Soft-baked M&M Cookies

Soft-baked M&M cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nostalgic charm of classic cookies with the colorful fun of M&M candies. With their perfectly chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and vibrant pops of chocolatey goodness, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Ideal for holidays, parties, or simply as an everyday indulgence, soft-baked M&M cookies are a versatile dessert that appeals to kids and adults alike. What makes these cookies truly special is their soft texture and the way the M&Ms stay intact, providing bursts of color and sweetness in every bite.

This recipe is easy to follow and delivers bakery-style results every time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or whipping up a batch for your cookie jar at home, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the steps to make the ultimate soft-baked M&M cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.
Vibrant and Fun: The M&Ms add a cheerful burst of color and chocolate flavor.
Simple and Easy: No fancy equipment or ingredients required—just pantry staples and a little creativity.
Customizable: Swap the M&Ms for seasonal colors or mix in other candies to suit any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance for fresh cookies anytime.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Add-Ins:

• 1 cup M&M candies (regular or seasonal)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring the cookies are soft and tender.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips (if using). Reserve a small handful of M&Ms to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for a colorful presentation.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances their flavor.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions (about the size of a golf ball) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press a few reserved M&Ms onto the tops of each cookie for a vibrant look.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures the cookies remain soft after cooling.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Ingredient Background

Butter

Unsalted butter provides richness and flavor while helping create the soft, chewy texture of the cookies. Using softened butter ensures it creams well with the sugars, resulting in a tender crumb.

Sugars

Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar contributes moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor that enhances the cookies’ chewiness.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.

M&Ms

M&Ms are the star of this recipe, adding vibrant color and a burst of chocolate to every bite. Seasonal varieties allow you to customize the cookies for holidays or special occasions.

Technique Tips

Soften the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter creates the creamy base needed for the dough.

Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also deepens the flavors.

Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform portions, which helps the cookies bake evenly.

Underbake Slightly: Pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set, but the centers look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool, staying soft and chewy.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Seasonal Themes: Use seasonal M&Ms to match the occasion, such as red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a decadent cookie sandwich.

Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized cookies by using smaller portions of dough. Adjust the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes. Slice into bars once cooled.

Additional Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, egg, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and results in a smoother dough.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Reserve M&Ms for Topping: Pressing a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookies before baking ensures a vibrant and colorful appearance.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter and use peanut M&Ms for a nutty twist.

Double Chocolate M&M Cookies: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate base, and use M&Ms and white chocolate chips as mix-ins.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and omit the chocolate chips, ensuring the M&Ms used are dairy-free.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container—the bread absorbs excess moisture and keeps the cookies fresh.

Freezing Dough: Scoop the cookie dough into portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the granulated sugar slightly without compromising the taste or texture.

Dark Chocolate M&Ms: Use dark chocolate M&Ms for a less sweet and slightly more sophisticated flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Birthday Parties: Serve the cookies on a colorful platter with a side of milk for a nostalgic treat.

Holiday Gatherings: Customize the M&Ms to match the holiday theme and arrange the cookies in festive tins or on decorative trays.

Office Potlucks: Pack the cookies in individual cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy, grab-and-go treats.

Cookie Exchange: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie swaps, as their bright colors and soft texture make them stand out.

Special Equipment

Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to simplify the mixing process.

Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars much easier.

Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   Ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly before baking, and avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar, which can introduce excess air.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use mini M&Ms?
   Absolutely! Mini M&Ms work just as well and can be a fun twist.
4. How do I make thicker cookies?
   Use cold dough and bake the cookies on a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper to prevent spreading.
5. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
   Substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar and add a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor and moisture content.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be used, the flavor and texture of the cookies may differ slightly.
7. How do I keep cookies soft for longer?
   Store them with a slice of bread in the container, which helps retain moisture.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just ensure you have enough space in your fridge to chill the dough.

Conclusion

Soft-baked M&M cookies are the ultimate combination of fun and flavor. Their vibrant colors, chewy texture, and rich taste make them a hit for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or a simple weeknight treat.

This recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing for creative twists and customizations to suit your taste or the event you’re baking for. By following the tips and techniques outlined, you’ll achieve perfectly soft and delicious cookies every time.

Bake up a batch of these delightful cookies today and watch them disappear before your eyes. With their nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection!