Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with color and nostalgia, this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are soft, chewy, and studded with pastel Easter M&Ms along with melty chocolate chips, making each bite a joyous celebration of springtime sweetness. Perfect for brightening up your holiday dessert table or sharing with friends and family, this recipe combines classic cookie comfort with festive flair in a way that’s irresistibly tasty and wonderfully fun to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe are incredibly simple but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that iconic colorful crunch. From the creamy butter for richness to the pastel M&Ms that bring spring cheer, every element is essential.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a tender, buttery base for rich and chewy cookies.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone that enhances chewiness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough and give structure to the cookies.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that brings everything together.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing the right texture and body to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for that perfect softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift to keep cookies light and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and deepening taste.
• 1 cup pastel Easter M&Ms: The star of the show, giving colorful bursts and playful crunch.
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Adds gooey, melty chocolate hits in every bite.
• Optional extra M&Ms for topping: For an eye-catching, festive finishing touch.

How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking, saving you any frustrating cleanup moments later on.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it aerates the dough, contributing to a soft, chewy cookie texture that everyone loves.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This enriches the dough and lends a lovely, warm flavor that complements the sweet M&Ms perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution throughout the dough, so every cookie bakes consistently.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle and stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour left.

Step 6: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part — fold in your pastel Easter M&Ms and semisweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough. These colorful candies and chocolate pockets add bursts of texture and flavor that make this recipe so delightfully special.

Step 7: Scoop and Decorate

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for a festive finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so resist the temptation to overbake them if you prefer a chewier texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step builds the perfect finish, offering a tender interior with lightly crisp edges.

How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cookies pop visually, adding a few extra pastel M&Ms right on top before baking is a fantastic idea. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt after baking to enhance the sweetness with a touch of contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a comforting snack. For festive gatherings, serve alongside fresh spring fruits or a light lemon sorbet for a fresh, bright dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the cookies in a pretty tin or jar lined with pastel-colored tissue paper for gift-giving. You can also stack them and tie with a ribbon to create colorful cookie towers that double as stunning table centerpieces at Easter celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easter M&M Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, the cookie dough can be frozen in portions. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Reheating

To warm frozen or day-old cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness that makes these cookies so addictive.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of pastel Easter M&Ms?

Absolutely! Regular M&Ms can be used year-round and will taste just as delicious, though the pastel colors make these cookies especially festive for the holiday.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

To get a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat helps set them perfectly while keeping centers soft.

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, just wholesome baking ingredients.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. However, using oil might change the cookie’s consistency and taste, so it’s less recommended.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes about 30 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting during Easter celebrations.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing colorful, scrumptious cookies that reflect the spirit of Easter so beautifully. This Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is one of those heartwarming treats that instantly brighten the day with every bite. I highly encourage you to give it a try—baking these will make your holiday moments even sweeter and more memorable!

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