There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking delightful treats that capture the spirit of festivity. If you’ve ever wanted your cookies to be as bright and cheerful as the decorations you hang on your tree, M&M Christmas Light Cookies are the perfect option. These cookies are not only fun to make but also become a loving centerpiece at any holiday gathering. With a vibrant splash of colors from the M&Ms and the decorative touch of royal icing, they’ll light up your holiday dessert table just like the twinkling lights that adorn your home.
Why We Love This M&M Christmas Light Cookies Recipe
When the holidays roll around, everyone searches for fun and festive ways to celebrate. M&M Christmas Light Cookies are a hit for several reasons. First, they are visually appealing. The mix of colorful M&Ms resembling Christmas lights instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Second, they offer a simple yet delicious taste thanks to the buttery cookie base combined with the delightful crunch and sweetness from the candies. Using royal icing to decorate adds an artistic touch that allows you to personalize each cookie.
Additionally, this cookie recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap out ingredients or add your personal favorite flavors. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even just a cozy evening at home. Most importantly, making these cookies is a way to create lasting memories. You can involve kids, share stories, and enjoy the season while baking together.
Now that we’ve built up your excitement, let’s gather our ingredients to get started!
Ingredients about M&M Christmas Light Cookies
To make M&M Christmas Light Cookies, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together to create the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Here’s a list to gather:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing (for decorating)
- M&Ms (various colors)
Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you start so that you can enjoy a smooth baking process.
How to Make M&M Christmas Light Cookies Directions
Creating M&M Christmas Light Cookies is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always good practice to preheat your oven first, so it’s hot and ready when your cookie dough is ready to bake.
- In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This combination of dry ingredients is crucial for giving your cookies the right rise and texture, so make sure they are well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. The creaming process is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise nicely.
- Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract into the mixture. Make sure you mix until everything is evenly blended—this step infuses your cookies with delightful flavors.
- Gradually add in the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture. It’s best to add it in parts to avoid flour flying everywhere. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy.
- Now, it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place these balls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Ensure they have some space between them as they will spread while baking.
- To give your cookies a nice shape, flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass. It can be helpful to dip the glass in sugar to prevent sticking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them set before you transfer them to wire racks.
- When the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to get creative! Use royal icing to decorate them, and place M&Ms on top to mimic beautiful Christmas lights.
With these simple steps, you’ll whip up a batch of M&M Christmas Light Cookies that are perfect for sharing and delighting those around you.
How to Serve M&M Christmas Light Cookies
Once your M&M Christmas Light Cookies are beautifully decorated and cooled, it’s time to think about how to present them. The way you serve your cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings.
For a cheerful display, consider using a festive platter or a colorful holiday-themed serving dish. Arrange the cookies with care, allowing the bright colors of the M&Ms to shine. You can also stack the cookies in a jar or cookie tin for guests to enjoy as they please.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, these cookies make for a wonderful centerpiece at dessert tables. For an added touch, pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite festive drink. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
These cookies are not just delicious; their whimsical design will undoubtedly spark conversations and joyful memories, making your gathering even more special.
Expert Tips: M&M Christmas Light Cookies
To ensure you’re making the best M&M Christmas Light Cookies possible, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: While it’s not listed in the initial directions, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can lead to thicker, chewier cookies. This prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Check that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Expired leavening agents can affect the rise, leaving your cookies flat.
- Measurement Matters: Use precise measurements for flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dense, while too little may not give them enough structure.
- Customize Your Colors: Feel free to experiment with the color scheme of your M&Ms. You can use seasonal colors for a more festive touch or even mix in some chocolate or peanut M&Ms for variety.
- Icing Techniques: When decorating with royal icing, consider using piping bags for cleaner lines. Practice on parchment paper first if you are new to piping!
- Taste Testing: Always have a cookie or two set aside for yourself to taste! After all, you need to ensure they are delicious before sharing.
By incorporating these tips into your baking process, you’ll not only improve your cookie-making skills but will also impress family and friends with your baking prowess.
How to Store M&M Christmas Light Cookies
To keep your M&M Christmas Light Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here’s how you can do it:
Once your cookies are completely cooled and decorated, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out.
You can keep them at room temperature for about a week. If you want even longer shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for several months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them come to room temperature before serving. This way, you can savor the taste of the holidays whenever you wish!
Variation of M&M Christmas Light Cookies
While the classic M&M Christmas Light Cookies are festive and fun, you can switch things up to keep it interesting. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Chocolate Base: Instead of all-purpose flour, replace some of it with cocoa powder to create a chocolate cookie base. This variation gives you a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the M&Ms.
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough. This will provide a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
- Flavor Tweaks: Try different extracts like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. This can add an extra layer of excitement to your cookies.
- Use Different Candies: Instead of M&Ms, consider using other colorful candies or sprinkles to decorate your cookies. Candy corn or holiday-themed sprinkles can create a different festive look.
- Shape Variations: While these cookies are typically round, you can use cookie cutters to shape them into festive designs like stars, trees, or bells. Decorate accordingly to match the shape!
By experimenting with these variations, you can create a range of cookies that will keep your holiday baking lively and exciting.
FAQ
What makes M&M Christmas Light Cookies unique?
M&M Christmas Light Cookies stand out because they combine the deliciousness of a buttery cookie base with the vibrant colors of M&Ms, mimicking the sparkle of Christmas lights. They are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight!
Can I make M&M Christmas Light Cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, or even bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. They’re perfect for holiday planning!
How can I customize my M&M Christmas Light Cookies?
Customization is easy! Feel free to change the type of M&Ms you use, switch up extracts for different flavors, or add fun sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
What should I do if my cookies come out too flat?
If your M&M cookies turn out flat, it may be due to a lack of flour or expired leavening agents. Double-check your measurements and ingredients to prevent this from happening on your next batch!
M&M Christmas Light Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration Ingredients
- Royal icing Royal icing (for decorating)
- M&Ms M&Ms (various colors)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until evenly blended.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass, optionally dipping the glass in sugar.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Decoration
- Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and M&Ms to mimic Christmas lights.
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