Thanksgiving Cookies M&M - Festive Fall Treats in 30 Minutes

Picture this: soft, chewy cookies bursting with colorful M&Ms in autumn hues, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of butter and vanilla. These Thanksgiving cookies M&M treats are the perfect addition to your holiday table, combining classic cookie comfort with festive flair.

Did you know that M&Ms were originally created for soldiers in World War II because they wouldn’t melt? Now they’re the star of our holiday baking! What makes these cookies truly special is their incredible simplicity—you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes with pantry staples you probably already have.

They’re soft enough for grandma, colorful enough for the kids, and delicious enough to impress your most discerning dinner guests. If you loved our pumpkin spice cookies, you’ll absolutely adore these festive M&M beauties. Get ready to create a new Thanksgiving tradition that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

What Are Thanksgiving Cookies M&M?

Ever wondered why we call them Thanksgiving cookies M&M when they’re basically chocolate chip cookies in disguise? Well, it’s all about the festive transformation!

By swapping regular chocolate chips for autumn-colored M&Ms—think harvest reds, oranges, yellows, and browns—we turn an everyday treat into a holiday showstopper. These beauties capture the spirit of Thanksgiving in every bite, and let’s be honest, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, especially during the holidays!

The best part? You can customize the colors to match your table décor or let the kids pick their favorite seasonal shades. Trust me, once you try these colorful delights, they’ll become your go-to Thanksgiving dessert. Ready to bake up some holiday magic?

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cookies M&M Recipe

The Perfect Holiday Cookie

These Thanksgiving cookies M&M are everything you want in a festive treat. The cookies bake up with beautifully soft centers and slightly crispy edges, while the M&Ms add delightful pops of chocolate and a satisfying crunch.

The autumn colors make them Instagram-worthy without any fancy decorating skills required. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that need rolling, cutting, and intricate frosting, these cookies are wonderfully fussy-free. You simply scoop, bake, and admire!

Budget-Friendly Baking

Making these cookies at home costs a fraction of what you’d spend at a bakery. A single batch yields about 36 cookies for roughly $8-10 in ingredients.

Compare that to $2-3 per cookie at specialty shops! Plus, you probably already have most ingredients in your pantry—flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The only “splurge” is a bag of M&Ms, which often go on sale during the holiday season.

Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.

Customizable and Fun

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. Swap in different M&M colors for other holidays—pastels for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or stick with classic for everyday enjoyment.

Add a handful of chopped pecans for extra crunch or a teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth. Kids absolutely love helping press extra M&Ms on top before baking. If you enjoyed making our chocolate chip cookie bars, you’ll find this recipe just as easy but even more festive.

Why settle for store-bought when homemade tastes so much better? Roll up your sleeves and let’s bake!

How to Make Thanksgiving Cookies M&M

Quick Overview

These Thanksgiving cookies M&M are incredibly straightforward to make, even for novice bakers. The dough comes together in one bowl with no chilling required, though chilling does improve the texture.

You’ll love how the cookies spread just right, creating those picture-perfect thick edges with soft centers. The M&Ms hold their shape and add festive color plus chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies

Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cookies M&M

Dry Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

1 ½ cups Thanksgiving-colored M&Ms (plus ¼ cup for topping)
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Pro Tip: Use M&Ms in autumn colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown. You can buy seasonal packs or sort regular M&Ms by color!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Gather all your ingredients and measuring tools. Room temperature ingredients mix better, so take your butter and eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before you begin. This simple prep makes the entire process smoother.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Whisking helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and aerates the flour for lighter cookies.

Set this bowl aside. This step only takes a minute but ensures your cookies rise evenly and have the perfect texture.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale in color.

This process incorporates air, which helps create tender cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure everything mixes evenly. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming is crucial for texture!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.

The mixture might look slightly curdled—that’s completely normal. The eggs add structure and moisture while the vanilla enhances all the other flavors.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.

Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to tough cookies. The dough should look thick and slightly crumbly at this stage.

Fold in the M&Ms

Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, gently fold in 1 ½ cups of M&Ms until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for pressing onto the cookie tops before baking.

If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now as well. The dough will be quite thick and may feel stiff—this is perfect!

Chill the Dough (Optional)

For thicker, chewier cookies with less spread, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Chilled dough spreads less during baking, creating cookies with better texture and more pronounced M&M toppings. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls about 2 tablespoons each. Roll them gently between your palms to smooth them out.

Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press 2-3 extra M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball for that bakery-style look with lots of visible candy pieces.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll appear puffy and soft.

