Soft M&M Cookies

Soft M&M Cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces. These bakery-style cookies have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with slightly crisp edges and a soft center. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture – Perfectly thick with a gooey center.
• Colorful and fun – A favorite for kids and adults alike.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no chilling required.
• Customizable – Use seasonal M&Ms for different occasions.
• Great for sharing – Perfect for bake sales, parties, or gifting.

Ingredients

this Recipe

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Cornstarch (for extra softness)
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• M&M candies
• Chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars – In another bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg & Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients – Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in M&Ms – Gently stir in the M&M candies and optional chocolate chips.
7. Scoop & Bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
8. Cool & Enjoy – Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter M&M Cookies – Add ½ cup peanut butter to the dough.
• Double Chocolate M&M Cookies – Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder.
• Holiday-Themed – Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and brown for Halloween.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Crunchy – Bake an extra 2 minutes for crispier edges.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQs

Why are my cookies not soft?

Overbaking can make them hard. Remove from the oven when they look slightly underbaked.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

Can I use mini M&Ms?

Yes! Mini M&Ms distribute more evenly throughout the dough.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, but chilling for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor.

Can I use self-rising flour?

No, self-rising flour contains baking powder, which may affect the texture.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Too-soft butter or too little flour can cause spreading. Make sure to measure ingredients correctly.

Can I make giant bakery-style cookies?

Yes! Use ¼ cup of dough per cookie and bake for 12-14 minutes.

How do I make my cookies chewier?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar for extra chewiness.

Can I add nuts?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunch.

Can I use different candies?

Absolutely! Try Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or sprinkles.

Conclusion

Soft M&M Cookies are an easy, fun, and delicious treat that everyone will love. With a buttery dough, colorful candy pieces, and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Try different variations and enjoy a batch of homemade goodness!

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