Holiday Loaded Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Packed with sweet and salty bits, these fun holiday cookies feature M&Ms, chips, pretzels, and white chocolate for a seasonal treat.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:11:38 GMT
Close-up of colorful cookies with M&M's, festive sprinkles, and pretzels on a white plate. Pin it
Close-up of colorful cookies with M&M's, festive sprinkles, and pretzels on a white plate. | cookwithcarla.com

I've played around with so many Christmas treats over the years, but these Holiday Everything Cookies have stolen my heart completely. You can't beat the mix of sweet M&Ms with crunchy pretzels and crisp potato chips - each mouthful is something special. When they're cooking, butter and chocolate smells take over my house. My family knows the holidays have kicked off as soon as that aroma hits the air.

What Makes These Treats Extraordinary

After many kitchen tests, I've figured out why folks can't get enough of these cookies. The sweet meets salty combo works like magic when you bite in. Customers tell me they've given up store-bought holiday treats because these have spoiled them completely. Every bite offers something different - chocolate pockets from M&Ms plus that awesome crunch from chips and pretzels.

Your Ingredient List

Let me run through what you'll grab to make these amazing treats. Start with butter and eggs at room temp - that's key for the right chewiness. Fresh, colorful M&Ms add holiday spirit. I always break up pretzels and chips by hand for the best texture. Good white chocolate really makes these pop. Simple stuff that comes together into something wonderful.

Following The Process

Making these treats is a bit like running a tasty show. You'll want to cream that butter and sugar until it's super smooth - don't cut this part short. Add eggs one after another for the right consistency. When you put in flour, go gentle so cookies stay soft. Then comes the fun bit - throwing in all those tasty, crunchy extras.

Nailing It Every Time

The way you measure can make or break these cookies. I always spoon flour into cups instead of scooping. Getting ingredients to room temp isn't optional - it's crucial for texture. My cookie scoop helps everything bake evenly. These small tricks might seem picky but they'll get you perfect results without fail.

A close-up image of a plate full of colorful, decorated cookies featuring M&M's, pretzels, and festive candies. Pin it
A close-up image of a plate full of colorful, decorated cookies featuring M&M's, pretzels, and festive candies. | cookwithcarla.com

Prep Them Ahead

You can freeze this dough no problem - I always keep some ready for unexpected holiday visitors. Just pop those frozen balls straight in the oven and add a minute or two to cooking time. I often double up batches so I've got extras waiting. It's like giving myself a tasty gift for later.

Great For Gatherings

These cookies always bring smiles at holiday get-togethers. The bright colors catch your eye, and that sweet-salty mix keeps everyone reaching for more. I love watching people's first bite when they discover all those amazing textures. They're always the first empty spot on any cookie tray.

Keeping Them Fresh

If you somehow don't eat them all right away (pretty rare at my place), these cookies stay great for days. Just put them in something airtight to keep that perfect texture. They'll last nearly a week, though they hardly ever stick around that long. The flavors actually get better over time - if you can hold off eating them!

Switch Things Up

What's great about these cookies is how flexible they are. Try swapping different candies or chips sometimes. Dark chocolate bits work really well, and butterscotch chips add an amazing richness. My followers always share their own twists - each version brings something fresh to love.

Great To Give Away

These treats make fantastic presents. I like putting them in fun tins or clear bags with pretty ribbons. All those colors look so festive, and the flavor combo always wows people. They work perfectly for cookie swaps or holiday packages for friends.

A close-up of freshly baked cookies decorated with red and green M&M's, pretzel pieces, and white chocolate chips. Pin it
A close-up of freshly baked cookies decorated with red and green M&M's, pretzel pieces, and white chocolate chips. | cookwithcarla.com

Customize Your Batch

While my standard version works great, feel free to play around. Some folks add nuts for extra crunch, others try different candy types. The basic dough handles changes really well. That's what I enjoy about sharing my recipes - seeing how everyone adds their own touch.

A Seasonal Must-Have

These cookies have become part of so many families' Christmas routines. They're great for making with kids - little ones love adding all the colorful bits. The recipe works for beginners but still impresses experienced bakers. Every batch creates memories that last.

Sharing The Joy

Homemade cookies spread holiday cheer like nothing else. I enjoy packing these up nicely for neighbors and friends. Don't forget to add the recipe - trust me, they'll ask for it! These treats just seem to make folks smile wherever they show up.

Kitchen Togetherness

These cookies draw everyone into the kitchen. Kids have a blast crushing pretzels and dropping in M&Ms. There's something special about making holiday goodies as a team. Even my teenagers put their phones down to join the fun!

Something For All Ages

Everyone from grandparents to little ones goes crazy for these cookies. The mix of tastes and textures hits all the right notes. They're grown-up enough for adults but still fun enough for kids. It's tough to find one treat that makes everybody happy.

Christmas Wonder

These Everything Cookies mean more than just another holiday snack now. They're what my family asks for first, what friends beg me to bring to parties. They capture everything wonderful about holiday baking - sharing joy through something made with care in my kitchen.

A close-up of a cookie with a bite taken out, featuring colorful M&M's, chocolate chips, and pretzel pieces against a light background. Pin it
A close-up of a cookie with a bite taken out, featuring colorful M&M's, chocolate chips, and pretzel pieces against a light background. | cookwithcarla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I measure flour correctly?
Spoon the flour gently into your cup, then level it off. Avoid scooping directly, or weigh it (1 cup = 125g).
→ How can I make round cookies?
Right out of the oven, swirl a big round cookie cutter around the warm cookies to shape them nicely.
→ Can I top the cookies with extra ingredients?
Of course! Sprinkle more goodies onto the dough balls before baking to make them look great.
→ How long will they stay fresh?
They’ll last for three days if you keep them in an airtight container.
→ Can I swap the mix-ins for something else?
Sure! Throw in your favorite candies or salty snacks, just use similar amounts to keep the balance.

Loaded Cookies

A cheerful cookie bursting with sweet and salty goodies like M&Ms, potato chips, pretzels, and white chocolate chips topped with festive sprinkles.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup soft salted butter.
02 1/4 cup white sugar (granulated).
03 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar.
04 2 egg yolks, warmed to room temperature.
05 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, leveled after spooning.
06 2 teaspoons extract or vanilla bean paste.
07 1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
09 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
10 1/3 cup of broken-up pretzel pieces.
11 2 tablespoons of colorful red and green sprinkles.
12 1/3 cup potato chip crumbs.
13 1/3 cup white chocolate bits.
14 1/2 cup festive red and green M&Ms.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 350°F. Use parchment to line your baking trays.

Step 02

Beat together the butter and both sugars for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add in the yolks and vanilla, and mix for 2 more minutes.

Step 03

Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt, mixing just until it all comes together.

Step 04

Gently stir in the M&Ms, white chocolate pieces, pretzels, chips, and sprinkles.

Step 05

Make 20 dough balls and place on baking trays. Add more mix-ins on top if you’d like. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Step 06

For an optional touch, use a cookie cutter to shape while warm. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes and then on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.

Notes

  1. Flour should be measured by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
  2. Optional: shape using cookie cutters.
  3. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cookie trays.
  • Stand or hand mixer.
  • Lining parchment.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g