Don’t overbake! The cookies continue cooking on the hot pan after you remove them from the oven. For chewy cookies, bake for 10 minutes. For crispier edges, go for 12 minutes.

Cool Properly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This cooling time is crucial—it allows them to firm up enough to transfer without breaking.

After 5 minutes, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before storing, though sneaking one warm cookie is basically mandatory for quality control!

What to Serve Thanksgiving Cookies M&M With

These festive cookies pair beautifully with various beverages and desserts to complete your Thanksgiving spread.

Beverage Pairings:

Hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks
Pumpkin spice lattes or regular coffee
Cold milk (always a classic!)
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Spiced chai tea

Dessert Table Ideas:

Arrange them on a platter alongside pumpkin pie and pecan bars
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches
Stack them in a cookie jar as a centerpiece
Pair with cheese and fruit for a sweet-savory dessert board
Create a cookie decorating station with extra M&Ms and frosting

Meal Complement: These cookies are perfect after a heavy Thanksgiving dinner. Their sweetness and fun colors provide a light-hearted dessert option that kids and adults both enjoy. They’re also excellent for afternoon snacking while watching football or playing board games with family.

Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Cookies M&M

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature butter and eggs blend more easily and create a smoother, more uniform dough. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and cold eggs can cause the butter to seize up.

Take them out 30-60 minutes before baking. To quick-temper eggs, place them in warm water for 5-10 minutes.

Don’t Skip the Chilling

While optional, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes dramatically improves texture. Chilled cookies spread less, resulting in thicker, chewier centers.

The cold dough also allows the flour to fully hydrate, creating better flavor and texture. If you’re really pressed for time, even 15 minutes helps!

Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour creates dry, cakey cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level off with a knife.

Never pack flour or scoop directly from the bag, which compresses it and adds too much. Better yet, weigh your flour—2 ¾ cups equals 345 grams.

Watch Your Oven Temperature

Every oven runs differently. Use an oven thermometer to verify your actual temperature. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature by 25°F.

Cookies that spread too much indicate an oven that’s too hot. Cookies that don’t spread enough mean your oven is too cool.

Rotate Your Pans

For even baking, rotate your cookie sheet 180 degrees halfway through baking time. This compensates for hot spots in your oven.

If baking two sheets at once, swap their positions (top to bottom, front to back) at the halfway mark.

Size Matters

Keep your cookie dough portions uniform so they all bake evenly. A cookie scoop ensures consistent sizing. If some cookies are larger, they’ll need more time while smaller ones might burn.

Add Extra M&Ms on Top

Press a few extra M&Ms onto each cookie before baking. This creates that professional bakery look and ensures every bite has plenty of candy.

The ones mixed into the dough often sink or get hidden, so the extra toppings make them visually appealing.

Underbake Slightly

Cookies continue baking on the hot pan after leaving the oven. Remove them when they look slightly underdone in the center for perfectly chewy results.

They’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaked cookies become dry and hard.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Add a slice of bread to the container—it releases moisture that keeps cookies soft. Replace the bread slice every 2 days.

Freezing Baked Cookies

These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).

Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Freeze shaped cookie dough balls for easy baking later. Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for last-minute guests!

Reheating Instructions

To refresh cookies and restore that just-baked warmth, microwave individual cookies for 8-10 seconds, or warm several cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

The M&Ms will soften slightly, and the cookies will taste freshly baked. This works wonderfully with frozen cookies too—just add a minute or two to the warming time.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using Cold Butter

Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, resulting in dense, flat cookies. Always use softened butter that leaves an indent when pressed but isn’t melting or greasy.

If you forgot to soften butter, cut it into small cubes and let it sit for 15 minutes, or place it near a warm (not hot) stovetop.

Mistake: Overmixing the Dough

Once you add flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, creating tough, chewy (in a bad way) cookies.

The dough should look slightly shaggy, not smooth and elastic. Use a gentle hand and stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Mistake: Not Measuring Properly

Eyeballing ingredients leads to inconsistent results. Baking is chemistry—accuracy matters. Invest in measuring cups, spoons, and ideally a kitchen scale.

Level off dry ingredients and use liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients. This simple step dramatically improves your success rate.

Mistake: Crowding the Baking Sheet

Cookies need space to spread. Placing them too close causes them to merge into one giant cookie blob. Leave at least 2 inches between cookies.

It’s better to bake in multiple batches than to cram too many onto one sheet.

Mistake: Using Old Baking Soda

Baking soda loses potency over time. If yours is older than 6 months, test it by adding a pinch to vinegar—it should fizz vigorously.

Weak baking soda means flat cookies that don’t rise properly. Replace it regularly for best results.

Mistake: Skipping the Cooling Time

Moving cookies too soon causes them to break and fall apart. Those first 5 minutes on the hot pan are crucial for setting the structure.

Be patient! Use that time to prepare your next batch or simply enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen.

Mistake: Baking Unevenly Sized Cookies

Different sizes bake at different rates. Some will be overdone while others are raw. Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions every time.

If some dough balls are larger, give them their own sheet and bake them for an extra minute or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different colored M&Ms for other holidays?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s endlessly adaptable. Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or red, white, and blue for Fourth of July.

You can even use all one color for themed parties or mix classic colors for everyday treats. The recipe works perfectly regardless of M&M color.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine in a pinch. Use stick margarine (not the spreadable tub variety) in the same amount.

Oil isn’t recommended as it changes the texture significantly—cookies will spread too much and lack structure. For dairy-free options, use vegan butter sticks that are designed for baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Several factors cause excessive spreading: butter that’s too soft or melted, dough that’s too warm, insufficient flour, or an oven that’s not hot enough.

Make sure your butter is just softened (not greasy), chill your dough before baking, check your oven temperature with a thermometer, and measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method.

Why are my cookies too cakey?

Cakey cookies usually result from too much flour or too many eggs. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly—don’t pack it down. Also, using large or extra-large eggs instead of medium-large adds extra moisture and structure.

Overmixing the dough also develops gluten, which can create a cake-like texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur both make excellent options.

The cookies may be slightly more crumbly, but the flavor remains delicious. Don’t use almond flour or coconut flour alone—they require different ratios and don’t work as direct substitutes.

How do I keep cookies soft and chewy?

Underbake them slightly—remove them when centers still look a bit underdone. Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which releases moisture.

Make sure cookies are completely cool before storing (warm cookies create condensation that makes them soggy). Avoid storing in the refrigerator, which dries them out.

Can I add other mix-ins besides M&Ms?

Definitely! Try adding ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits. You could also mix in chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips alongside the M&Ms.

Just keep the total mix-in amount to about 2 cups so the dough isn’t overloaded. White chocolate chips are particularly delicious with the autumn-colored M&Ms.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

While not mandatory, chilling improves texture and prevents excessive spreading. If you’re truly short on time, shape all the cookies, then freeze the dough balls for 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats.

This quick chill is better than nothing. For absolute best results, chill for 30 minutes to overnight.

How can I make my cookies thicker?

Chill the dough thoroughly, use slightly less butter (reduce by 1-2 tablespoons), and make sure your baking soda is fresh. Also, try adding an extra ¼ cup of flour.

Don’t flatten the dough balls before baking—let them spread naturally. Baking at a slightly higher temperature (385°F) also helps cookies set faster before spreading too much.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! You might want to use a stand mixer for large batches as the dough is quite thick and can strain hand mixers.

Store extra dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portioned dough balls for up to 3 months.

Why did my M&Ms sink to the bottom?

This happens when the dough is too thin or when you don’t chill it. Chilled dough is stiffer and holds M&Ms in place better. Also, press extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball just before baking—these will stay visible and colorful on the surface.

What’s the best way to gift these cookies?

Layer them in a decorative tin or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a festive tag with the name and date.

For shipping, wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then pack tightly in a sturdy box with bubble wrap or crumpled parchment to prevent movement. They ship well and stay fresh for several days.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (1 cookie)
Calories	142
Total Fat	6.5g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	12g
Protein	1.5g

Nutritional values are approximate and based on one cookie from a batch of 36. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving cookies M&M are about to become your new holiday tradition. They’re simple enough for busy hosts, delicious enough to wow your guests, and festive enough to steal the show on any dessert table.

The combination of buttery cookie dough, melty chocolate from the M&Ms, and those gorgeous autumn colors creates something truly special. Plus, they’re incredibly forgiving—even novice bakers will achieve beautiful results.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Make them exactly as written, or customize them with your family’s favorite flavors and colors. Get the kids involved in pressing M&Ms on top. Start a tradition of baking them the night before Thanksgiving while sharing stories and laughs.

These cookies represent everything wonderful about holiday baking: simplicity, joy, and the delicious memories we create in our kitchens. So grab that bag of autumn-colored M&Ms and let’s get baking!

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of these irresistible cookies! Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how your Thanksgiving cookies M&M turn out!

Pro Tip: Make a double batch. Trust me on this. These cookies disappear faster than you can say “pass the turkey!” Having extras means you can send guests home with a sweet treat and still have some for yourself the next day. You’ll thank me later!