There is something truly magical about holiday baking, and this Air Fryer Christmas Cookies Recipe brings all that warmth and joy right to your fingertips in an unexpectedly easy way. Imagine perfectly gooey cookies bursting with rich chocolate chips, white chocolate sweetness, and colorful Christmas M&M’s, all baked quickly in your air fryer to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you want festive treats without heating up the whole kitchen or waiting for the oven to preheat. Get ready to fill your home with irresistible aroma and smiles as you whip up these delightful holiday cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with pantry staples that combine to create a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and dotted with festive flair. Each ingredient plays its part — from tender flour to creamy butter, and from the zing of vanilla to the fun pops of colorful M&M’s.
- 2 1/4 cups Flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 tsp Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that tender bite.
- 1 tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup Sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch on the edges.
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely caramel note and chewiness.
- 1 tsp Vanilla: Infuses warmth and elevates every other flavor.
- 2 Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add tender moisture.
- 1 cup Toll House Chocolate Chips: Classic chocolate chunks for pure indulgence.
- 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and visual contrast.
- 1/2 cup Christmas M & M’s: For that festive pop of color and fun crunch.
How to Make Air Fryer Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by combining softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs in your stand mixer bowl. Mix these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and velvety—this creates the perfect base for your cookie dough. The smoothness you achieve here makes all the difference in texture once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures that your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing uneven rising or salty spots in the cookies. Precision here helps your cookies bake evenly every time.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures Gradually
Add the flour mixture to your creamed butter mixture a little at a time. Mixing slowly and scraping down the sides as you go ensures everything blends perfectly without overworking the dough. This step keeps the cookies tender while still holding their shape as they bake.
Step 4: Fold in the Chips and M&M’s and Chill
Gently mix in the classic Toll House chocolate chips, creamy white chocolate chips, and bright Christmas M&M’s to the dough. Fold just until blended to keep those sweet chunks intact. Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes is key—it firms up the dough so the cookies spread beautifully in the air fryer, resulting in a perfect chewy-center with crisp edges.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake in the Air Fryer
Line your air fryer tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then scoop out portions of dough—about 6 to 10 cookies per batch depending on your air fryer size. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees on the bake setting and let it do its magic for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown at the edges and soft in the middle. For extra holiday cheer, press additional M&M’s on top while the cookies are warm.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Transfer your freshly baked cookies to a wire rack to cool. This helps them set without becoming soggy, prepping them for the perfect bite. Once cooled, these festive delights are ready to share, savor, or gift to friends and family with pride.
How to Serve Air Fryer Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can instantly elevate these cookies for a more elegant holiday presentation. If you prefer nuts, crushed peppermint candy or finely chopped pistachios give a festive crunch and extra color contrast without overpowering the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, festive hot cocoa, or spiced coffee to complement the rich chocolate and sweet candies. These traditional pairings enhance the cozy holiday feeling and make cookie time even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party or gift, stack these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a beautiful ribbon, or arrange them on a decorated platter with green and red napkins. You can even create a cookie decorating station with various toppings for a fun activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Air Fryer Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously fresh for up to five days, maintaining their soft center with slightly crisp edges. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep the moisture just right.
Freezing
If you want to keep these festive treats longer, freeze the dough or fully baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw thoroughly before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked experience all over again.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to life after storing or freezing, a quick 5 to 7 seconds in the microwave or 3 minutes in a 300-degree oven works wonders. Reheating softens the center and revives the fresh-baked aroma, making each bite feel like it was just pulled from the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! While this recipe is perfect for the air fryer’s quick and even heat, you can bake the cookies in a conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes as well. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
What if I don’t have Christmas M&M’s?
No worries! You can use any colorful candy pieces or skip them altogether and add more chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries for a different holiday twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to underbake just a little than overdo it.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing texture.
Is chilling the dough necessary?
Chilling the dough helps control spreading and improves texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you can bake immediately—just expect a slightly flatter and softer cookie.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Air Fryer Christmas Cookies Recipe is like unwrapping a little gift of joy in your own kitchen. It marries convenience with festive fun, delivering warm, chewy cookies in no time that everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a large gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and let the holiday magic begin!
