Are you searching for a delightful, eye-catching treat to brighten your holiday dessert table this Christmas? Look no further than these adorable M&M cookie cups! These bite-sized delights combine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with festive M&M candies, all presented in an irresistible miniature cup form that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or contributing to a cookie exchange, these mini cookie cups, Christmas baking, festive cookies will surely become a new tradition in your seasonal repertoire. The combination of buttery cookie base with colorful candy topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients List
For the perfect batch of M&M cookie cups, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (for a tender, sturdy cup structure)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for proper rise)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (provides richness)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for sweetness and structure)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (adds moisture and caramel notes)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (for binding)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for aromatic depth)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet recommended for balanced sweetness)
- 1½ cups red and green holiday M&Ms, divided (1 cup for mixing, ½ cup for topping)
- Non-stick cooking spray (for easy removal from muffin tins)
Substitutions:
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour can replace regular flour (1:1 ratio)
- Coconut sugar can substitute for brown sugar
- Dairy-free butter sticks work for a dairy-free version
- Mini M&Ms can replace regular ones for a different texture experience
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes measuring ingredients and preparing muffin tins)
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (ensures the dough holds its shape better)
- Baking Time: 12-14 minutes (shorter than traditional cookies, saving you time)
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes (necessary before removing from tins)
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (mostly hands-off time, allowing you to prepare other holiday dishes simultaneously)
These M&M cookie cups take about 30 minutes less active time than rolling and baking individual cookies, making them an efficient choice for busy holiday baking sessions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray mini muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. For best results, use a light-colored metal tin rather than dark, which helps prevent over-browning. Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature for optimal mixing.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for consistent cookie cups. Whisking rather than stirring incorporates air and breaks up any clumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming creates air pockets that help give your cookie cups their tender texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract. The mixture should appear smooth and slightly increased in volume. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookie cups tough, so stop when flour streaks disappear.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of M&Ms and all the chocolate chips using a spatula. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms for topping. The folding motion preserves the air you’ve incorporated during mixing.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This firms the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helps them maintain their cup shape.
Step 8: Form Cookie Cups
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough into each mini muffin cup. Press down slightly in the center with your thumb to create a small indentation. This helps form the cup shape as they bake.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, which is perfect—they’ll continue cooking after removal from the oven.
Step 10: Create the Cup Shape and Decorate
Remove from oven and immediately use the back of a rounded teaspoon to press the center of each cookie, creating a deeper cup shape. While still warm, press several M&Ms into the top of each cup. The residual heat will help them adhere.
Step 11: Cool Before Removing
Allow the cookie cups to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully run a butter knife around the edges and gently remove them. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie cup (approximate values):
- Calories: 135
- Protein: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
This nutritional profile represents a reasonable indulgence for a holiday treat, with controlled portion sizes thanks to the mini cup format.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform these M&M cookie cups to fit various dietary needs:
- Reduced Sugar Option: Decrease sugars by ¼ cup total and use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate candies.
- Whole Grain Upgrade: Replace half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Allergy-Friendly Option: Substitute SunButter and seed-based chocolate pieces for nut allergies.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your mini cookie cups, Christmas baking, festive cookies presentation with these ideas:
- Arrange on a tiered serving platter with fresh mint leaves for a festive display.
- Pair with hot chocolate topped with peppermint whipped cream for a complete dessert experience.
- Create a dessert board with these cookie cups, fresh berries, and small bowls of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with white chocolate before serving for an extra special touch.
- Stack in clear gift bags tied with holiday ribbon for a homemade gift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the muffin cups: Use no more than 1½ tablespoons of dough per cup to prevent overflow.
- Skipping the chilling step: This crucial step prevents flat cookies that lose their cup shape.
- Overbaking: Remove from oven when edges are just golden—centers will continue cooking.
- Waiting too long to shape: Create the cup depression immediately after removing from the oven.
- Removing too soon: Allow sufficient cooling time (15 minutes) before attempting to remove from the tin.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Counter Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended as it dries out the texture.
- Freezing: Place completely cooled cookie cups in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Refreshing: Warm refrigerated cookie cups in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore freshness.
Conclusion
These festive M&M cookie cups perfectly balance convenience, presentation, and delicious flavor—making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their bite-sized nature means controlled portions, while the colorful M&Ms bring instant Christmas cheer to any dessert table. The versatile recipe allows for customization to dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Why not make these a new holiday tradition in your home? Try the recipe this weekend and share your creations on social media with #ChristmasCookieCups—we’d love to see your festive interpretations!
FAQs
Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time for my holiday party?
Yes! These cookie cups freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. You can also prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
My cookie cups stuck to the pan. What went wrong?
Be sure to generously spray the muffin tins with non-stick spray. Also, allow the cups to cool for the full 15 minutes before attempting to remove them. If they’re still sticking, running a butter knife around the edges helps release them gently.
Can I use regular-sized muffin tins instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! For standard muffin tins, use about 3 tablespoons of dough per cup and increase the baking time to 15-17 minutes. Check for golden edges to determine doneness.
How do I know when the cookie cups are done baking?
The perfect mini cookie cups, Christmas baking, festive cookies should have golden brown edges with slightly underdone centers. They’ll continue to cook from residual heat after removal from the oven. If you wait until the centers look completely done, they may end up overcooked and dry.
What other mix-ins work well in this recipe?
Get creative with your cookie cups! Try crushed peppermint candies, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a combination of different colored M&Ms to match various holidays throughout the year.
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]