Get ready to transform your holiday baking into a festive sensation that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! These Peppermint MM Christmas Cookies are not just another cookie – they're a delightful explosion of minty freshness, chocolatey crunch, and pure holiday cheer. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie studded with colorful M&M's and crushed peppermint candies that will instantly transport you to a winter wonderland of flavor. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, looking for the perfect gift, or simply wanting to spread some seasonal joy, these cookies are your ticket to becoming the ultimate holiday hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and crushed peppermint candies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and M&M's until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, you can optionally sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint candies on top for decoration.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted – room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- For extra festive look, reserve some M&M's and peppermint pieces to press on top of cookies just before baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
- For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to keep them soft.
- Want an extra minty kick? Add a few drops more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker, less spread-out cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
