Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe because it brings out the perfect balance of gooey, tender centers with just a slight crisp around the edges. Whenever I bake these, the house fills with this warm, inviting aroma that instantly transports me back to cozy afternoons spent with family, sharing smiles over sweet treats. If you’re looking for a cookie that melts in your mouth and brings a smile with every bite, this is the one you’ll want to try.

What I really appreciate about this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe is how versatile and forgiving it is—you can whip it up on a whim and still get consistent results that delight everyone around the table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sudden candy-craving, these cookies work wonders. Plus, you’ll find they freeze beautifully, making your future snack game a breeze!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe plays a special role, from tenderizing the dough to adding bursts of chocolatey sweetness. When you shop, look for fresh baking staples and a good-quality chocolate chip and M&M mix to really make these cookies shine.

• All purpose flour: This is the base that gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently without puffing up too much.
• Baking soda: Works with the brown sugar to give a slight chewiness and golden color.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened but still cool for proper creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and that signature chewy texture thanks to its molasses content.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• M&M’s and chocolate chips: My favorite combo is mostly M&M’s for color and fun with a handful of chocolate chips for melty pockets.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season, the crowd, or my mood. This Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe is super adaptable — feel free to swap in different mix-ins or tweak it to fit your dietary needs.

• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a wonderful crunch that my family adores.
• Peanut Butter Version: Swap half the butter for natural peanut butter for an extra depth of flavor that’s ridiculously addictive.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Seasonal M&Ms: Use holiday or seasonal colored M&M’s to make festive versions for birthdays, Halloween, or Christmas.

How to Make Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients and Preheat Oven

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake perfectly without any weird lumps or bitter spots. Then, set your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this will help the cookies bake evenly and keep cleanup simple.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened but cool butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy—this usually takes 1-2 minutes. I love this step because it’s the foundation for that light texture you want. Make sure not to skip it or rush through; this creaming phase incorporates air, setting the stage for soft and tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla, Then Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the egg and vanilla, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl sides to make sure everything is incorporated. Then, turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry flour mixture, mixing just until combined—overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so resist the urge to keep blending.

Step 4: Stir in M&M’s and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in about 1 cup of your M&M’s and chocolate chips. I usually save the rest to press on top of the cookie dough balls later—it makes the cookies look super inviting when the candies peek out from the surface. This little touch turns a simple cookie into something extra special, perfect for gift-giving or just brightening snack time.

Step 5: Chill Your Dough Balls

Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough into balls and place them on a plate, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is one I learned makes a huge texture difference: it thickens the dough, so the cookies don’t spread out too thin and stay soft and chewy. I often use this time to tidy the kitchen or prep another part of dinner—talk about efficient multitasking!

Step 6: Add More M&M’s on Top and Bake

After chilling, place your dough balls on baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading, and nestle 5 or so M&M’s or chocolate chips on top of each mound. Mounding the dough rather than flattening helps keep the cookie thick and round, which I promise looks as good as it tastes. Bake for 9-12 minutes—pull them out when edges are set but centers still look a little soft for the perfect chew.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets placed on wire racks; this helps them set up while staying chewy inside. My family goes crazy for these once cooled, but I have to admit I sometimes sneak a warm one fresh from the oven—it’s pure cookie heaven!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually skip extra garnishes since the M&M’s bring so much color and fun, but a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a little festive flair for special occasions. Sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to contrast the sweetness—it’s a game-changer!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—nothing beats dipping a warm cookie into creamy milk. For an adult twist, try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or parties, arrange these cookies in a colorful layered jar or stack them in a ribbon-tied box for a charming homemade gift. I’ve also placed them on a dessert platter alongside cupcakes and fruit for a playful mix that always disappears fast at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, I like to place a slice of bread in the container—it tricks the cookies into staying moist without getting soggy.

Freezing

I often freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. This way, I can bake fresh cookies whenever I want without restarting the whole process, which is a total win on busy days!

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that soft, chewy texture—or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might turn crispier than you want.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making these Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to ways to brighten any day, and I can’t recommend them enough. They bring out that nostalgic joy with the perfect cookie texture and colorful, fun candy surprises baked right in. I hope you try them soon and see just why I and my family keep coming back for more. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll be a favorite in your kitchen too!

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