Who can resist a warm, gooey cookie packed with colorful M&M’s? These M&M Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant candy-coated chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cookie swap, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re simple to make, family-friendly, and the perfect way to brighten up your day with a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Easy & Quick: These cookies come together quickly with simple pantry staples.
- Fun & Colorful: M&M’s add a festive pop of color and flavor to each bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or cozy movie night, these cookies fit the bill.
- Chewy Perfection: The ideal balance of soft and buttery with just the right amount of crunch from the candy.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need (the full list is at the end):
- All-purpose flour for the structure.
- Unsalted butter for that classic, rich cookie flavor.
- Sugar to sweeten things up.
- Eggs to bind the dough and add structure.
- Vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.
- Baking soda to help the cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt to balance the sweetness.
- M&M’s for that colorful, candy-coated crunch.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Cream the Butter & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of sugar until light, fluffy, and well combined. - Add the Eggs & Vanilla:
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. - Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1/2 tsp of salt. - Mix the Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Fold in the M&M’s:
Gently fold in 1 cup of M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Portion the Dough:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. - Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tougher cookies. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with the sugar and ensures your cookies have the perfect texture.
- Customize Your M&M Colors: Choose red, green, yellow, or pastel colors based on the season or occasion.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- White Chocolate M&M’s: Swap out the classic M&M’s for white chocolate or peanut butter M&M’s for a fun twist.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Double the chocolatey goodness by combining chocolate chips with the M&M’s.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a cookie that everyone can enjoy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair these M&M Cookies with:
- A tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate cookie experience.
- A hot cup of coffee or tea on a cozy morning.
- Serve them with ice cream for a cookie sundae!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but adjust the amount of added salt to prevent the cookies from being too salty.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers should look set but still soft.
3. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes make great additions to this recipe.
4. Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
These M&M Cookies are simple, fun, and so easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, birthday celebration, or just because, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their colorful candy-coated M&M’s and irresistible chewy texture, they’re perfect for any cookie lover’s sweet tooth.
Print
M&M Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, chewy M&M cookies are packed with colorful candies and are the perfect treat for any occasion. Simple to make, with crispy edges and a soft center, they’re a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking sheet.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture.
- Continue mixing with the electric mixer until a sticky dough forms.
-
Add the M&Ms:
- Stir in the M&Ms and mini M&Ms until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the Cookies:
- Roll the cookie dough into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each ball.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to parchment paper to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra colorful cookies, press a few additional M&Ms onto the tops of the dough balls before baking.
- To make the cookies extra soft, slightly underbake them and allow them to set as they cool.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg