As the holiday season rolls in, there’s a unique joy that comes from filling your kitchen with sweet aromas and the laughter of loved ones. I was busy preparing for a family gathering when the idea for these M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies hit me like a burst of festive cheer. It’s incredible how this simple, yet delightful dish can transform an ordinary moment into a cherished memory.
With gooey centers and the cheerful crunch of colorful M&M’s, these blondies are not just another dessert; they’re a taste of joy that encapsulates the essence of the holidays. Not to mention, they come together in a mere 32 minutes, so you won’t be trapped in the kitchen all day! Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just craving a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this recipe brings a blend of flavors and fun that’s sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into the delightful world of M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies!
Why You'll Love This M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies
- These M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a festive treat in just 32 minutes.
- The blend of buttery goodness and the colorful crunch of M&M’s creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- Their versatility makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or a cozy night in with loved ones.
- Plus, their vibrant appearance will brighten up any dessert table and impress your guests with festive cheer.
M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies Ingredients
• Get ready to bring festive cheer to your baking!
For the Batter
- Unsalted butter – This is the base for a rich and moist texture in your blondies.
- Brown sugar – It adds a wonderful caramel flavor and richness that makes every bite delightful.
- Large egg – Helps bind everything together, ensuring your blondies don’t crumble.
- Egg yolk – Adds extra moisture and richness for those gooey centers.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and brings warmth to your blondies.
- All-purpose flour – The key to structure; just don’t overmix for that chewy consistency.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the blondies.
For the Mix-ins
- Christmas M&M’s – These colorful gems not only provide sweetness but also a festive touch (don’t forget to save some for topping!).
- Chocolate chips (optional) – For those who want to amp up the chocolatey goodness in these M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies.
How to Make M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your blondies from sticking and make for easy cleanup!
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar in a bowl. Beat them until the mixture is fluffy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the large egg and egg yolk into the mixture. Pour in the vanilla extract, and mix everything together for at least three minutes until it’s airy—this is the key to a rich texture!
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Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt gently with a spatula. Just combine until you see no flour traces; overmixing can lead to a tough blondie.
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Stir in the Christmas M&M’s and optional chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, mixing gently to keep that lovely, gooey texture!
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Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs—this ensures that perfect gooeyness!
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Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. For an extra touch of festivity, top them with more Christmas M&M’s.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Just ensure you mix everything thoroughly before storing to prevent any separation. A few hours before you plan to serve, simply spread the chilled batter into your prepared baking pan and bake as directed. If you’ve baked the blondies ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, keeping them just as delicious and gooey as the day they were made. This prep-ahead approach saves you time and stress, allowing you to enjoy festive gatherings without a hiccup!
What to Serve with M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies?
Imagine cozying up with family and friends while enjoying these delightful treats—such sweet moments call for perfectly paired accompaniments!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm blondies, creating a heavenly contrast.
- Holiday Hot Chocolate: Rich hot cocoa topped with marshmallows brings a festive drink to the table, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the blondies.
- Fresh Berries: A bowl of strawberries or raspberries adds a tart and refreshing touch that brightens up your dessert spread.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances every bite, making those gooey centers even more indulgent and delightful.
- Peppermint Bark: The cool minty crunch complements the rich flavor of the blondies and adds extra holiday flair.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm, bold drink enhances the caramel notes of the blondies, creating a perfect duo for any gathering.
- Nuts or Snack Mix: A savory crunch from a spiced nut mix contrasts the sweetness for a delightful textural experience.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with spices echoes holiday flavors and rounds out your dessert offering beautifully.
Create a festive feast full of joy and flavor—because every bite of these M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies deserves a delightful companion!
How to Store and Freeze M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies
Room Temperature: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and helps maintain their gooey texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the blondies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the blondies in a single layer, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer without losing their delicious flavors.
Reheating: To reheat frozen M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that soft and gooey result.
M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies Variations
Feel free to embrace your creativity and customize these blondies with exciting twists that will delight your taste buds!
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Nutty Bliss: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a perfect crunchy contrast and a delightful hint of warmth. The nuts bring an earthy touch that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use a flax egg to make these blondies dairy-free while keeping them soft and delicious. Your vegan friends will love this version just as much!
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Spicy Surprise: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spicy undertone that contrasts beautifully with the sweet M&M’s. It’s a surprising twist that can spark new flavors!
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled blondies before slicing for an indulgent touch. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look absolutely mouthwatering!
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in 1/4 cup of peanut butter in the batter for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and M&M’s. Swirl it through before baking for a delightful marbled effect.
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Holiday Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg for a festive flair, creating a warm aroma that fills your kitchen and enhances the holiday spirit.
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Fruit Fusion: Toss in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries alongside the M&M’s for a sweet-tart contrast that brightens every bite. Their chewy texture adds a delightful surprise!
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Chocolate Overload: Use double the amount of chocolate chips for a rich, decadent chocolate experience that makes every blondie melt-in-your-mouth perfect. After all, who can resist more chocolate?
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the brown sugar.
- Avoid overmixing the flour into the batter, as this can lead to chewy blondies instead of soft and gooey ones.
- When mixing in the M&M’s, be gentle to keep the texture light and fluffy while ensuring even distribution of colors and flavors.
- Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that ideal gooey center.
M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my M&M’s are fresh enough to use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose M&M’s that are vibrant and free from any dark spots. If you notice they have lost their color or are sticky to the touch, it’s best to toss them and get a fresh bag.
How should I store my M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies?
You can store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their gooey texture! If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week, but do allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies?
Absolutely! To freeze your blondies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour. This will firm them up. Then, wrap each blondie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What should I do if my blondies are too dry?
If your blondies turn out dry, it may be an overbaking issue. Always keep a close eye as they approach the 17-minute mark. For future batches, consider reducing the baking time by a minute or two and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that soft, gooey center.
Are these blondies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes, the M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies can be made nut-free since the basic recipe doesn’t include nuts, but always double-check your M&M’s packaging to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that handles nuts, just to be safe for those with severe allergies.
Can I add different mix-ins to the blondies?
Very much! The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like dried fruits, crushed pretzels, or different kinds of chocolate chips. Just make sure that the total mix-ins don’t exceed the measure specified in the recipe to keep the balance of flavors.
M&M’s Christmas Holiday Blondies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar in a bowl until fluffy and light—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and egg yolk into the mixture. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix everything together for at least three minutes until airy.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Stir in the Christmas M&M's and optional chocolate chips, mixing gently.
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and bake for about 17 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.
