Soft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe

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

Whipping up these soft-baked M&M cookies brings pure childhood joy right into your kitchen.

Sweet memories start dancing when colorful candy pieces peek through buttery dough.

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

Each bite promises a delightful crunch from those vibrant chocolate candies scattered throughout.

Baking becomes an adventure when these treats come together so effortlessly.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in one simple recipe that sparks smiles.

Let’s create something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Soft-baked M&m Cookies Are a Favorite

  • Customize with Color: Brighten up your baking with vibrant M&Ms that add a playful pop of color to each soft, delectable cookie.
  • Quick Kitchen Delight: Whip up these cookies in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage children in a fun cooking experience that lets them help fold in colorful candies and enjoy the delicious results together.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings with its irresistible combination of soft texture and chocolate candy crunch.

Soft-baked M&m Cookies Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the soft-baked cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a chewy, soft cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
  • Whole Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
Mix-Ins:
  • M&Ms: Colorful chocolate candies that add a fun burst of sweetness and texture to the cookies.

How to Make Soft-baked M&m Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Make sure everything is blended smoothly with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sugar Base

In a separate large bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Stir until the mixture looks silky and well-combined.

Step 4: Add Moisture Makers

Pour in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole egg
  • Extra egg yolk

Blend these ingredients until the mixture looks glossy and uniform.

Step 5: Marry Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Sprinkle Colorful Goodness

Fold in colorful M&Ms throughout the cookie dough.

Distribute them evenly for maximum candy happiness.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Leave some space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grab a glass of milk and dive in!

Pro Tips for Soft-baked M&m Cookies

  • Use room temperature butter and melt it slowly to ensure smooth, even mixing without burning.
  • Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
  • Gently press additional M&Ms on top of cookie dough balls before baking for a more colorful, visually appealing look.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker cookies.
  • Use eggs and butter at room temperature to help ingredients blend more evenly and create a better cookie texture.

Variations of Soft-baked M&m Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan M&M Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular eggs, and choose vegan M&M-style candies for a plant-based alternative.
  • Nutty Chocolate Cookies: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and rich flavor, creating a more textured cookie experience.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet taste.

Serving Soft-baked M&m Cookies

  • Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter with additional M&Ms scattered around for a festive, eye-catching dessert display.
  • Milk Pairing Perfection: Serve these warm cookies with cold milk in fun glasses or mason jars for a classic, nostalgic treat that kids and adults will love.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Create delightful dessert sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cooled cookies for an extra indulgent experience.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons as a homemade gift that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Storing Soft-baked M&m Cookies

  • Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping cookies soft by adding a slice of bread to absorb moisture.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Yes, you can use any variety of M&Ms like peanut, crispy, or dark chocolate to customize the cookies.

  • How do I prevent M&Ms from bleeding color into the dough?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before adding M&Ms and gently fold them in to minimize color transfer.

  • Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and you’re using the correct flour measurements. Chilling the dough can also help prevent excessive spreading.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, which can enhance the flavor and texture.

Print
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Soft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe

Soft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Chocolate chip cookies meet colorful fun in this irresistible Soft-Baked M&M Cookies recipe that promises pure delight. Loaded with melty chocolate chips and rainbow candies, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every sweet, chewy bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups M&Ms candy

Sugars:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by lining baking sheets with parchment paper and heating oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Sift dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt – into a medium mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until thoroughly blended and slightly glossy.
  4. Incorporate vanilla extract, whole egg, and additional egg yolk into sugar mixture, stirring until smooth and uniform.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
  6. Carefully integrate M&Ms throughout the cookie dough, distributing evenly to ensure consistent chocolate distribution.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, deposit rounded dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
  8. Place cookies in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for light golden edges as indication of doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes to firm up slightly.
  10. Transfer cookies to wire cooling rack, permitting them to cool completely and achieve optimal soft-baked texture.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough.
  • Reserve some M&Ms to press on top of cookies right after baking for a more colorful, professional appearance.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 133 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 87 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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