M & M Holiday Party Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Chewy, colorful M&M cookies perfect for holiday parties, combining classic chocolate candies with a soft, sweet cookie base to delight guests of all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups M&M plain chocolate candies

Instructions

  1. Blend shortening and sugars in a large bowl.
  2. Beat in vanilla and eggs.
  3. Sift dry ingredients together; add to mixture, blending well.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup of M&M candies.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you want a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg yolk. Make sure to sift your flour to avoid clumps, and use a cookie scoop for evenly shaped cookies. If you prefer a festive touch, you can use seasonal M&M colors for the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties and pair beautifully with Apricot-Orange Party Tea. Serve them alongside milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. If you're looking for a festive dessert table, consider including other sweet treats like Cabbage Medley for a well-rounded spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore freshness before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of M & M Holiday Party Cookies contains roughly 267 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.

267 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 38.7g 14% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 24.6g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 77.8mg 3% DV
Potassium 86.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 29.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of candies instead of M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary based on your choice.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze cookie dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you want a batch of warm cookies.

What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry?

If your cookies are too dry, it may be due to overmixing or measuring flour incorrectly. Next time, ensure you're using the correct measuring technique—spoon flour into the measuring cup without packing it down. Adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough can also help improve moisture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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