Who can resist the allure of a soft and chewy M&M cookie? If you’ve ever baked (or eaten!) a batch of these colorful, candy-filled treats, you know they’re the perfect combination of chewy texture and a satisfying crunch. There’s just something about those vibrant M&M’s peeking through the golden cookie dough that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a quick after-school snack, or simply because you want something sweet, this recipe is the answer. It’s simple, fun, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—everyone from kids to adults will reach for seconds (or thirds)!
So, ready to make the perfect M&M cookies? Let’s dive into the recipe and get you one step closer to cookie perfection.
Table of Contents :
1. Key Benefits of Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
There’s something magical about soft and chewy M&M cookies that instantly brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver a batch of cookies that are as delicious as they are easy to make. Let’s dive into why these cookies stand out and why you’ll love baking them.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla gives these cookies that irresistible chewy texture. Each bite is like a sweet, soft hug.
- Colorful & Fun: The bright, colorful M&M’s add a playful touch that makes these cookies perfect for parties, holidays, or just to brighten your day. The pop of color makes them as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the tastebuds!
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: With just the right amount of sweetness from the sugars and a hint of salt, these cookies strike the perfect balance. The salty edge enhances the M&M’s candy coating and chocolate chips, creating the ultimate bite.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. If you can mix ingredients, you can make these cookies. It’s as simple as that! With just a few pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to cookie heaven in no time.
What Makes These M&M Cookies Irresistible:
- The Chewy Center: The secret to that perfect soft and chewy texture lies in the ratio of ingredients. Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar ensures moisture, keeping the cookies from becoming dry or crispy.
- The Right Bake Time: The key to chewy M&M cookies is not to overbake them. By pulling them out when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft, they’ll firm up as they cool, keeping them tender and gooey.
Ideal for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these M&M cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re quick to whip up and always a crowd favorite, making them a great go-to recipe for any time you need a batch of cookies to share.
Now, let’s get ready to bake these irresistible cookies that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Ready to make your first batch? Let’s move on to the next step!
2. Ingredients for Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Baking the perfect batch of soft and chewy M&M cookies begins with using the right ingredients. Don’t worry—no fancy or hard-to-find items here! Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and how each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
This is the foundation of your cookie dough. All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure, but it’s the balance of wet ingredients that will ensure they stay soft and chewy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda helps your cookies spread while they bake, giving them a soft, airy texture. It also helps balance the sweetness of the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Just a pinch of salt goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness of the M&M’s and chocolate chips. It also helps to balance out the flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Room-temperature butter is essential to creating a smooth, easy-to-mix dough. The fat in butter helps create a chewy texture and adds rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened, not melted—this ensures the dough doesn’t get too runny.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar contributes to the crispy edges and golden color of your cookies. It also balances the softness from the brown sugar.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Brown sugar is key for creating that chewy texture. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, making the cookies tender and soft.
- 2 large eggs
Eggs act as binders, holding everything together. They also contribute to the structure and texture of your cookies, giving them that tender but firm feel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla is the flavor booster! It adds depth and a comforting, sweet aroma that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s (or more for extra color)
M&M’s are the star of the show. Their colorful candy shell and chocolate center make these cookies not only fun but also provide a perfect contrast to the soft dough. Feel free to add more M&M’s for extra color and crunch!
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
If you’re a chocolate lover, chocolate chips are the way to go. They melt beautifully into the dough, adding pockets of gooey chocolate goodness in every bite. You can also swap these for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Why These Ingredients Matter:
- Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe, flour provides the structure. Too much flour and your cookies will be dense; too little, and they may spread too much. Stick to the measurements for the best results.
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt. Softened butter helps the dough come together smoothly, and when you cream it with the sugars, you’ll get that light, fluffy texture.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives you the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness. The granulated sugar helps with spreading, while the brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and moist.
- Eggs: Eggs not only bind the ingredients but also contribute to the color and texture of the cookies. If you want your cookies to be extra chewy, don’t skip the eggs.
- M&M’s: The M&M’s are what make these cookies fun and colorful. They also add a little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie dough.
With all your ingredients ready, you’re just one step away from creating the perfect batch of soft and chewy M&M cookies. Let’s move on to the next step and start mixing everything together!
