These M&M cookies are a vibrant, chewy delight that bring joy to every bite with their colorful candy-coated gems. Perfectly soft in the center with a slight crisp on the edges, they’re a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick 11-minute bake, you’re moments away from a batch of happiness. The dough’s rich buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet crunch of M&Ms, making these cookies irresistible for all ages.
After a brief 45-minute chill, the dough bakes into cookies that are golden, tender, and packed with nostalgic charm. Each bite delivers a burst of chocolatey goodness, balanced by a hint of vanilla warmth. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to disappear fast. With 16 servings, there’s plenty to share—or keep all to yourself!
What You’ll Need for M&M Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled (not warm to the touch)
- 1 ¼ cup (250 g) brown sugar, tightly packed (light or dark works)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature (for better mixing)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (for soft cookies)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (315 g) M&Ms (plus extra for topping, if desired)
How to Make M&M Cookies
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until well-combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms: Use a spatula to gently stir in the M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes (this prevents spreading).
- Preheat oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape cookies: Scoop the dough into 2 Tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-11 minutes. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the cookie sheet for soft, chewy cookies. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch things up by using different types of M&Ms, like peanut, mini, or holiday-themed ones. You can also add ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. For a festive twist, try using seasonal sprinkles or swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract.
Time-Saving Hacks
If you’re short on time, skip the chilling step by placing the cookie dough balls in the freezer for 15 minutes instead. Alternatively, make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Just let it thaw slightly before baking.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a hit on their own, but they’re even better paired with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Arrange them on a colorful platter for parties or pack them in a cute jar as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Common Questions Answered
Wondering why the dough needs to chill?
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, giving them a thicker, chewier texture. If your cookies still spread, your butter might have been too warm—make sure it’s cooled before mixing. For softer cookies, bake for the minimum time and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
M&M Cookies (with Video!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled until no longer warm to the touch
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar* tightly packed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk room temperature preferred*
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms
Instructions
- Combine melted butter and sugars in a large bowl and stir until well-combined.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir well.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined.
- Use a spatula to stir M&M candies into the cookie dough.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Once oven has preheated, remove your chilled cookie dough from the fridge and roll dough into approximately 2 Tablespoon-sized scoops. Roll gently to form a ball and place on prepared cookie sheet (space cookies at least 2″ apart).
- Bake on 350F (175C) for 10-11 minutes, centers of the cookies may still seem slightly underbaked — allow cookies to cool completely on cookie sheet to finish cooking there, this will help keep them nice and soft.