The Best Soft and Chewy M&M’s Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best Soft and Chewy M&M’s Cookies are everything a cookie lover dreams of—slightly crisp edges, a soft, chewy center, and colorful M&M’s in every bite. These cookies are a nostalgic treat that are fun, festive, and perfect for holidays, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re a classic for a reason.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

all-purpose flourbaking sodasaltunsalted butterbrown sugarsugareggvanilla extractM&M’s candiessemi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.

Fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips if using, reserving a few to press on top of each cookie.

Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Press a few extra M&M’s onto the tops of each dough ball for a bakery-style look.

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 9-11 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use mini M&M’s for a more even candy distribution.

Swap in peanut butter M&M’s or crispy M&M’s for a fun twist.

Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Use festive colored M&M’s for holidays like Christmas or Easter.

Make cookie bars by pressing dough into a baking dish and adjusting bake time.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.To keep them extra soft, store with a slice of bread inside the container.Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough a minute or two longer.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure the butter isn’t too warm and chill the dough if needed before baking.

Can I use only brown sugar?

Yes, it will make the cookies even chewier with a deeper flavor.

What makes these cookies chewy?

Brown sugar and the right baking time help create a chewy texture.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?

Absolutely, the M&M’s alone are enough for a delicious cookie.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well for larger batches.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but chilling can enhance flavor and reduce spreading.

What type of M&M’s work best?

Regular, mini, or holiday-themed M&M’s all work great.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Why press extra M&M’s on top?

It gives a bakery-style appearance and ensures visible colorful candies.

Can I make the cookies larger?

Yes, just increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

The Best Soft and Chewy M&M’s Cookies are a crowd-pleasing favorite with their vibrant colors, gooey centers, and perfectly balanced sweetness. Whether for a party tray or a cozy weekend treat, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Once you try them, they’ll be a go-to in your baking rotation!

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