Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms: 30 Festive Treats for Holidays

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Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms are the perfect festive treats to brighten up any holiday gathering. These cookies are not only visually appealing, resembling the beautiful poinsettia flower, but they also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Made with a rich cream cheese dough and decorated with colorful M&M candies, these cookies are a hit at Christmas parties and cookie exchanges. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate the holidays, let’s dive into this Poinsettia cookie recipe that will surely impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

There are so many reasons to adore these Poinsettia cookies with M&Ms. First, they are visually stunning, making them a centerpiece on any holiday table. Second, the rich cream cheese base gives them a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Third, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for kids and adults alike. Additionally, their vibrant colors make them ideal for festive occasions, especially during the holiday season. The Christmas poinsettia cookies are great for cookie exchanges or as gifts. Lastly, you can easily customize them with different colors of M&Ms or sprinkles, making every batch unique!

Ingredients for Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

Gather these items:

12 TB unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks, softened)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 large egg (separated)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 TB baking powder
1 cup colored sugar
About 30 M&M candies

How to Make Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix well until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to two days.
Step 2: Remove half of the chilled dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 15×9 inch rectangle. Return the remaining dough to the refrigerator. Trim uneven edges to create clean lines. Cut the dough rectangle into 3-inch squares, spacing them evenly on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly whisk the reserved egg white. Brush one square of dough evenly with the egg white. Make diagonal cuts from each corner towards the center of the square, stopping about ½ inch from the middle.
Step 4: Sprinkle a teaspoon of colored sugar evenly across the surface of the dough square. Fold every other corner point towards the center, overlapping them to form a pinwheel shape. Press gently to seal the folds.
Step 5: Press one M&M candy into the center of each pinwheel. Repeat for all remaining squares.
Step 6: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until dry, lightly golden, and set.
Step 7: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and allow them to cool. Use the reserved dough from the refrigerator to repeat the process to create approximately 30 finished cookies.
Step 8: Once cooled, layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. They will remain crisp and flavorful for up to four days.

Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms: 30 Festive Treats for Holidays - Poinsettia Cookies with Mandms - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

Keep these in mind:

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For best results, refrigerate the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Adjust baking time based on your oven to avoid overbaking.
Try using different colored M&Ms for a festive look!
Make it a fun activity by baking Poinsettia cookies with kids.

Best Ways to Serve Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

These cookies shine at any celebration! Serve them as a delightful addition to your cookie platter during holiday gatherings or as treats for Christmas parties. They also make great gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat anyone will enjoy!

How to Store and Reheat Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

To keep these cookies fresh, layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. They will stay crisp and flavorful for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms

What’s the secret to perfect Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms?

The secret lies in the cream cheese dough, which provides a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape while baking, ensuring your holiday poinsettia cookies look beautiful!

Can I make Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. This makes it convenient for last-minute holiday baking or when you’re planning a cookie exchange.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and not overbake the cookies. Keep an eye on them while they bake; they should be lightly golden but not brown.

Variations of Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms You Can Try

There are many fun twists you can give these cookies! For a chocolatey version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. You can also decorate them with Poinsettia-inspired cookie decorations or use chocolate candies instead of M&Ms. Experiment with different colors of sugar for added flair!

Poinsettia Cookies with M&Ms: 30 Festive Treats for Holidays - Poinsettia Cookies with Mandms - additional detail

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Halloween Pinwheel Cookies or Soft Christmas Peppermints. You might also enjoy Christmas Chocolate Bark for a sweet treat!