Some of my favorite holiday gifts are the ones you can eat. If you want something thoughtful, homemade, and practical, these break-and-bake Christmas cookie dough packs are ideal. They’re simple to prepare, easy to share, and look festive on a kitchen counter or gift table.
To make the gift, press the cookie dough into a pan, score it into squares, and wrap ready-to-bake portions. One batch yields four giftable packs, each containing nine pre-portioned cookies. The dough freezes well for up to three months, and the pieces can be baked straight from the fridge or freezer for fresh cookies whenever the recipient wants them.
These ready-to-bake packs are perfect for neighbors, teachers, friends, or family. They feel personal without requiring the giver to bake and clean up at gifting time, making them an effortless yet thoughtful holiday treat.
This break-and-bake method works with many cookie dough recipes, but my favorite is the Christmas M&M cookie dough. It’s soft, colorful, and filled with white chocolate chips, sprinkles, and festive M&Ms—an easy, memorable edible gift.
Why You’ll Love This Edible Gift
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for stress-free gifting.
- Budget-friendly with minimal prep work.
- A unique edible Christmas gift that recipients will actually use.
- The easiest type of food gift—no baking required by the giver.
How to Gift Cookie Dough for Christmas
Below are the basic steps to prepare, portion, and wrap the cookie dough. For exact measurements and a printable recipe card, see the recipe card included later in the article.
- Prepare the cookie dough according to the recipe.
- Press the dough evenly into a lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Lightly score the dough into 1-inch squares and chill for about 1 hour.
- Divide into portions, wrap tightly in plastic, add a ribbon and a baking instruction tag, and refrigerate or freeze.
How to Store the Cookie Dough Packs
Refrigerate: Store assembled packs in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze wrapped packs for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—bake directly from chilled or frozen.
Free Printable: Baking Instruction Tag
Attach a simple baking instruction tag so the recipient knows how to bake their cookies: temperature, time, and any notes about baking from frozen. A printed tag makes the gift ready to use right away.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Press the dough using a sheet of parchment over the top to prevent sticking and to smooth the surface.
- Add extra sprinkles or candy on top so each pack looks festive.
- Score the dough before chilling so the portions break cleanly.
- Wrap tightly to protect against freezer burn and keep the dough fresh.
Variations to Try
- Swap in peppermint chips or crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
- Use dark or semisweet chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
- Try this method with sugar cookie or gingerbread dough for different flavors.
- Create smaller, individual gifts by wrapping fewer portions per pack.
- Include the dough pack in a holiday basket with a baking sheet, parchment paper, and napkins for a complete gift.
More Recipes that Make Great Food Gifts
- English Toffee
- Marshmallow Fluff Fudge
- Pecan Turtles
- Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar – a classic with a printable tag
- Crockpot Candy
Break and Bake Christmas Cookie Dough
Author: Jaclyn
Equipment
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9×13 inch sheet pan
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parchment paper
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dough cutter or knife
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plastic wrap
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ribbon or twine
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printable baking instructions tag
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (330 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170 g) Christmas M&Ms
- ¼ cup (40 g) christmas sprinkles
Instructions
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Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to lift the dough out easily.
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
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Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined.
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Fold in the white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.
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Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan and press to the edges. Add extra mix-ins on top if you like for a festive presentation.
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Lightly score the surface into 1-inch squares to create break-and-bake portions.
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Chill the scored dough in the pan for 1 hour so it firms up and is easier to wrap.
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Cut the dough into quarters and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Add a bow and baking instructions, then refrigerate or freeze until gifting.
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To bake, place portions on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 11–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. No thawing required if frozen.
Notes
To spread the dough evenly, place a second sheet of parchment over the top and press gently with your hands.
An easy way to portion is to cut the chilled dough into quarters, then score each quarter into individual pieces.
For extra visual appeal, sprinkle additional M&Ms, chocolate chips, or sprinkles on top before chilling.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your results on Instagram and Pinterest to show how your cookie dough gifts turned out. I love seeing how people personalize these packs with toppings and wrapping.