3. How to Make Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Ready to dive into the fun part? Making soft and chewy M&M cookies is as easy as it is rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cookies in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake your cookies evenly. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This helps prevent your cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents (baking soda and salt) throughout the dough, ensuring your cookies rise just right without any lumps. Set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because the air you incorporate into the butter and sugar helps create that light, chewy texture in your cookies. It also gives them a rich, caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind the dough together, and the vanilla brings out the delicious sweetness of the other ingredients. At this point, the dough should be smooth and slightly fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) into the wet mixture. You can do this in 2-3 additions, stirring gently with a spatula after each. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can cause the cookies to turn out tough instead of soft and chewy. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated—trust me, your cookies will thank you.
Step 6: Add M&M’s and Optional Chocolate Chips
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the M&M’s (and chocolate chips, if you’re using them). Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Feel free to throw in extra M&M’s for a more colorful, crunchy cookie or swap some of them for other candy pieces if you’re feeling adventurous!
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop generous portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a little while baking, so give them room to breathe! For a more uniform look, lightly flatten the dough balls with the back of your spoon.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The key here is to underbake them slightly, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone when you pull them out—this is what keeps them soft and chewy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer without falling apart. Once they’ve firmed up a bit, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely—or, if you can’t wait, dive right in while they’re still warm and gooey!
Now that you know how to make soft and chewy M&M cookies, it’s time to enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a late-night snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy every craving.
4. Pro Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions for Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Making soft and chewy M&M cookies is a fun and simple process, but with a few pro tips and variations, you can take these cookies from great to absolutely irresistible. Let’s dive into some expert advice and creative ideas to help you make the best cookies ever, every single time!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cookie:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly, ensuring your dough is light and airy—key for that chewy texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once the flour is in, stop stirring! The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough for Extra Chewiness
If you have the time, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much. It also enhances the texture, giving you that perfect chewiness.
- Watch the Bake Time
For soft, chewy cookies, it’s all about the bake time. Aim for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. If you wait until they’re fully golden throughout, they may turn out crispier than desired.
Creative Variations to Try:
- Add Nuts for Extra Crunch
Want to take your M&M cookies to the next level? Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts—like walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts—into the dough. The crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the chewy center and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the M&M’s.
- Go Dark Chocolate
For a richer chocolate flavor, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or chunks. The deeper, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate balances out the sweetness of the M&M’s, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Try Different M&M Varieties
M&M’s come in many fun varieties, so why not switch it up? Use Peanut M&M’s for added crunch or Peanut Butter M&M’s for a creamy twist. For a festive touch, try seasonal M&M’s, like pastel colors for spring or red and green for Christmas!
- Add a Touch of Cinnamon
Spice things up a bit by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. The warm, cozy flavor complements the sweetness of the M&M’s and creates a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a Cold Glass of Milk
You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing: a warm M&M cookie and a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate treat, and the milk helps balance out the sweetness.
- Perfect for Parties
These cookies are great for sharing at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. Their bright, colorful appearance makes them visually appealing, and their chewy texture keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Turn Them into Ice Cream Sandwiches
Want to elevate these cookies even further? Make cookie ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. It’s a fun way to enjoy them during the summer or at special celebrations.
- Gift-Worthy
M&M cookies also make a thoughtful, homemade gift. Wrap a few in a cute gift bag with a ribbon, and you’ve got a sweet treat that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a surprise for a friend.
Now that you have all these tips, variations, and serving ideas, it’s time to get creative and make these soft and chewy M&M cookies your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try something new, you’ll have a batch of cookies everyone will love. Happy baking!
5. Mistakes to Avoid When Making Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
We’ve all been there—sometimes, even the best recipes can go a little off-track. But don’t worry, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily avoid the common pitfalls when making soft and chewy M&M cookies. Here are the mistakes to watch out for and how to fix them, ensuring your cookies turn out perfect every time.
1. Using Cold Butter or Eggs
It might seem like a minor detail, but cold butter and cold eggs can seriously affect your cookie dough. Cold butter doesn’t cream as well with sugar, which can result in dense cookies that aren’t as chewy. Eggs that are too cold can cause the dough to seize up and affect the overall texture.
