Name: M&M Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 1/4 cups (250 g) M&M chocolate candies

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These soft and chewy M&M Cookies are loaded with colorful chocolate candies and rich chocolate chips in every bite. With crisp golden edges and a tender center, they’re the perfect treat for holidays, parties, or an everyday sweet craving. Simple pantry ingredients come together to create a bakery-style cookie that’s both fun and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and chewy texture with slightly crisp edges
Packed with chocolate flavor in every bite
Bright and colorful, perfect for celebrations
Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
Great for make-ahead and freezer-friendly
Kid-friendly and perfect for sharing

Ingredients

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

2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups (250 g) M&M chocolate candies

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips and 1 cup of the M&M candies using a spatula. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few extra M&M candies onto the tops of each dough ball.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total time: About 30 minutes

Variations

Use peanut butter M&M candies for a nutty twist.
Substitute half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts for extra crunch.
Use seasonal-colored M&M candies for holidays or themed events.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

To reheat, warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.

FAQs

Why are my cookies flat?

This can happen if the butter was too soft or melted. Make sure it is softened but still slightly firm. Chilling the dough can also help prevent spreading.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes. Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes helps create thicker cookies and enhances the flavor.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.

How do I make the cookies softer?

Do not overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the centers still look slightly underbaked.

Can I use different types of M&M candies?

Yes, you can use mini, peanut butter, or seasonal varieties depending on your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

How do I keep the M&M colors from cracking?

Press extra candies onto the tops of the cookies right after baking for a bright and polished look.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes. Adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies may bake in 8–9 minutes, while larger ones may need 12–14 minutes.

Conclusion

These homemade M&M Cookies are a timeless favorite that combines soft, chewy texture with bursts of colorful chocolate in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert in your home.