Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups red and green M&Ms or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures the bottoms of your cookies do not brown too quickly. Set these aside while you prepare the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a soft texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the white streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Fold in one cup of the festive candies or sprinkles by hand using a spatula.
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to form balls of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Press a few extra candies into the tops of the dough balls for a professional look. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden, and the centers should still look slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. They will firm up as they cool. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, stack them in festive tins, clear cellophane bags with ribbons, or decorative boxes to give as the perfect homemade holiday gift.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes