Introduction
M&M Cookies are one of the most recognizable and beloved cookies of all time. With their bright pops of color, soft centers, chewy edges, and rich buttery flavor, they bring instant joy to cookie jars, bake sales, school lunches, and holiday dessert tables. These cookies are nostalgic, fun, and incredibly versatile—perfect for both kids and adults alike.
What makes M&M Cookies so special is their balance of texture and flavor. The cookie dough itself is rich and buttery, lightly sweetened with brown and white sugar for depth. Each bite is filled with chocolatey bursts from the M&M candies, which soften slightly while baking but keep their signature crunch and color.
These cookies are also endlessly adaptable. You can swap in seasonal M&Ms for holidays, mini M&Ms for more even distribution, or peanut M&Ms for extra crunch. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just because, M&M Cookies always feel festive and familiar.
This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect bakery-style cookie: thick, soft in the center, chewy around the edges, and loaded with candy. With clear steps, helpful tips, and variations, you’ll be able to make flawless M&M Cookies every single time.
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🍪 M&M Cookies
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups M&M candies (regular or mini)
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create soft, chewy cookies.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the M&M candies, reserving a small handful to press on top of the cookies before baking.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling improves texture and prevents spreading.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press extra M&Ms on top.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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Do not overbake; cookies firm up as they cool.
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Press M&Ms on top for a bakery-style look.
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Chilling dough improves flavor and structure.
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Use room-temperature eggs for smoother dough.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (regular or mini)
Preparation :
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create soft, chewy cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in M&Ms
Gently fold in the M&M candies, reserving a small handful to press on top of the cookies before baking.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling improves texture and prevents spreading.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press extra M&Ms on top.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 10: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation
🍫 1. Mini M&M Cookies
Use mini M&Ms for more candy in every bite.
🥜 2. Peanut M&M Cookies
Substitute peanut M&Ms for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
🎄 3. Holiday M&M Cookies
Use seasonal M&Ms for Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day.
🍪 4. Thick Bakery-Style Cookies
Chill dough overnight and bake dough balls taller rather than round.
🌾 5. Chewier Cookies
Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and bake slightly less.
COOKING Note :
- Do not overbake; cookies firm up as they cool.
- Press M&Ms on top for a bakery-style look.
- Chilling dough improves flavor and structure.
- Use room-temperature eggs for smoother dough.
Serving Suggestions :
- Serve warm with milk
- Add to cookie platters
- Package for bake sales
- Include in lunchboxes
- Serve as party desserts
Tips :
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes.
- Line baking sheets with parchment for even baking.
- Store baked cookies in airtight containers.
- For softer cookies, add a slice of bread to the container.
- Freeze dough balls for quick baking anytime.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
27 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information :
(Approximate per cookie)
Calories: ~210
Protein: ~3 g
Sodium: ~130 mg
FAQs
1. Why did my M&M cookies spread too much?
The dough wasn’t chilled long enough or butter was too warm.
2. Can I freeze M&M cookie dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use mini M&Ms instead?
Absolutely—they work perfectly.
4. How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a bread slice.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Conclusion
M&M Cookies are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Soft, chewy, colorful, and loaded with chocolate candy, they’re the kind of cookie that brings smiles to every table. Whether you’re baking for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results that everyone will love. Once you make these, they’ll become a permanent favorite in your cookie rotation.