This M&M cookie recipe will give you perfectly soft cookies that feature the perfect crunch of M&M in every bite. Easy to make and delicious to eat, these cookies are the perfect addition to any cookie jar and a true family favorite!
These M&M cookies are a playful twist on your favorite classic cookies and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of a soft, chewy cookie and the crunch of M&Ms makes for a treat that’s both fun and delicious!
I’m sure you’ll also love my pretzel M&M cookies, which offer a similar taste with a fun, crunchy twist. Or, for a different flavor profile, try these cornflake cookies, which share the same sweet flavor with a crunch from cornflakes. And for a true crowd pleaser, try these big chocolate chip cookies that are the best big homemade cookies.
This handwritten recipe was found in a book filled with personal recipes. It was found on the other side of the monster cookies, and since I enjoyed those so much, I knew this one would be a great cookie recipe.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This M&M cookie recipe is easy to make. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time.
- Classic Flavors: This recipe sticks to the classic cookie ingredients we all know and love. The familiar taste of vanilla, sugar, and butter creates a comforting and nostalgic flavor profile.
- Family Favorite: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether it is for a family gathering or a simple dessert at home, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade cookie. This recipe, with its sweet, buttery dough and colorful M&Ms, is the epitome of comfort food.
- Instagram-Worthy: These cookies aren’t just delicious, they’re also beautiful. The colorful M&Ms make them a vibrant addition to any dessert table or Instagram feed.
- Time-Tested: This recipe has been tried and tested over the years. Its classic flavors and simple preparation make it a reliable choice for any occasion.
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Key Ingredients
- Butter: The unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is the fat in this recipe, giving our M&M cookies a beautiful buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is responsible for adding a rich, sweet taste to the cookie dough and also contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Eggs: The eggs act as a binder in our cookie recipe, helping to hold all the dry ingredients together. Make sure they are at room temperature so they incorporate more easily into the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a hint of flavor that compliments the chocolate chips and M&Ms in the cookies.
- All Purpose Flour: This is the main dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread in the oven, giving them their characteristic shape.
- Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the sweet flavors of the cookies and balances out the sweetness of the candies and brown sugar.
- M&Ms: M&Ms not only add color and fun to our cookie recipe but also provide a delicious chocolate crunch in every bite.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer – This is essential for cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, and for mixing in the eggs and vanilla extract. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work just fine.
- Baking Sheets – You’ll need these to bake your M&M cookies. Make sure to line them with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Wire Racks – After baking, you’ll need wire racks to let your cookies cool down. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
How to Make
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350˚ F. Gather all your ingredients and make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar on high speed. Continue until the mixture is light and airy, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
Step 2 – Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Make sure these wet ingredients are well incorporated into the creamed butter and sugar.
Step 3 – Stir in the Dry Ingredients and M&Ms
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until these dry ingredients are well combined with the wet mixture. Stir in ⅔ cup of M&M, reserving the rest for later.
Step 4 – Scoop the Cookie Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the dough balls to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5 – Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown color and a chewy texture.
Step 6 – Add More M&Ms and Cool
Once baked, while still hot, press 3-4 additional M&Ms into the top of each cookie. This not only adds extra flavor but also makes your cookies look more appealing. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Your M&M cookies are ready to serve!
Expert Tips
Don’t skip the step of letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps the cookies set and maintain their shape, guaranteeing a perfect batch every time.
Recipe Variations
- Extra Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers out there, add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey bite.
- Holiday Variation: Use pastel-colored M&Ms for a fun and festive Easter twist on this classic cookie recipe. Similarly, you can use green and red M&Ms for Christmas and so on. I also love making them for Valentine’s Day!
- Nuts: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy, nutty flavor.
What to Serve With
- For a classic combination, serve these chewy M&M cookies with a glass of cold milk. The creamy milk compliments the sweet and rich flavor of the cookies, making it a perfect match.
- If you’re in the mood for a delicious treat, pair these cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy texture of the cookies.
- If you’re a coffee lover, try serving these M&M cookies with a hot cup of coffee. The robust flavor of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies, making for a satisfying snack or dessert.
Recipe FAQs
For the best results, use unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature. This allows the butter to cream together with the brown sugar more effectively, creating a light and airy cookie dough.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and types of M&Ms. Just remember to divide them as the recipe instructs – ⅔ cup mixed into the dough and the rest pressed into the tops of the cookies after baking.
Adding extra M&Ms on top of the cookies while they’re still hot not only makes them look more appealing but also guarantees that you get that delicious M&M flavor in every bite. During baking the M&Ms lose their color. Pressing a few in after baking gives your cookies their vibrant pops of color.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: After enjoying the best M&M cookies, store the leftovers in a container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to maintain their chewy texture.
- Freeze: If you have a batch of these delicious M&M cookies left, you can freeze them. Make sure the cookies are cooled, then place them in an airtight sealed container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before serving. This will help maintain their chewy texture and delicious flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to a low temperature, place the cookies on a baking sheet, and warm them for a few minutes. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent over-baking.
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This M&M cookie recipe yields approximately 41 delicious, chewy cookies.
- How to Scale: If you want to make more than 41 cookies, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure to use a larger bowl to mix the dry ingredients and a couple of baking sheets to accommodate the extra batches of dough balls.
M&M Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup Butter softened
- 1 ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 ¾ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup M&Ms divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚ F.
- Beat on high speed the butter and sugar to cream them together until light and airy. (Approximately 2 minutes.)
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until well-mixed. Stir in only ⅔ Cup M&Ms.
- Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes in preheated oven.
- Once baked, while hot, add 3-4 M&Ms to each cookie top. Let cool on a baking sheet for 3 minutes before letting it cool on the cooling rack.
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