There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a soft, chewy cookie loaded with colorful M&M candies. These Easy M&M Cookies bring back childhood memories of baking in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the cookies to cool just enough to take that first delicious bite. With their golden edges and perfectly sweet, buttery dough, they’re the kind of treat that disappears fast!

I love making these cookies because they’re simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are always a hit. The crunch of the candy shell combined with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie makes every bite pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love These Easy M&M Cookies

Quick and Simple – No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required!
Soft and Chewy Texture – The perfect balance of crisp edges and a gooey center.
Burst of Color and Crunch – M&Ms add a fun pop of color and an extra sweet crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or a weekend baking session.
Kid-Friendly – A great recipe to make with little ones who love adding the candies!

What Kind of M&Ms Should I Use?

When it comes to making these Easy M&M Cookies, classic milk chocolate M&Ms are the best choice. They hold their shape well and provide that perfect combination of a crunchy candy shell and smooth chocolate inside. However, if you want to get creative, you can try peanut M&Ms for extra crunch, mini M&Ms for more even distribution, or even seasonal M&Ms to match different holidays!

If you prefer a different chocolate-to-cookie ratio, mini M&Ms are fantastic for getting more chocolate in every bite, while peanut butter or crispy M&Ms add a fun twist to the classic recipe. The possibilities are endless!

Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some easy swaps:

Butter Substitute – Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free Flour – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Sugar Alternatives – Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-glycemic option.
Egg-Free Option – Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Chip Addition – Mix in some chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for extra chocolatey goodness.
Nutty Flavor – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy variation.

Ingredients for These Easy M&M Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter – Provides richness and keeps the cookies soft and chewy. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp texture on the edges.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the flavor with a hint of caramel and makes the cookies extra soft.
Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract – A must-have for that warm, homemade cookie flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly while baking.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
M&Ms – The star of the show! They add color, crunch, and delicious chocolatey goodness.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and help bind the dough together. Be sure to mix well, so the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently!

Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently fold the M&Ms into the dough using a spatula. If you want extra chocolate in every bite, reserve some M&Ms to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread as they bake, so make sure they have room.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set properly while keeping them soft and chewy. Once cooled, dig in and enjoy your homemade M&M cookies!

How Long to Cook the Easy M&M Cookies

Baking these cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes ensures the perfect texture. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. If you prefer slightly crispier cookies, leave them in for an extra minute, but be careful not to overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Tips for Perfect Easy M&M Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter blends more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth, even dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies – If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Reserve Some M&Ms for the Tops – Press extra M&Ms onto the cookie dough balls before baking for a more colorful, bakery-style look.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Size – This ensures that all cookies bake evenly and look consistent.
Don’t Overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
Cool on the Baking Sheet First – Letting the cookies sit for a few minutes on the baking sheet helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack.

Following these tips will give you soft, chewy, and perfectly baked M&M cookies every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the simplest cookie recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Easy M&M Cookies:

Overmixing the Dough – This can lead to dense and tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Using Melted Butter – Melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much, resulting in thin, crispy cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly – Too much flour makes cookies dry and crumbly, while too little makes them spread too much. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
Overbaking – If the cookies look fully done in the oven, they’re likely overbaked. Take them out when the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly soft.
Skipping the Cooling Time – Moving cookies too soon can cause them to break. Let them set on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Not Reserving Extra M&Ms – Adding a few extra M&Ms on top before baking makes the cookies look more appealing and ensures an even chocolate-to-cookie ratio.
Using the Wrong Type of M&Ms – Some M&M varieties, like caramel or pretzel, may not bake well inside the dough. Stick to classic, mini, or peanut M&Ms for the best results.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve bakery-quality M&M cookies every time!

What to Serve With Easy M&M Cookies?

These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right treat can take your dessert experience to the next level!

1. A Glass of Cold Milk

The classic pairing! The creamy, cold milk balances out the sweet, chocolatey cookies perfectly.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your cookies into an indulgent dessert by serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or making ice cream cookie sandwiches.

3. Hot Chocolate

A warm cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate makes these cookies even more comforting, especially on a chilly day.

4. Peanut Butter Dip

For a fun twist, serve your cookies with a peanut butter or Nutella dip for extra flavor.

5. Coffee or Espresso

If you’re a coffee lover, enjoy your M&M cookies with a fresh cup of coffee or espresso for a delicious balance of sweetness and bitterness.

6. Whipped Cream

Spread a dollop of whipped cream on top of a warm cookie for a light and creamy addition.

7. Chocolate Fondue

Dip your cookies into melted chocolate for an even richer treat. Add sprinkles or crushed nuts for extra texture.

8. Fruit Slices

Balance the sweetness with some fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or raspberries. The natural tartness pairs wonderfully with the cookies.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Easy M&M Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature – Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.
Refrigeration – While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
Freezing Baked Cookies – Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, layering them with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing Cookie Dough – If you want fresh-baked cookies anytime, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on a standard-sized cookie):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 90mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use mini M&Ms instead of regular ones?

Yes! Mini M&Ms are a great option because they distribute more evenly throughout the dough, ensuring you get chocolate in every bite.

2. Why did my cookies turn out flat?

Flat cookies can result from melted butter, overmixing the dough, or skipping the chilling step. Try refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) or use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.

4. How do I make my cookies extra soft?

To keep your cookies super soft, slightly underbake them (remove them when the centers still look slightly gooey) and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to mix the dough evenly and bake in batches to prevent overcrowding the baking sheet.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftover cookies?

Pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their softness, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

7. Can I use peanut M&Ms?

Yes, but since they’re larger, they may not distribute evenly. You can roughly chop them before adding them to the dough for a better balance.

8. Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but chilling for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies.

Conclusion

Now that you have the perfect recipe for Easy M&M Cookies, it’s time to start baking! These cookies are colorful, fun, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any occasion. Be sure to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with family and friends. Happy baking!

Easy M&M Cookies

Author: Ava Garrison
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful M&Ms, these Easy M&M Cookies are a fun and delicious treat for any occasion. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack, these cookies have a buttery flavor, crispy edges, and a gooey center. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups M&Ms, plus extra for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in M&Ms, reserving some for topping.
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers are slightly soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes