Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies are thick, chewy, and loaded with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces. These bakery-style cookies have a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft, thick, and chewy with crispy edges
  • Packed with M&M’s and melty chocolate chips
  • No chilling required—ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats
  • Easily customizable with different flavors and mix-ins

Ingredients

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

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Cornstarch (for extra softness)
  • Salt
  • M&M’s (regular or mini)
  • Chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
  5. Fold in chocolate: Stir in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
  6. Scoop and bake: Roll dough into balls, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
  7. Cool and enjoy: Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 18-24 cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Replace half the butter with peanut butter.
  • Chocolate Lover’s: Use chocolate M&M’s and extra chocolate chips.
  • Holiday Version: Use seasonal M&M’s for festive cookies.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs

Can I use mini M&M’s instead of regular?

Yes! Mini M&M’s distribute more evenly in the dough.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, but chilling for 30 minutes enhances flavor and texture.

Why use cornstarch?

It makes the cookies softer and thicker.

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Yes, just use M&M’s for a classic version.

How do I make these extra chewy?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar.

What’s the best way to measure flour?

Spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cookies.

Can I bake these as cookie bars?

Yes, press dough into a 9×13 pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Gently shape them with a spoon right after baking.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate.

How do I keep the cookies soft for days?

Store with a slice of bread in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies are the ultimate chewy, chocolate-filled treat that’s quick and easy to make. Whether for a party, holiday, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit. Try them today for a bakery-style cookie experience at home!

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Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

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These soft-baked M&M cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with colorful chocolate candies. They have crispy edges and a gooey center—perfect for any occasion!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

 

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter & Sugars:

    • In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
    • Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
    • Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  4. Fold in M&M’s & Chocolate Chips:

    • Stir in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
  5. Shape & Bake:

    • Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Press extra M&M’s on top for a bakery-style look.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  6. Cool & Enjoy:

    • Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
    • Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container!

Notes

  • For extra softness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Want thicker cookies? Add 1 extra tablespoon of flour.
  • Use seasonal M&M’s for a festive touch!

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