Fix: Always make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Let the butter sit out for about 30 minutes, and if you forget, place the eggs in warm water for 5-10 minutes before using.
2. Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing is a common mistake that can lead to tough, dry cookies. While it’s tempting to keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated, overdoing it can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, making your cookies more like crackers than soft and chewy delights.
Fix: Mix the dough until the ingredients are just combined. Stop as soon as you no longer see any streaks of flour. This will help keep the dough tender and soft.
3. Not Measuring Flour Properly
Baking is all about precision, and when it comes to flour, even a little extra can make a big difference. Too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, while too little can cause them to spread too much and become thin.
Fix: Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour, or spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you have the right amount for perfectly soft cookies.
4. Overbaking Your Cookies
One of the most common mistakes when baking cookies is leaving them in the oven for too long. Overbaking will give you cookies that are crisp and hard rather than soft and chewy. Remember, cookies continue to cook a little even after they’ve been taken out of the oven.
Fix: Take your cookies out when the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with perfectly chewy cookies.
5. Not Using Enough M&M’s
It can be tempting to skimp on the M&M’s to save on candy, but that’s one of the quickest ways to lose the fun and flavor of these cookies. A cookie with just a few M&M’s here and there can feel sparse and unbalanced.
Fix: Be generous with your M&M’s! Aim for about 1 1/2 cups, but feel free to add more for an extra pop of color and crunch. The more, the merrier!
6. Baking on a Hot Baking Sheet
Baking sheets that are still warm from previous batches can cause your cookie dough to spread too quickly or unevenly. This can lead to flat cookies that aren’t as chewy as they should be.
Fix: Let your baking sheets cool between batches, or use two separate baking sheets to rotate them. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and have the perfect texture.
7. Skipping the Resting Time
Resting the dough before baking is one of those extra steps that’s easy to skip, but it’s so worth it. Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too thin or are too crispy around the edges.
Fix: If you have time, chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will give you thicker, chewier cookies with a great texture.
8. Not Letting the Cookies Cool Properly
It’s tempting to grab a warm cookie straight from the oven, but this can result in a cookie that’s too soft to hold its shape or may fall apart when you try to move it.
Fix: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set and prevents any breakage.
6. FAQs for Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Baking the perfect batch of soft and chewy M&M cookies can raise a few questions along the way, and I’m here to help answer them! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, these common FAQs will clear up any confusion and ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
1. Can I make these cookies without M&M’s?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of M&M’s or just don’t have any on hand, you can easily swap them for chocolate chips or other candy. You could even try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or dried fruit like cranberries for a different flavor. The dough itself is versatile and will still bake beautifully with these substitutions.
2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too thin, it’s usually due to one of these reasons:
- Too much butter: This can cause your cookies to spread out excessively. Make sure your butter measurements are accurate.
- Warm dough: If your dough is too warm when it goes into the oven, it will spread more than desired. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Not enough flour: If the dough is too loose, the cookies will spread. Be sure to measure your flour correctly—use a scale for accuracy or spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup.
Fix: Chill the dough and check your ingredient measurements. A dough that’s slightly firmer will hold its shape better in the oven.
3. How can I make these cookies softer?
If you’re looking for extra-soft cookies, the key is to avoid overbaking and to incorporate enough moisture into the dough. Here are a few tips:
- Chill the dough: As mentioned, chilling the dough helps with texture and prevents over-spreading.
- Underbake slightly: Take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are just golden, and the centers still look a bit soft. They will continue to set as they cool, but you’ll end up with a softer, chewier texture.
4. Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes! Freezing cookie dough is a great way to make a batch ahead of time. Scoop the dough into cookie-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the dough balls on a baking sheet (no need to thaw) and bake for an extra minute or two.
Pro Tip: Label your bag with the date so you know when it was made. Frozen dough can last for up to 3 months!
Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s or more for extra color
- 1 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy! Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
7. Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies
There’s something truly magical about soft and chewy M&M cookies—the combination of bright, colorful candies and a chewy, buttery cookie base creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or just for a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.
Ready to get baking? Don’t forget to follow the tips, avoid common mistakes, and maybe sneak a few extra M&M’s into the dough—you deserve it!
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your homemade cookies! 🍪