If you’re searching for the ultimate M&M cookie recipe, look no further! These cookies are irresistibly soft, perfectly chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips and colorful M&M candies. A delightful blend of textures and flavors makes these cookies a crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Chocolaty Goodness: Packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and M&Ms for the ultimate treat.
- Customizable: Perfect for holiday-themed variations or fun twists like cookie bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to create these irresistible M&M cookies:
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to ensure easy mixing and control over salt levels.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor for chewy cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for these cookies.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is ideal, but feel free to experiment with mini or milk chocolate chips.
- M&Ms: Regular M&Ms add color and crunch, but holiday-themed varieties can add a festive touch.
How to Make Perfect M&M Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, blending until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and M&Ms
Fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for at least 15–30 minutes. Chilling helps maintain the cookies’ shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Using a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. For an extra pop of color, press a few additional M&Ms on top of each cookie.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking for soft and chewy centers.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill for the Best Texture: Refrigerating the dough enhances flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too much.
- Measure Precisely: For consistent results, measure your flour correctly—too much can make cookies dry.
- Customize for Holidays: Swap regular M&Ms for festive colors during holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Variations to Try
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Use holiday-colored M&Ms for a festive touch.
- M&M Cookie Bars: Spread the dough into a baking pan and bake for a thicker bar-style treat.
- Loaded Cookies: Add peanut butter chips, oats, or even pretzel bits for a fun twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting.
Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have M&Ms?
A: Substitute with chopped candy bars, Reese’s Pieces, or other chocolate-coated candies.
Best M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms (+ extra for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Chill dough for 15–30 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing cookies 2 inches apart. Press extra M&Ms on top.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool for 2 minutes on the pan before transferring to a rack.
Nutritional Info (Per Cookie):
Calories: 271 | Carbs: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sugar: 25g | Sodium: 162mg