There’s something about biting into a chewy, buttery cookie studded with colorful candies that lights up every corner of your inner kid. These M&M Cookies are the perfect marriage of soft homemade cookies with the undeniable charm of everyone’s favorite candy shell chocolates. With their rich flavor, pops of vibrant color, and just the right amount of crunch from the M&Ms, these cookies become a guaranteed hit whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together, packing them for lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, this is one big batch you’ll wish you made even bigger!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of baking M&M Cookies is how the magic comes together with such straightforward ingredients. Each piece plays a special role, so let’s give each one a moment in the spotlight – from the butter that provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base to those unmistakably festive candies.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for a chewy, rich cookie base without extra saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: This brings sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount in the oven.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture for chewiness and a lovely, caramel depth of flavor.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and provide structure for a soft, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together in classic cookie fashion.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation, giving your cookies structure without making them dense.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, giving them their signature pillowy centers.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all other flavors.
- M&M candies: The star ingredient – these colorful chocolates add crunch, sweetness, and pure fun.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): For those who want a little extra gooey chocolate in every bite.
How to Make M&M Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Before you dive into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper – this ensures your M&M Cookies lift off effortlessly and bake with perfectly golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip them for a few minutes until the mixture is fluffy and just creamy enough; this step ensures your cookies have that classic, irresistible texture. You’re aiming for light and pillowy, like a cloud of cookie dreams!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, savoring the sweet aroma wafting up – your dough is starting to taste like home already.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Let these dry ingredients mingle and get to know each other; they’ll work behind the scenes for ideal cookie structure and rise.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, or your cookies might turn out a bit too firm. When the batter looks thick and cohesive, you’re ready for the fun part!
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms (and Mini Chips if Using)
Gently fold in the M&M candies, and if you’re so inclined, toss in those mini chocolate chips for extra pockets of melty goodness. Every scoop should be bursting with color and promise.
Step 7: Scoop and Top
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded heaps of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each for proper spreading. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for that bakery-style look and extra color.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye on the edges—they should turn just lightly golden while the centers remain soft and tender. Don’t worry if they look underdone when you first pull them out; rest assured, they’ll set into chewy perfection as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This quick rest helps them set up beautifully while staying soft inside. Once cool (if you can wait that long), it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve M&M Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm – it brings out the chocolate flavor even more. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled M&M Cookies for a fancy bakery flair, or add a dusting of powdered sugar if you love a classic finish.
Side Dishes
You just can’t go wrong with a glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based, both work wonders) or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a blissful dessert experience. They also look gorgeous on a sweets platter with brownies, fruit, or other colorful treats.
Creative Ways to Present
M&M Cookies bring instant joy to any occasion, so why not show them off? Stack them high and tie with a ribbon for edible gifts, pack them in cute cellophane bags as party favors, or serve them on a big shared tray at your next picnic or birthday – they’ll disappear in minutes! For the holidays, swap in seasonal M&Ms and use themed plates for extra festive fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your M&M Cookies irresistibly fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week—though they’re so tempting, they may vanish well before then!
Freezing
Whether you want to prepare ahead or simply save a few for later, these cookies freeze like a dream. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. You can also freeze scoops of unbaked dough and bake straight from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you crave that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10–12 seconds. It’ll taste like it was just baked! If reheating a whole batch, arrange them on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven (about 275°F) for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use different varieties of M&Ms for these cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in peanut, pretzel, caramel, or seasonal M&Ms for a fun twist. Each variety gives the cookies a slightly different bite and flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough (even for just 30 minutes) helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld and gives you those extra-thick, bakery-style M&M Cookies everyone craves.
How do I keep my cookies soft for several days?
The secret is storing them in an airtight container and, if you like, tucking a slice of bread inside. The bread will give up its moisture to the cookies, keeping them soft and chewy (don’t worry, it won’t affect the taste!).
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results and check your M&M packaging for gluten information.
Is it possible to double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely—this recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even results for a big batch of M&M Cookies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a way to make any day a little bit brighter, a tray of homemade M&M Cookies is always the answer. They’re colorful, comforting, and made for sharing – or, if you’re like me, sneaking one or two with your afternoon coffee! I hope you fall in love with every bite and make these cookies your new go-to for every celebration, sweet craving, or just-because treat.
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
These M&M Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the colorful sweetness of M&M candies. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Combine dough: Fold in the M&M candies and optional mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop and bake: Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap in seasonal M&Ms for holiday-themed cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
