The Holiday M&M Skillet Cookie is a fun and colorful treat that’s perfect for sharing during festive times. It’s got a warm, gooey cookie base packed with plenty of red, green, and white M&M candies that make it feel so cheerful. The edges get nice and crispy while the middle stays soft and melty, giving you the best of both worlds in every bite.
I love making this skillet cookie because it’s super simple and looks great right out of the pan. There’s something special about using a cast iron skillet to bake it—it gives the cookie a little rustic feel, and it’s fun to bring the whole thing straight to the table. Plus, everyone always reaches for that first warm piece, and you get to see their happy surprise when they spot all those festive candies.
Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it extra delicious, especially when it’s still a bit warm. I’ve found it’s a wonderful way to end a holiday gathering or sweeten up a chilly afternoon. Honestly, this skillet cookie quickly becomes the favorite dessert because it’s easy, colorful, and feels just right for the season. I can’t wait to make it again every year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter is best for creaminess and flavor balance. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives the cookie a good balance of sweetness and chewiness. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle twist.
White & Milk Chocolate: These add rich pockets of sweetness. If you prefer, swap milk chocolate for semi-sweet chips to cut the sweetness a bit.
Holiday M&Ms: They add festive colors and crunch. You can use any M&Ms or even chocolate candies in other colors for other occasions.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft, But Set Skillet Cookie Texture?
Baking a skillet cookie perfectly means soft in the center and slightly crisp on the edges. Here’s how:
- Don’t overmix the dough — just combine the dry and wet ingredients until they come together.
- Use a cast iron skillet or a metal pan for even heat distribution.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Around 20-25 minutes should do it. The edges will be golden brown, and the center might look a bit soft but will firm up as it cools.
- Let the cookie cool in the skillet for at least 10 minutes to set up before slicing.
These tips help you get that ideal balance of crispy and gooey every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 10-inch cast iron skillet – I love it because it bakes the cookie evenly and makes serving easier.
- Mixing bowls – helpful for preparing the dough and whisking dry ingredients.
- Electric hand or stand mixer (or a sturdy spoon) – makes creaming butter and sugars smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensure accuracy for tasty results.
- Parchment paper – helps with easy removal and cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
- Swirl in a spoonful of caramel or fudge before baking for a gooey surprise.
- Mix in dried fruit like cranberries or cherries to add some tartness and color.
Holiday M&M Skillet Cookie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 cup Holiday M&M candies (red, green, white)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to bake, plus around 10 minutes to cool before slicing. So all together, expect about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skillet and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10-inch cast iron skillet with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy cookie removal later.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined nicely.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t over-mix!
4. Add Chocolates and M&Ms:
Fold in the white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, and about 3/4 cup of the Holiday M&M candies. Save some M&Ms to press on top before baking to give your cookie a festive look.
5. Bake Your Cookie:
Evenly spread the cookie dough into your prepared skillet. Press the reserved M&Ms gently on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the center stays soft.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let your cookie cool for at least 10 minutes. This helps it set so it slices nicely. Serve warm by itself or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming with the sugars to get the right texture. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it sit at room temperature until soft before starting.
Can I Make This Skillet Cookie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, simply bring it to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cookie slices in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To refresh, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey softness.
Can I Substitute Other Candy for Holiday M&Ms?
Absolutely! Feel free to use regular M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or even mini chocolate chips if you prefer. Just keep the quantity about the same to maintain the cookie’s texture and flavor.