Soft M&M Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the nostalgic joy of M&M’s with a soft, chewy texture, then you’ve found it! This Soft M&M Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while impressing friends and family alike. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a casual gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors, they’re sure to be a hit!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something undeniably magical about cookies that are loaded with chocolate candy. The bright colors of the M&M’s make these cookies visually appealing, while the soft, buttery texture delivers pure comfort in every bite. Plus, who doesn’t love the crunch of M&M’s melting in your mouth? Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to your face. The combination of light and dark brown sugars creates a depth of flavor that elevates the cookie beyond your average treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with fun—perfect for sharing!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The base for your cookie dough, providing richness and a tender texture.
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors in the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Ensures a soft and chewy texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons pink sprinkles (optional) – For a festive touch!
- 1 cup M&M’s (I used Dark Chocolate Valentine’s Day edition) – The star of the show!
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – To cream the butter and sugars.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking!
- Baking sheets – The foundation for baking your cookies.
- Parchment paper – Ensures your cookies don’t stick.
- Cookie scoop – For uniform cookie sizes.
Cook Soft M&M Cookies Recipe Like This
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies soft and tender.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that soft texture.
Step 6: Fold in M&M’s and Sprinkles
Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&M’s and, if desired, the pink sprinkles. The M&M’s should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect! They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being pulled from the oven.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the cookies to set while remaining soft.
Better Choices & Swaps
- Butter – You can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar – Coconut sugar can be used for a less refined alternative.
- Granulated sugar – You can replace it with cane sugar or maple sugar.
- M&M’s – Try using chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a different twist.
Learn from These Mistakes
- Using cold butter can result in a dense cookie. Always start with softened butter.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Not using enough flour can cause cookies to spread too much. Measure accurately!
- Baking the cookies for too long can dry them out; keep an eye on them for the perfect golden edges.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Soft M&M Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here are some tips:
- Cookie dough: You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
- Baked cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of M&M’s you prefer, including peanut, almond, or even seasonal editions for a festive touch.
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it could be due to using melted butter or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure your flour accurately.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
How can I make my cookies even chewier?
For chewier cookies, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it contains more protein.
Before You Go
Now that you have the ultimate Soft M&M Cookies Recipe in your hands, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience filled with joy and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to make any moment special. Remember, the best part of baking is sharing your creations, so don’t forget to spread the love. Happy baking!
Soft M&M Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream the mixture until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the M&M's and, if desired, the pink sprinkles.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
