There’s something utterly joyful about baking a batch of colorful, chewy treats that bring a smile to everyone’s face, and this M&M Cookies Recipe does exactly that. With its perfect blend of a soft, buttery base dotted with vibrant M&M candies bursting with chocolatey goodness, these cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful play on texture and flavor. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a wonderful go-to for cozy afternoons, celebrations, or just because you deserve a little sweet fun in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this M&M Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the butter giving richness and softness, to the sugars creating that coveted chewy texture and caramel notes, and of course, the colorful M&Ms adding that burst of chocolate and festive look.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for creaminess and moisture, ensure it’s softened, not melted, for the right cookie consistency.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread evenly as they bake.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses flavor and keeps cookies wonderfully chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, binding the cookies together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, giving it shape and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies: The star ingredient for colorful, chocolate-filled bites; plus extra for topping.
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds extra bursts of melty chocolate richness.
How to Make M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and your final cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key, as it traps air and creates the tender, chewy texture that makes this M&M Cookies Recipe so addictive.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely depth of flavor that makes these cookies smell irresistible while baking.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the M&M candies along with the optional mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. These colorful candies bring both texture and that signature chocolatey pop — which is why we adore this M&M Cookies Recipe so much.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them about two inches apart on your baking sheets. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie dough ball for that eye-catching, colorful finish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden but centers remain soft and inviting.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling slightly on the sheet lets them set while keeping that perfect chewy center we all crave in an M&M Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate over warm cookies right before serving. A few extra fresh M&Ms on top not only add flair but a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgia trip, or enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert treat. Fresh berries on the side can also brighten the plate with a hint of tartness balancing the sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your M&M cookies in colorful stacks tied with festive ribbon for gifting. Or create a cookie platter combined with brownies and other treats for parties. If you want to get extra playful, sandwich ice cream between two cookies for a homemade M&M cookie ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, perfect for snacks throughout the week or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or cookie dough balls. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. For dough, shape and freeze on trays before bagging, so you have cookie readiness whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a preheated 300°F oven to enjoy them almost freshly baked. The gentle heat revives their gooey centers and melts chocolate chips perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate candies in this M&M Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute M&Ms with similar candy-coated chocolates or even chocolate chunks for a different texture and flavor. Seasonal varieties like peppermint M&Ms add a festive twist.
What’s the secret to chewy M&M cookies?
The combination of brown sugar and creaming butter and sugar until fluffy helps create that chewy texture. Avoid overbaking and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep the cookies soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can enjoy gluten-free M&M cookies. Just make sure your baking powder or soda and other ingredients are gluten-free too.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This M&M Cookies Recipe yields about 30 medium-sized cookies, ideal for sharing or enjoying over several days.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. You can also mix in oats or shredded coconut for a personalized touch that enhances texture.
Final Thoughts
These cookies are a shining example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. This M&M Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth, color, and joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. So grab your apron, gather those ingredients, and bake your way to sweet happiness — your new favorite cookie awaits!
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 classic M&M Cookies are chewy, colorful, and packed with chocolate candies, making them a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery dough base enriched by vanilla and studded with vibrant M&Ms and optional mini chocolate chips, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They bake up golden around the edges, soft and tender in the center, ideal for a quick homemade dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie 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 and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which will give your cookies a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with rich flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which might toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Candies and Chips: Gently fold in the M&M candies and optional mini chocolate chips to disperse them throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Portion the Dough: Using a rounded tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Top with Extra M&Ms: Press a few additional M&Ms onto the top of each dough ball to create a visually appealing, colorful cookie surface.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- For bakery-style cookies with a firmer texture and deeper flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Customize these cookies for holidays by swapping in seasonal or themed M&Ms.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
