If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with color, sweetness, and that perfect chewy texture, this M&M Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie dotted with vibrant M&M candies that add just the right amount of crunch and chocolatey fun. These cookies are simple enough for any baker but special enough to share with friends or family, making every bite a joyful experience that feels like a warm hug from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This M&M Cookies Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that iconic flavor and texture. From the creamy butter to the lively M&M candies, every component helps build a cookie that’s irresistibly delicious.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for soft cookies.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, comforting aroma.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that creates the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies: The star ingredient that adds playful bursts of chocolate and color.
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: For an extra dose of chocolate richness.
How to Make M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a soft texture with just a hint of chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that classic warm flavor we all love in cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture until everything is just combined – over-mixing is the enemy of tender cookies!
Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms (and Chocolate Chips)
Gently fold in the M&M candies and, if you’re feeling indulgent, the mini chocolate chips. This is where your cookies start to look vibrant and full of character.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough mound to make them look extra inviting. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to finish setting up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their chewy texture and keeps those M&M colors from melting into the cookie dough.
How to Serve M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle a few brightly colored M&Ms on top of freshly baked cookies before serving. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. The sweet, crunchy M&M Cookies Recipe complements these drinks and treats beautifully, making snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your M&M Cookies on a festive platter surrounded by colorful napkins or arrange them in clear jars for a visually appealing treat station. Wrapping them individually with a ribbon makes for charming party favors that everyone will love taking home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover M&M Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay wonderfully chewy and flavorful for up to one week – perfect for snacking throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes beautifully. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container. You can bake the cookies directly from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to warm, melty perfection, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This little trick refreshes their softness and makes every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute M&Ms with other candies?
Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms for other colorful chocolate candies, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you full control over seasoning.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be aware that texture and rise might differ slightly depending on the blend used.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if your butter is too warm or dough is not chilled. Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and achieve bakery-style cookies.
How do I achieve chewy versus crispy cookies?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and use more brown sugar. For a crispier texture, bake them a bit longer until the edges turn golden brown. Adjusting these factors helps you customize the perfect cookie for your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking and sharing the M&M Cookies Recipe – it spreads joy in every colorful bite and brings a bit of nostalgia with its classic appeal. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies promise not only ease but big smiles all around. Don’t wait to try this recipe in your kitchen and make some sweet memories today!
Print
M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic M&M Cookies featuring a soft and chewy texture bursting with colorful candy-coated chocolates. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine rich butter and sugars with a delightful crunch of M&M candies, making them a favorite treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and achieve even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each is incorporated fully, then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which keeps cookies tender.
- Fold in M&Ms and Optional Chips: Gently fold in the M&M candies and optional mini chocolate chips to ensure even distribution throughout the dough without melting the candies.
- Scoop Dough on Baking Sheets: Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the dough placing each mound about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for a colorful presentation.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, helping to preserve their shape and texture.
Notes
- For an even better bakery-style texture, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Customize these cookies by swapping in seasonal M&Ms to create holiday-themed treats.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
