BEST M&M Cookie Recipe

There’s something truly special about a cookie that’s both cheerful and classic, and that’s exactly what you get with this recipe.

We’re talking about a cookie that bakes up with a slightly crisp edge, a wonderfully soft and chewy center, and a confetti-like burst of color in every single bite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s the one you’ll find yourself returning to again, and again.

The dough itself is straightforward, but a few key techniques, like chilling it properly, transform it from good to absolutely, bakery-level great.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats.

• Unsalted Butter: Just barely softened, it creates a rich base and helps the cookies cream together perfectly.
• Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The brown sugar brings a deep, molasses-like moisture for chewiness, while white sugar encourages a lovely crisp edge.
• Large Eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and tender texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of good vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookie dough, giving it the perfect substance and body.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, it helps the cookies rise and become beautifully puffed.
• Salt: A teaspoon is crucial for balancing the sweetness and making the chocolate flavors pop.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips offer pockets of melted chocolate that complement the candy shells wonderfully.
• M&M’s Candies: The star of the show, they provide vibrant color, a fun crunch, and little bursts of chocolate.

The Perfect Cookie Dough Consistency

Getting the dough just right is the first secret to a phenomenal cookie.

It should be soft and slightly sticky, but still hold its shape easily when scooped.

How to make BEST M&M Cookie Recipe?

Follow these steps for a fuss-free baking experience that yields incredible results.

You really can’t go wrong.

Step 1- Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Then, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent any sticking, trust me on this.

Step 2- Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars.

Mix them for about a full minute, until the combination becomes light, pale, and beautifully fluffy.

Step 3- Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the two eggs and pour in that lovely vanilla extract.

Mix just until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and cohesive.

Step 4- Combine Dry Ingredients

It’s time for the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk these dry ingredients together in a separate bowl, then add them to the wet mixture, stirring just until no white streaks remain.

Step 5- Fold in the Goodies

Now for the fun part—gently fold in the chocolate chips and one cup of the M&M’s.

Try to distribute them evenly so every cookie gets its fair share of chocolate.

Step 6- The All-Important Chill

Resist the urge to bake immediately, and please, chill the dough.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a thicker, chewier cookie.

Step 7- Scoop and Decorate

Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), portion the dough onto your prepared sheets.

Gently press a few extra M&M’s onto the top of each dough ball for that picture-perfect, colorful finish.

Step 8- Bake to Perfection

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set and barely turning golden.

The centers will still look a little soft, and that is exactly what you want for the ultimate chewy texture.

Step 9- Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for two full minutes after they come out of the oven.

Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, that is, if you can wait that long.

Tips

A few simple tricks can make all the difference between a good cookie and a great one.

Here are some insights from Kelsey, who has made this recipe countless times.

• Butter Temperature is Key: Your butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed, but not greasy or melted. This ensures proper creaming.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much and results in a better texture.
• Use a Scoop for Consistency: A cookie scoop isn’t just a convenience tool; it guarantees all your cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
• Under-bake Slightly: For the chewiest centers, take the cookies out when they still look a tiny bit underdone in the middle. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Rotate Your Pans: If baking two sheets at once, rotate them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Fun Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creative twists.

Feel free to play around and make it your own.

• Seasonal Spin: Use holiday-colored M&M’s to match any occasion, from red and green for Christmas to pastels for Easter.
• Flavor Infusion: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients, or use peanut butter M&M’s for a nutty twist.
• Texture Play: For a different kind of crunch, substitute half of the chocolate chips with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• Cookie Bar Shortcut: Press the entire batch of dough into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 20-25 minutes for easy, crowd-feeding bars.

Storing and Freezing

You’ll want to keep these cookies fresh, and maybe even have some dough on standby for a future treat.

Here’s how to do it right.

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. A slice of bread in the container can help maintain softness.
• Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag; they’ll keep for 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Yes, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled cookies! Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Print Recipe

BEST M&M Cookie Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 2 mins Total Time 27 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 271

Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Description

The BEST M&M Cookies that are soft and chewy with crispy edges and packed full of chocolate chips and M&Ms. This recipe is family favorite and so easy to make!

ingredients

Servings

• 1 cup unsalted butter (just barely softened)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet recommended)
• 1 cup M&M’s (plus more for topping if desired)

Instructions

1. Prep

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar

   In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for 1 minute. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla and mix until combined.

3. Add dry ingredients then chill dough

   Add 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt and stir mix just until combined. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup M&M’s. Refrigerate dough for 15 to 60 minutes (up to 24 hours) if time allows.

4. Scoop dough

   Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 Tablespoons), scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Place extra M&M’s on the top of the cookies if desired.

5. Bake

   Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden brown. Allow cookies to set on pan for 2 minutes, and then remove to a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 271kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 162mg7%

Potassium 36mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 38g13%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 25g

Protein 2g4%

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Calcium 33 mg

Iron 1.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Storage: Store in a covered container up to 3 days. Freeze in a covered container up to 3 months.
• Leftover dough: Form dough into balls and add to baking sheet. Place sheet in freezer until dough has hardened. Remove from freezer and add dough balls to freezer safe container or zip top bag. Store in freezer until ready to bake. Then place on the baking sheet 30 minutes before baking to soften.

Keywords: M&M cookies, chocolate chip M&M cookies, soft chewy cookies, easy cookie recipe, bakery-style M&M cookies