There’s a delightful kind of magic that fills the air during the holiday season, and nothing embodies that spirit quite like Christmas Light Cookies. Picture this: the vibrant colors of red and green M&M’s sparkling atop a canvas of fluffy white frosting, reminiscent of beautiful holiday lights brightening up a chilly night. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a festive decoration that brings joy to your kitchen and a smile to everyone who tries them.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon filled with holiday tunes and a desire to create something fun with my family. With minimal ingredients and an easy process, these cookies came together in no time, leaving us with the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter wafting through our home.
Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, my Christmas Light Cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen. The best part? They’re adaptable for any occasion—just switch up the colors of the M&M’s, and you’re set for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a touch of sweetness. Let’s dive into this cheerful recipe and make some holiday magic together!
Why are Christmas Light Cookies so special?
Joyful, each bite is like a celebration, bringing the spirit of the holidays right to your palate.
Colorful, the bright M&M’s not only taste great, but they also make these cookies a visual delight.
Easy to make, you only need 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for any busy holiday schedule.
Versatile, whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or other gatherings, you can easily tailor these cookies to fit any theme.
Crowd-pleasing, people can’t resist the combination of fluffy cookies and creamy frosting topped with candy!
Memorable, this is a family-friendly recipe that brings together loved ones for creating meaningful moments in the kitchen.
Christmas Light Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake some festive magic with these essential ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
• Butter – softened – adds richness and helps create a fluffy texture.
• Sugar – for sweetness and that delightful crunch.
• Vanilla – enhances the flavor, bringing warmth to each bite.
• Egg – binds the ingredients together for a perfect dough.
• Flour – gives structure; make sure to measure it correctly for perfect cookies.
• Baking Powder – helps the cookies rise for a light, airy texture.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – the main component for a sweet, smooth frosting.
• Milk – adds just the right consistency; adjust as needed.
• Black Food Coloring Gel – makes the frosting perfect for those string lights over the cookies.
For Decorating
• Mini M&M’s – these colorful candies create the festive light effect on your cookies.
With these vibrant ingredients at hand, you’re all set to create beautiful Christmas Light Cookies that will brighten anyone’s holiday spirit!
How to Make Christmas Light Cookies
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Mix the Base: In the mixing bowl of your stand mixer, use the whisk attachment to combine softened Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, and Egg. Whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Flour and Baking Powder. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to perfectly risen cookies.
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Blend Together: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Keep mixing until the dough begins to form, which should take just a couple of minutes.
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Finish the Dough: Switch to the paddle attachment and continue blending the cookie dough until it’s completely smooth and starts to form a ball. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as needed.
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Shape the Cookies: Line two cookie sheets with Parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared sheets, leaving a bit of space in between each.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for around 15 minutes, or until they’re just turning a light golden brown around the edges—this will give them a lovely texture!
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Check for Cracks: About halfway through baking, peek into the oven; you may notice the cookies start to crack slightly—that’s perfectly normal and indicates they are baking beautifully.
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Flatten Gently: When halfway done, take a flat-bottomed glass, dip it in sugar, and lightly press each cookie to gently flatten them a bit; this will help them spread and form a perfect cookie shape.
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Cool the Cookies: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely—this is important for the frosting to stick later!
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Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, mix together the Powdered Sugar and milk a little at a time, stirring until smooth. Aim for a spreadable consistency without any lumps.
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Adjust the Frosting: If the frosting is too thin, simply add more Powdered Sugar to thicken it up until it’s perfect for coating the cookies.
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Color the Frosting: Take a few tablespoons of the frosting, place it into a separate bowl, and add a drop or two of Black Food Coloring Gel. Blend until the color is even and adjust the thickness as needed with more powdered sugar.
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Frost the Cookies: Use the white frosting to coat the cookies completely, and let them sit for about 45 minutes so the frosting can set beautifully on each cookie.
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Pipe the Black Frosting: Place the black frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. Pipe back-and-forth lines over the white frosting to create a string light effect, resembling festive holiday décor.
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Decorate with M&M’s: Finally, place mini M&M’s along the black frosting strands to mimic colorful Christmas lights on each cookie.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your delightful Christmas Light Cookies are now ready to share! Gather your loved ones and take a moment to bask in the holiday spirit together.
Optional: Consider adding edible glitter for an extra festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Light Cookies
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Room Temperature: Keep your freshly baked Christmas Light Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful softness.
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Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Just remember, chilled cookies may be firmer, so let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying!
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-frosted cookie balls in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that warm, gooey goodness without sacrificing flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Light Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply roll the dough into balls and store them in an airtight container, ensuring they don’t stick together. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and bake the cookie balls straight from the fridge—there’s no need to thaw! Additionally, you can prepare the white frosting in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours; just give it a good stir before using it. By prepping the dough and frosting ahead of time, you’ll save precious hours during the busy holiday season while still enjoying fresh-baked, delicious Christmas Light Cookies!
What to Serve with Christmas Light Cookies?
Looking to create a delightful holiday spread to complement your festive cookie creations?
- Hot Cocoa: A warm, rich cup of hot cocoa pairs beautifully, evoking the cozy vibes of the holiday season. Top it with whipped cream for an extra treat!
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, spiced just right, enhances the sweetness of the cookies and brings a creamy richness to the table.
- Gingerbread Men: Serve these alongside Christmas Light Cookies for a delightful textural contrast; their spiced flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of your cookies.
- Sugar Cookies: The simplicity of sugar cookies is a great balance to the colorful flair of Christmas Light Cookies, creating a cheerful dessert platter.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a little warm caramel sauce over your cookies enhances their sweetness and adds a luscious texture to every bite.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits such as apples and pears provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the cookies, cutting through the sweetness with a natural zing.
- Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk never goes out of style; a cold glass enhances the flavors and adds nostalgia to every bite.
- Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunchy, savory contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and adding a delightful element to your spread.
- Chocolate Peppermint Bark: Add a festive flair with this dessert; the minty chocolate will echo the holiday spirit while complementing the sweet flavors of the cookies.
Expert Tips for Christmas Light Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and fluffy cookie dough.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Use a spoon to gently scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies—nobody wants that!
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Don’t Over-bake: Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Over-baking can make them hard.
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Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens. You want it spreadable but not too thin for decorating.
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Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into cookie balls and helps with shaping.
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Celebrate Creativity: Feel free to mix up the M&M colors for different occasions! Your Christmas Light Cookies can transform into festive treats for birthdays or any joyous celebration!
Christmas Light Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and create your own festive version of these charming cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an equally delightful cookie. Your gluten-free friends will be so grateful!
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based adaptation. Everyone can join in on the festive fun!
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Minty Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a holiday mint flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate M&M’s. Each bite will feel like a seasonal celebration!
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Chocolate Cookies: Swap ½ cup of flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolatey delight that pairs beautifully with colorful M&M’s. Chocolate lovers will be in cookie heaven!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch. This not only adds flavor but also a lovely texture to each bite.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm and aromatic finish. The holidays will feel extra cozy with this warming addition!
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Coconut Frosting: Mix shredded coconut into the frosting for a tropical twist. The combination of coconut and chocolate M&M’s will transport you to a sunny paradise!
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Sugar Cookie Variation: Use only sugar for the base frosting instead of powdered sugar for a delightful twist on a classic sugar cookie flavor. This allows the rich vanilla to shine!
Christmas Light Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for Christmas Light Cookies?
Absolutely! Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the cookies, allowing the sweetness of the sugar to shine without competition. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending; this really helps achieve that fluffy texture.
How do I know when my cookies are perfectly baked?
Very! The cookies should turn a light golden brown around the edges but still appear soft in the center. You might notice small cracks on top; that’s a sign they’re rising beautifully. Remember, you want them soft as they’ll continue to firm up after cooling.
Can I freeze Christmas Light Cookies?
Yes, indeed! For freezing, it’s best to freeze un-frosted cookie balls. Simply roll them into balls, place them on a lined baking sheet, and freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
For cookies with frosting, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Are there any dietary considerations with the ingredients?
Great question! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, watch out for eggs, dairy, and gluten in this recipe. You can experiment with egg substitutes and gluten-free flour, but make sure the binding and texture are adjusted accordingly. Always check the labels for items like M&M’s as they may contain allergens.
What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
No worries! If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it. Start by adding a tablespoon at a time and mixing thoroughly. A proper frosting consistency should be spreadable but thick enough to hold a shape when piped onto the cookies. If you’re decorating with it, a thicker frosting may work better to achieve those festive string light effects!
These tips will surely help you create delightful Christmas Light Cookies that are a hit during the holiday season!
Delightful Christmas Light Cookies to Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the mixing bowl of your stand mixer, use the whisk attachment to combine softened Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, and Egg. Whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Flour and Baking Powder.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough begins to form.
- Switch to the paddle attachment and continue blending the cookie dough until smooth and starts to form a ball.
- Line two cookie sheets with Parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared sheets.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for around 15 minutes, until they’re just turning a light golden brown.
- About halfway through baking, check the cookies for cracks, and it’s normal if they start to crack slightly.
- When halfway done, take a flat-bottomed glass, dip it in sugar, and gently press each cookie to flatten them.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix together the Powdered Sugar and milk until smooth.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more Powdered Sugar to thicken it.
- Take a few tablespoons of the frosting, add Black Food Coloring Gel, and blend until the color is even.
- Use the white frosting to coat the cookies completely and let them sit for about 45 minutes to set.
- Pipe black frosting over the white frosting to create a string light effect.
- Place mini M&M's along the black frosting strands to mimic colorful Christmas lights on each cookie.
- Your delightful Christmas Light Cookies are now ready to serve!