Name: Mountain Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Butter (softened); ½ cup Shortening; 1¼ cups Packed Brown Sugar; ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 3 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla; 3½ cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Christmas Colored M&M's; 1 cup Chopped Pecans ((optional))

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There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holiday season, and my Mountain Christmas Cookies hold a special place in my heart. Each year, as the chill of winter settles in, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, surrounded by the warm aroma of melting chocolate and baking sugar. The joy of mixing together simple ingredients transforms my home into a cozy retreat, reminiscent of snowy mountain lodges. These cookies are not just treats; they’re a tradition that brings friends and family together. As I scoop the colorful M&M’s and mix in the crunchy pecans, I can practically hear the laughter and stories being shared, making the process truly festive. Whether you’re snuggled up by the fire or hosting a lively holiday gathering, these cookies will surely brighten your spirits and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
28 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
8 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon

The Best Thing About This Mountain Christmas Cookies

Perfectly Festive

One of the reasons I adore my Mountain Christmas Cookies is their vibrant appearance. With the addition of colorful Christmas M&M’s, they not only taste amazing but look festive as well. Each cookie becomes a delightful treat that instantly brings a smile to anyone who sees them.

Easy to Make

I love how straightforward the recipe is. From prepping the ingredients to mixing them together, this cookie recipe is a breeze. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find that whipping up a batch is incredibly manageable. It’s perfect for all skill levels, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time!

Customizable Crunch

Each batch can be a little different! While I typically use pecans, you can easily swap them for your favorite nuts or even leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cookie. This flexibility means you can cater the cookies to your family’s taste, ensuring everyone enjoys the finished product.

Perfect for Gifting

During the holidays, I often pack up these cookies in cute little boxes and gift them to neighbors and friends. The Mountain Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to share the holiday spirit, and everyone appreciates the homemade touch. They’re sure to make anyone’s day a little brighter!

Memories in Each Bite

Beyond their delicious taste, these cookies are tied to countless memories. I remember the first time I made them with my grandmother, her laughter echoing through the kitchen as we baked together. Those moments are what make the holidays truly special. This recipe is a way to carry on the tradition and create new memories with loved ones.

A Family Favorite

Every year, I notice how excited my family gets when they know I’m making Mountain Christmas Cookies. From the youngest kids to the oldest family members, they all gather in the kitchen, eager to help and taste the dough. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together, creating bonds over something as simple as cookies.

Ingredient List for Mountain Christmas Cookies

The ingredients for these cookies are quite simple, yet they work together wonderfully to create a delightful treat. Each component plays a vital role, ensuring the cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of butter and shortening gives them a rich texture, while the brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness. And of course, the Christmas M&M’s are the star of the show, making these cookies festive and fun!

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened: This adds moisture and richness, making the cookies deliciously soft.
½ cup shortening: It helps create a tender texture, balancing the richness of the butter.
1¼ cups packed brown sugar: The brown sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also gives them a chewy texture.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
3 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
2 teaspoons vanilla: This adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
3½ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies, flour gives them their body.
1 cup Christmas colored M&M’s: These make the cookies festive and add a delightful crunch.
1 cup chopped pecans (optional): These add a nutty flavor and a nice crunch, though they’re optional for those who prefer without.

How to Cook Mountain Christmas Cookies

Baking Mountain Christmas Cookies is an enjoyable process that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s dive into the steps to create these holiday treats. You’ll love how easy it is to make them, and the end result is well worth the effort!

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and come out with a nice golden color. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect texture!
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and shortening. Beat them together on medium speed for about 30 seconds until they’re well blended. You should see a creamy mixture forming, which will be the foundation of your cookies.
Add in the brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Continue beating the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a soft cookie.
Now it’s time to introduce the eggs and vanilla. Beat well to combine them thoroughly. You’ll want a smooth, well-mixed batter free of lumps.
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain that soft texture.
Stir in the M&M’s and pecans (if you’re using them) with a spatula. This is where the fun begins! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a tablespoon or a rounded teaspoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. The cookies will spread as they bake, so give them some room.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. This is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute. This allows them to set while still warm.
Using a wide spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This final step is essential for ensuring they maintain their delicious texture.

Things Worth Knowing

Baking Temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. This is crucial for all cookie recipes.
Texture Check: Look for a golden edge and soft center when baking. This indicates the cookies are perfectly done.
Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them. This prevents them from breaking apart.
Ingredient Temperature: Using softened butter is key. It should be soft enough to make an indent when pressed but not melted.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming hard.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, like chocolate chips or dried fruit, to create your own version of the recipe.

Recipe Variations about Mountain Christmas Cookies

If you love customizing your baking, these Mountain Christmas Cookies are a great canvas for experimentation. Here are some tips to consider for making your own unique versions:

Adding Chocolate Chips: Swap out some of the M&M’s for chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
Using Different Nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor.
Holiday Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles into the dough for extra flair.
Coconut Flakes: Incorporate sweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that complements the rich flavors.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the holiday spirit.

What Goes Well With This Mountain Christmas Cookies

Choosing the right pairings for your Mountain Christmas Cookies can elevate your holiday gatherings. Here are some delightful options:

Hot Cocoa: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
Milk: A classic pairing! Nothing beats cookies and milk, especially during the holidays.
Ice Cream: Crumble some cookies over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Fruit Platters: Fresh fruit can balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a refreshing side.
Cheese Board: Create a festive cheese board to complement the cookies. Cheese and sweet treats are always a hit!
Gift Baskets: Pack them in gift baskets alongside other treats to share with friends and family.
Seasonal Drinks: Serve with your favorite holiday beverages, whether it’s cider or warm spiced tea.

FAQ

The Mountain Christmas Cookies are special because they combine festive ingredients like colorful M&M’s and rich pecans, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each cookie is soft and chewy, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. They also represent cherished traditions, often baked with loved ones during the festive season, which adds a layer of warmth and nostalgia.

To keep your Mountain Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place layers of cookies separated by waxed paper to prevent them from sticking together. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Absolutely! The Mountain Christmas Cookies recipe is quite flexible. You can easily replace the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or omit them altogether for a nut-free option. Additionally, feel free to swap some of the M&M’s for chocolate chips or add in your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit to customize the flavors to your liking.

If stored properly in an airtight container, Mountain Christmas Cookies can last for about three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months and enjoyed later, retaining their delicious flavor and texture.

Conclusion

The Mountain Christmas Cookies are truly a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant colors, they make any gathering a little more special. I encourage you to try making these cookies for your next holiday event or simply to enjoy at home. The memories created while baking will be cherished for years to come, and the taste will surely bring joy to everyone who tries them.