’s a fun, creative activity that can bring everyone together, fostering a sense of community and warmth.
Equipment Needed for Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
To make these festive cookies, you will need some basic kitchen equipment. Here’s a simple list of what you need:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Knife (for cutting if needed)
- Cooling rack
What You Need to Make Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making these cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sugar cookies (baked or store-bought)
- White frosting (e.g., cream cheese frosting or plain white frosting)
- Mini M&Ms (various colors)
- Mini Reese’s (for ornament cookies, optional)
How to Cook Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms Step by Step
Start by preparing your sugar cookies. You can choose to bake them from scratch or buy pre-made options from your local grocery store for ease. If you’re baking your cookies, ensure they have cooled completely before decorating.
Once your cookies are ready, it’s time to frost each cookie. Take your white frosting and spread a generous layer on top of each cooled cookie. The frosting is not just a base for the candy; it adds sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunch of M&Ms.
Now comes the fun part—decorating your cookies! For ornament cookies, take mini M&Ms in vibrant shades like red, orange, and yellow. Line them up in rows across each cookie. To add an exciting twist, place a mini Reese’s on top of each cookie, resembling an ornament’s cap.
For snowflake cookies, place one blue M&M in the center of the cookie. Use six additional M&Ms to surround the blue one in a circle. To finish off the snowflake design, create six "arms" using two more M&Ms for each arm extending from the center.
For Christmas tree cookies, shape your M&Ms into a triangle. Use green M&Ms for the tree itself, and add a yellow M&M as a “star” at the top. Don’t forget a brown M&M at the bottom to represent the trunk of your colorful tree.
How to Make Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
Making Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process. First, decide whether you want to bake cookies from scratch or buy them pre-made. Baking from scratch can be rewarding, but pre-made options save you time.
If you are baking, follow a simple sugar cookie recipe and allow them to cool. Once your cookies have cooled completely, prepare your frosting. A classic white frosting pairs beautifully with the cookies and M&Ms.
Next, spread the frosting generously over each cooled cookie with a spatula or a butter knife. Make sure the frosting layer is thick enough to support the M&Ms, adding extra sweetness.
Now for the decorating—this is where you can get creative. Use mini M&Ms and optional mini Reese’s to adorn the cookies in fun designs. Remember, the goal is not just to decorate but to have fun and create cookies that everybody will love.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
When it’s time to serve your Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies, arrange them on a festive platter. You can garnish the serving plate with some holiday-themed decorations, like a few sprigs of evergreen or some glittery ornaments.
Ensure that guests can easily grab the cookies. Offering a variety of designs allows everyone to choose their favorite. Pair the cookies with a warm beverage, such as hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, for a delicious treat.
What to Serve with Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
These sugar cookies are versatile and can be served with a variety of drinks and snacks. A warm cup of cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies, making it a perfect pairing for chilly winter nights.
You might also consider setting out a selection of holiday treats alongside your cookies. Brownies, gingerbread men, or even a fruit platter can provide options for those who prefer something different.
For those who enjoy a celebratory beverage, offering eggnog can elevate your holiday gathering. The creamy, rich flavor of eggnog pairs nicely with the sweetness of sugar cookies, creating a festive and enjoyable ambiance.
How to Store Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
To keep your Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If possible, layer the cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Properly stored, these cookies can last for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours. Then, transfer the cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature. They will taste as fresh as the day you made them.
Tips to Make Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
To ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly, keep a few tips in mind. If baking from scratch, measure all your ingredients accurately. This simple step can make a big difference in the end result.
When frosting, you can experiment with different types of frosting. For a creamy topping, use cream cheese frosting, or keep it classic with traditional white frosting. Both choices offer a delicious flavor.
Be creative with decorations—don’t hesitate to try different color combinations or patterns. You can even involve kids in decorating to make it a fun family activity.
Lastly, use fresh ingredients. Fresh M&Ms and frosting will enhance the flavor and look of your cookies, making them even more irresistible.
Variation
There are many variations of these sugar cookies. For a more festive touch, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles along with the M&Ms. You can also experiment with flavored frosting, like peppermint or caramel, to change up the flavor profile.
Instead of traditional sugar cookies, you might try gingerbread or snickerdoodle cookies for an exciting twist. Each variation will bring its own unique taste to the holiday gathering.
Best Time to Make Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms
The best time to make these cookies is during the holiday season. Consider baking them on weekends when family and friends can gather to decorate. This not only makes it a fun activity but also creates cherished memories.
Another great time is for holiday parties or gatherings. Making these cookies in advance can ease the holiday stress and allow you more time to spend with loved ones.
You might also want to bake them as gifts. Homemade cookies are always a wonderful gift, especially when packaged nicely in festive boxes or bags.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few common mistakes can affect the outcome of your cookies. One major issue is overbaking—keep a close eye on your cookies, especially if baking from scratch. They should be just golden around the edges.
Another mistake is not letting the cookies cool fully before frosting. This can cause the frosting to melt and run off, resulting in a messy presentation. Always ensure your cookies are at room temperature.
Lastly, be careful with the amount of frosting you use. Too much frosting can overwhelm the cookie, while too little may leave it dry. Strive for a balanced layer that enhances the cookie without overpowering it.
Nutritional Notes
These sugar cookies are a delightful treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. While they are delicious, they are also high in sugar and calories. Consider making a smaller batch if you’re monitoring your intake.
You can also choose to make healthier adjustments. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or incorporating nuts can add nutritional value while maintaining taste.
Enjoy these cookies as a festive treat, but balance them with healthier meals throughout the season.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, candy canes, or any other festive treat you like.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
If you’re baking sugar cookies, look for a light golden edge. The center may appear slightly soft but will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling and cutting.
Conclusion
Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies with M&Ms are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Not only are these cookies simple to make, but they also bring everyone together for a fun and creative activity. With their festive colors and playful designs, they are sure to bring smiles to family and friends alike.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stored for a sweet holiday treat, these cookies are more than just a dessert. They represent joy, love, and togetherness during this special time of year. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with joy and delicious flavors!
