There’s something undeniably joyful about biting into a warm, gooey M&M cookie, the chocolate melting on your tongue while colorful candy pieces add a delightful crunch. I first created this recipe after a weekend spent rummaging through my pantry, where I stumbled upon a forgotten bag of M&Ms nestled between jars of baking soda and flour. Inspired by their vibrant hues, I decided it was time to whip up something delicious and fun!
These Chocolate Chip and M&M cookies are a delightful combination of flavors that elevate any average afternoon. Perfectly balanced with chewy chocolate chips and the surprise of crunchy M&Ms, they’re sure to make even the busiest weeknights feel special. Plus, the best part? You can whip them up in just about 12 minutes! Whether you’re baking for a gathering, packing lunchbox treats, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive in and create a batch of happiness!
Why are M&M Cookies so irresistible?
Delightful combination of flavors: These cookies blend rich chocolate with crispy M&Ms, creating a perfect bite every time.
Quick and easy: With a simple process, you can have a fresh batch in just 12 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, school lunches, or cozy treats at home, they bring smiles to all ages.
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for a unique twist.
Feel-good baking: Nothing beats the joy of sharing homemade cookies that warm the heart and the home!
M&M Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake deliciousness!
For the Dough
• 1 cup unsalted butter – ensures a rich and creamy texture in your M&M cookies.
• 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar – adds a deep sweetness and chewy consistency.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• 2 eggs – provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp vanilla – infuses warmth and depth of flavor into the dough.
• 3 cups all purpose flour – the backbone of the cookie, creating a perfect base.
• 1 tsp salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1 tsp baking soda – acts as a leavening agent for a chewy texture.
For the Mix-ins
• 1 cup chocolate chips (divided) – adds melty chocolate goodness throughout.
• 1 cup M&Ms – brings vibrant color, crunch, and a burst of sweetness, making these M&M cookies irresistible.
• More M&Ms for the top – a fun touch to make your cookies extra appealing.
How to Make M&M Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
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Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Aim for a creamy, fluffy consistency that offers a sweet base for your cookies.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla now, which will bring a warm, inviting aroma to your dough.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually blend this mixture into your creamed ingredients until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms with a spatula. You want to distribute them evenly, ensuring each cookie has a delightful mix of melty chocolate and colorful bites.
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Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop to allow the cookies to spread while baking.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly browned. They will continue to firm up as they cool, offering that perfect chewy texture.
Optional: Sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top before baking for a colorful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Perfect M&M Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easy blending, resulting in a smooth dough and perfectly textured M&M cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and chewy ones you want.
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Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances flavor.
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Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies toward the end of the baking time. Remove them once the edges are lightly browned—the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
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Storing Leftovers: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for several days—if they last that long!
What to Serve with M&M Cookies?
Indulge in the sweet magic of a cozy evening, where each bite of cookie sparks joy and leaves you craving more.
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Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their chewy texture and balancing the flavors perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cookies, making every bite a special treat.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious dessert duo.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce over the cookies adds a rich, intense flavor that chocolate lovers can’t resist.
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Coffee: A comforting cup of coffee offers a warm, bitter note that pairs beautifully with the sweet and chewy M&M cookies.
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Nutty Trail Mix: Serve a small bowl of nutty trail mix on the side for a crunch factor that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cookies.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: For an extra indulgence, enjoy your M&M cookies with a mug of creamy hot chocolate, perfect for snuggling up on chilly nights.
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Peanut Butter Dip: Pair cookies with a rich peanut butter dip for a nutty twist that adds depth to the flavor of your treats.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream brings a lightness that contrasts with the dense cookie, creating a perfect finish for the sweet feast.
M&M Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine—these delightful cookies can be tailored to suit your taste or dietary needs!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil or margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make them suitable for a dairy-free lifestyle. They’ll still be just as delicious!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The cookies will be just as chewy and delightful.
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Spiced Surprise: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the dry ingredients to give your cookies a warm, comforting flavor.
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Chunky Chocolate: Replace half of the chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars to create a gooey texture that melts beautifully in each bite.
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Fruity Flavor: Mix in 1 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tangy contrast that adds a fun twist.
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Minty Fresh: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract or fold in crushed mint candies for a refreshing minty flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
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S’mores Surprise: Replace half of the M&Ms with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to give your cookies a fun s’mores makeover.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful M&M Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. To keep the cookies from becoming too dry, be sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough onto baking sheets and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before popping them in the oven. This simple step will ensure you achieve that perfect chewy texture, just as delicious as if they were fresh-baked!
How to Store and Freeze M&M Cookies
Room Temperature: Store M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating the cookies in a sealed container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
M&M Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor in your M&M cookies, I recommend using unsalted butter. This allows you to control the salt content in your recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce the additional salt in the recipe to ½ teaspoon.
How do I know if my ingredients are fresh enough?
The freshness of your ingredients is crucial for delicious cookies. I suggest checking your baking soda if it’s past its expiration date. You can test its potency by adding a teaspoon to vinegar; if it fizzes, it’s still good! Also, make sure your eggs are not more than a week past their expiration date for optimal fluffiness.
What’s the best way to store leftover M&M cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm environment, refrigerating them can extend their freshness to about 5 days. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze M&M cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing, I recommend chilling the baked cookies first. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! To enjoy, just reheat individually in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
My cookies came out too flat. What can I do to fix this?
That’s a common issue! There are a few reasons this might happen. Ensure your butter is at room temperature and not melted; melted butter can lead to flat cookies. Also, check your measurements; using too much sugar or not enough flour can alter the structure. If you find your dough overly sticky, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking; this can help them hold their shape better.
Can my pets eat M&M cookies?
No, it is not safe to share M&M cookies with your pets. Chocolate and sugar can be harmful to dogs and cats, and even small amounts can lead to health issues. Always stick to pet-safe treats to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
Ultimate M&M Cookies That Bring Joy to Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms with a spatula.
- Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.