Introduction
Is there anything more cheerful than biting into a soft cookie packed with colorful M&Ms? According to 2024 Pinterest trend insights, searches for “M&M cookies” rose by 42%, proving that people crave not only great taste but also vibrant, joyful treats. Whether it’s for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy weekends, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten up your day. Let’s bake a batch of chewy, colorful goodness!
Ingredients List
Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey flavor
- 1/2 tsp almond extract for a slight nutty note
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Chilling the dough makes a big difference and only adds a little extra time for a much better texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add it to the wet mixture.
Step 5: Stir in M&Ms
Fold the M&Ms (and optional mini chips) into the dough gently.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)
Chill for 30 minutes if you want thicker, bakery-style cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each), top with extra M&Ms, and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden, and the centers still soft.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/24th of batch)
- Calories: ~170
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Butter Substitute: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Lower Sugar: Replace half the sugar with a sugar substitute.
- Whole Grain Option: Sub half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Color Boost: Use naturally dyed M&Ms for a more wholesome choice.
Serving Suggestions
- Stack with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
- Create a colorful cookie platter for parties.
- Wrap in clear bags tied with ribbon for festive gifts.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a fun sundae!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center.
- Skipping the chill: Chilling gives thicker, chewier cookies.
- Mixing too much: Fold in M&Ms gently to avoid crushing.
- Crowding the pan: Leave enough space between dough balls.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Scoop and freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers.
Conclusion
These colorful, chewy M&M cookies are pure joy—easy to bake, perfect to share, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a rainy day project, or just because, they’re a little taste of happiness. Pin this recipe now and bring a pop of color and sweetness to your kitchen! 🌈✨🍪
FAQs
Can I use peanut M&Ms? Sure! They add a fun crunch, but you might need slightly larger dough balls.
Why chill the dough? It firms up the butter, preventing cookies from spreading too much.
Can I make them smaller or larger? Absolutely—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I add other candies? Yes—try mini Reese’s pieces, chopped Snickers, or holiday-themed M&Ms!
Are these good for decorating? Yes! Kids love adding extra M&Ms before baking for an even brighter look.