How to Make Easy M&M Cookies
Making these cookies is simple and fun, with just a few easy steps to achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for a warm and sweet flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in M&M Candies
Gently fold in the M&M candies and chocolate chips (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Save a few M&Ms to press on top of the cookies before baking for a picture-perfect finish.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball for a colorful touch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your freshly baked M&M cookies warm with a glass of milk, or store them for later—if they last that long!
How Long to Bake M&M Cookies
The key to achieving the perfect texture is baking the cookies just long enough to set the edges while keeping the centers soft. Here’s a general baking guide:
- Small cookies (1-inch dough balls): Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Medium cookies (1.5-inch dough balls): Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Large cookies (2-inch dough balls): Bake for 12-14 minutes.
The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so remove them from the oven when the edges are slightly golden but the centers still look soft.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have extra cookies (or decide to make a big batch), storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain softness.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before eating.
Tips for Perfect M&M Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional) – For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Press Extra M&Ms on Top – Adding a few candies on top before baking makes the cookies look bakery-style and extra colorful.
- Rotate the Baking Sheet – If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
These easy M&M cookies are a fun and colorful treat for any occasion. Bake a batch today and enjoy every chewy, chocolate-filled bite!
