M&M Cookies

These M&M Cookies are the ultimate soft and chewy treat, loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolate and mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. With crisp edges, tender centers, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a tried-and-true cookie recipe that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture: These cookies are perfectly tender in the center with just enough structure around the edges.

• Packed with chocolate: Mini chocolate chips and M&M’s provide bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for any holiday or celebration by changing the M&M colors or using different candies.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch (or double!) and freeze dough or baked cookies for later.

• Quick and easy: Minimal prep time, pantry staples, and straightforward steps make this a go-to recipe.

• Kid-approved: Bright, fun, and delicious — these cookies are always a hit with children.

• No chilling required: The dough comes together quickly and can go straight into the oven.

• Versatile flavor base: Easily modify this recipe into cookie bars, triple chocolate cookies, or even monster cookies.

• Great for gifting: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them ideal for cookie boxes or party favors.

• Consistently reliable: This is a well-tested, foolproof recipe you can depend on every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
light brown sugar, packed
egg, room temperature
vanilla extract
mini chocolate chips
M&M’s (classic or seasonal varieties)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Stir in add-ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s.

7. Scoop dough: Form large dough balls using about 3 tablespoons of dough each. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake — the centers should look slightly underdone.

9. Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Triple Chocolate M&M Cookies: Add white chocolate chips in addition to the mini chips and M&M’s.

• Monster Cookies: Mix in peanut butter, oats, and use both regular and peanut M&M’s.

• Holiday-themed cookies: Use seasonal M&M colors or candy blends to suit Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or Valentine’s Day.

• Cookie bars: Press the dough into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 18–22 minutes for easy cookie bars.

• Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

• Stuffed cookies: Wrap the dough around a mini peanut butter cup or caramel candy for a fun surprise.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate candies.

• Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend made for baking.

• Extra gooey: Press a few extra M&M’s on top of each dough ball before baking for visual appeal.

• Smaller size: Use 1–2 tablespoon portions for bite-sized cookies. Reduce bake time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerated dough: Keep unbaked cookie dough in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze dough: Scoop and flash-freeze dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Freeze baked cookies: Cool completely and freeze in layers (separated by parchment) in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, but mini chocolate chips provide better distribution without overwhelming the M&M flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is necessary, but you can refrigerate the dough if you want to make it ahead or slightly reduce spread during baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your butter wasn’t overly soft or melted, and double-check your flour measurements for accuracy.

Can I bake these from frozen?

Yes, just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on the edges for doneness.

What type of M&M’s work best?

Classic milk chocolate M&M’s are ideal, but you can use mini, peanut, holiday-themed, or flavored varieties to change things up.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Be sure to remove cookies while the centers are still slightly soft.

How can I make the cookies thicker?

Use chilled dough and slightly mound the cookie balls taller before baking to create thicker cookies.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes for smaller cookies.

What’s the best way to get bakery-style cookies?

Reserve some M&M’s and press them into the tops of the dough balls right before baking for a professional look.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Their bright colors and soft texture make them a favorite for cookie boxes, bake sales, and party favors.

Conclusion

These M&M Cookies are a nostalgic, colorful, and delicious treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, making a batch for the freezer, or just craving a classic chewy cookie, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients, tons of variations, and freezer-friendly convenience, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.