Irresistibly Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Childhood memories dance through every soft-baked M&M cookie that emerges from the warm oven.

Sweet chocolate candies peek out like colorful jewels against a golden backdrop.

Crisp edges give way to an impossibly tender center that melts in your mouth.

Little bursts of rainbow-hued chocolate chips create playful surprises with each delightful bite.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in this simple yet magical treat.

Baking these cookies feels like wrapping yourself in a delicious, sugary hug.

You’ll want to grab a glass of cold milk and savor every crumbly, chocolate-studded moment.

One taste, and you’ll be transported back to carefree afternoons of pure sweet joy.

What Makes Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe So Fun To Bake

• Create Bakery-Style Treats at Home: Whip up professional-looking cookies that rival any fancy bakery, with minimal effort and maximum visual appeal by strategically placing extra M&Ms on top of each cookie.
• Quick Weekend Baking Delight: Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions, these soft-baked cookies can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or entertaining unexpected guests.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in a fun baking experience where they can help mix ingredients, choose M&M colors, and decorate cookies, turning a simple recipe into a memorable family activity.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: Suitable for various occasions like school parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these colorful cookies appeal to both kids and adults with their soft texture and playful chocolate candy decorations.

What You Need For Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Flour and Dry Ingredients: – All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cookie, providing a soft and chewy texture. Opt for a high-quality, fresh flour for best results.

• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, creating a light and tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Sugars and Sweeteners: – Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Give cookies their classic sweetness and contribute to a soft, moist texture. Dark brown sugar adds deeper flavor complexity.

Fats: – Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, soft cookie. Room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.

Mix-Ins: – M&Ms, Chocolate Chips: Add colorful crunch and chocolate bursts throughout the cookie. Choose classic or seasonal M&Ms for visual appeal.

Binding Ingredients: – Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cookies. Fresh eggs at room temperature mix more easily.

Flavor Enhancers: – Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the cookie’s overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla gives the best taste.

Steps To Make Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and dress it up with a cozy parchment paper liner.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar

Blend these ingredients until they’re light and fluffy like a cloud. Crack in some eggs and splash of vanilla extract. Mix until silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these together, then gently fold into the creamy mixture. Stir until everything just comes together – no overmixing allowed!

Step 4: Add Colorful Excitement

• Colorful chocolate candies
• Chocolate chips

Fold these goodies throughout the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into plump little balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with plenty of breathing room. For an extra pop of color, press a few extra candies on top of each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The centers should look slightly soft – they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Devour

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set up perfectly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Pro tip: These are mind-blowingly delicious when still slightly warm!

Storage Tip

Store these delectable treats in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and scrumptious for several days – if they last that long!

Baking Note

Each oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies. You’re looking for golden edges and a soft center that promises melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Tips For Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe That Stay Chewy

• Customize M&M Colors: Select seasonal or themed M&M colors to make the cookies perfect for holidays or special occasions, adding a personalized touch to your baking.
• Prevent Spreading Trick: Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep Cookies Soft: Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain their soft, tender texture for several days.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to create a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the overall taste.

How To Store Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe Right

• Preserve your delicious M&M cookies with these handy storage methods.
• Keep freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie integrity.
• Freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months – simply thaw at room temperature for a quick sweet treat.
• Want maximum freshness? Store cookies with a slice of bread to help retain moisture and keep them wonderfully soft and chewy.

Perfect Pairings For Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

• Sip Sweet Milk: Pair these soft, colorful cookies with a cold glass of whole milk. The creamy, smooth milk perfectly balances the rich chocolate and sweet M&Ms, creating a nostalgic and comforting flavor combination.
• Brew Chocolate Companion: Enjoy these cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The warm, velvety drink enhances the chocolate chips and brings out the cookie's soft, gooey texture.
• Craft Coffee Contrast: Serve with a bold espresso or cappuccino. The strong coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a delightful contrast that highlights the cookie's rich, buttery notes.
• Scoop Vanilla Delight: Top the warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy vanilla complements the warm cookie, creating an indulgent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.

Ways To Mix Up Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

• Peanut Butter Blast: Swap half the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty, rich flavor profile that complements the M&Ms perfectly.
• Oatmeal Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup rolled oats to add texture and hearty depth to the classic cookie, creating a more rustic feel.
• Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Replace half the chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and deeper flavor dimension.
• Coconut Dream: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded coconut to introduce a tropical hint that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and candy shells.

FAQs For Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

• What makes these M&M cookies soft-baked?

The secret is using brown sugar and not overbaking. Brown sugar adds moisture and creates a softer texture, while taking cookies out when edges are just golden prevents them from becoming crispy.

• Can I use different types of M&Ms in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with regular, peanut, crispy, or seasonal M&M flavors. Each variety will add a unique twist to the classic cookie.

• Why do I need to press extra M&Ms on top of the cookies?

Pressing extra M&Ms on top creates a beautiful, bakery-style appearance and ensures colorful chocolate pieces are visible after baking. It’s a simple trick that makes your cookies look more professional and appetizing.

• Is it important to use room temperature butter and eggs?

Yes! Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better cookie texture. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and potentially denser cookies.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Soft-Baked M&M Cookies deliver colorful chocolate bliss with each irresistible bite. Sweet memories unfold as warm, chewy cookies melt in your mouth, promising pure comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Mix-in Ingredients:

• 1 cup M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly cream butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth foundation for the cookies.
3. Introduce eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar blend, whisking until the ingredients harmonize into a cohesive, silky texture.
4. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning through gentle whisking.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding carefully to maintain a tender cookie texture without overmixing.
6. Gently fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to guarantee a delightful burst of color and flavor in every bite.
7. Using a portioning tool or spoon, create uniform cookie dough balls approximately two tablespoons in size, strategically placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Enhance the visual appeal by pressing additional M&Ms onto the cookie surfaces, creating an Instagram-worthy bakery-style presentation.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes until the edges develop a delicate golden hue.
10. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, allowing them to set and develop a soft, chewy consistency.
11. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling and achieving the perfect soft-baked texture for ultimate enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap ingredients easily for dietary needs by using gluten-free flour or plant-based butter alternatives to accommodate various restrictions.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, softer cookies with more concentrated flavors.
• Press extra M&Ms gently on top of each cookie just before baking to ensure vibrant colors remain visible and create an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Store cookies in a sealed container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly over several days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg