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Why You’ll Love These M&M Cookies
If you grew up sneaking spoonfuls of cookie dough or fighting over who got the cookie with the most candy pieces, these chewy M&M cookies will take you straight back to childhood. They’re colorful, soft, buttery, and loaded with milk chocolate candies that melt into the dough as they bake. Each bite offers that perfect balance between a tender cookie base and a crunch of candy coating, making them irresistible for both kids and adults.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its texture — soft and chewy in the center, with just the right crispness around the edges. The dough itself is buttery and rich, designed to hold the M&Ms in place without spreading too much. Whether you’re baking a batch for the holidays, a school event, or a Halloween dessert table next to your favorite Halloween pies, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
They’re also incredibly fun to make. The vibrant colors of M&Ms instantly add a playful touch to any dessert platter. Swap in themed M&Ms — orange and brown for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, or pastel tones for spring — to suit any occasion.
Ingredients Information about M&M Cookies
This M&M cookie recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Each ingredient has a purpose, ensuring your cookies bake up soft, flavorful, and perfectly chewy every time.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie. It provides structure and absorbs moisture.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and keeps them soft in the center.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – The key to that rich, buttery flavor. Room-temperature butter ensures the dough creams properly.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, keeping the cookies soft for days.
- Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown edge.
- Eggs – Bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the overall flavor and brings warmth to the dough.
- M&M candies – The star of the show! Use regular, mini, or themed M&Ms depending on your mood or season.
- Optional chocolate chips – Add a layer of melty chocolate goodness for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until creamy and pale. Properly creamed butter traps air, helping create soft cookies with chewy centers.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Add the M&Ms
Fold in about 1 cup of M&Ms using a spatula. For a fun, bakery-style appearance, reserve a handful of candies to press onto the tops of each cookie just before baking.
Step 7: Shape and chill the dough
For the best texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and enhances flavor. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and place it on the prepared sheets, leaving space for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Add finishing touches
Once cooled, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the top, or sprinkle crushed M&Ms for an extra pop of color.
Storage Information
M&M cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or prepping ahead for parties.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container — the cookies absorb the moisture, staying chewy longer.
- Freezer (unbaked dough): Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezer (baked cookies): Once cooled, layer cookies between parchment paper and store for up to 3 months.
If you’re planning a dessert platter for the holidays, you can bake these cookies ahead and freeze them alongside other festive treats or even Halloween pies for easy last-minute serving.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip chilling the dough. It prevents excessive spreading and creates thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use a mix of regular and mini M&Ms for variety in texture and color.
- Press extra M&Ms onto the tops before baking. This gives a picture-perfect bakery look.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off — too much flour makes cookies dry.
- Don’t overbake. M&M cookies should look slightly underdone in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- For flavor variation: Try peanut M&Ms, caramel M&Ms, or dark chocolate ones for a twist.
Variations
M&M cookies are endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to customize them for any occasion:
- Holiday M&M Cookies – Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or orange and purple for Halloween.
- Double Chocolate M&M Cookies – Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for rich, chocolatey dough.
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – Add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a nutty variation that pairs beautifully with the candy coating.
- M&M Cookie Bars – Press the dough into a baking dish and bake as bars. Once cooled, slice into squares for a party-friendly dessert.
- Monster Cookies – Add oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a chunky, chewy version of the classic.
- M&M Halloween Cookies – Use orange and brown M&Ms, drizzle with dark chocolate, and serve alongside Halloween pies for a festive, colorful dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Yes, but chilling improves the texture and prevents spreading. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Try chilling the dough longer and ensuring the oven temperature is accurate.
Q: Can I use other candy instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely. Try Reese’s Pieces, chopped chocolate bars, or colorful candy-coated peanuts for variety.
Q: How can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies will have the same chewy texture and vibrant appearance.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for Halloween parties?
Definitely. Use Halloween-colored M&Ms, cut the cookies into spooky shapes, and serve them next to Halloween pies for a creative dessert table that guests will love.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these M&M Cookies, you’ll love trying these other colorful and classic cookie recipes:
- Double Chocolate Cookies – Rich, decadent, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Sugar Cookies – Great for decorating during holidays or themed parties.
- Snickerdoodle Cookies – Cinnamon-sugar coated, soft, and irresistible.
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Warm, cozy, and perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – The timeless cookie that started it all.
Combine these recipes on a single dessert tray, or mix them with your favorite Halloween pies for a vibrant and festive dessert spread that celebrates every season.
Share the Joy on Pinterest
M&M Cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re fun, colorful, and full of memories. Whether you’re baking them with your kids, gifting them during the holidays, or creating an eye-catching dessert board, these cookies bring instant happiness to any table.
If you love this recipe, pin it on Pinterest to keep it handy for your next baking day. Sharing it helps other cookie lovers discover the same joy of creating colorful, chewy, chocolate-filled cookies that brighten every celebration.
PrintM&M Cookies
Soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful M&M candies — these M&M Cookies are a classic treat loved by both kids and adults. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or anytime you crave something sweet and fun!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
– 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 1/2 cups M&M candies
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
6. Fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips if using.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For bakery-style cookies, press a few extra M&Ms on top before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.