If you’ve ever had a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s loaded with colorful M&Ms, you know just how irresistible they are! Soft-baked M&M cookies combine the rich, buttery taste of a classic cookie with the fun crunch of M&M candies. Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to produce bakery-quality cookies right from your kitchen. Stick with us through this step-by-step guide, and by the end, you’ll have a batch of soft-baked M&M cookies that will become a family favorite. Read on for all the tips, tricks, and variations to make this recipe your own!

What Are Soft-Baked M&M Cookies?
Soft-baked M&M cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Instead of using only chocolate chips, we add colorful M&Ms, which not only provide a satisfying crunch but also a vibrant pop of color. The key to these cookies is in the soft texture—they are baked just until they are set but remain chewy and tender inside. They pair perfectly with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
To make the best soft-baked M&M cookies, you'll need a mix of pantry staples and, of course, a bag of M&M candies. Here’s what you'll need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie dough that gives the cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter is essential for that rich flavor and soft texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies to spread a little.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed – Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 1 ½ cups M&Ms – The star ingredient, bringing both flavor and color to the cookies.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) – If you want even more chocolate in your cookies, chocolate chips are a great addition.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the beauties of this soft-baked M&M cookies recipe is that it’s quite versatile. If you're missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:
- Butter Substitutes: You can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of margarine or vegetable shortening for slightly different textures. If you use salted butter, simply omit the additional salt from the recipe.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will keep the cookies soft while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Candies: While M&Ms are a classic choice, feel free to swap them out with peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped-up candy bars.
- Healthier Options: You can reduce the sugar slightly or replace half the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat option, though the texture might change slightly.
- Holiday-Themed Cookies: Use seasonal or holiday-themed M&Ms to give your cookies a festive touch. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for the 4th of July are fun ideas.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s walk through how to make these delicious soft-baked M&M cookies. Be sure to follow each step closely for the best results!

- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well-combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Use a spatula to fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms and the optional chocolate chips. Save the remaining ½ cup of M&Ms for topping the cookies later.
- Shape the Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for a colorful, bakery-style finish.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. Remember, they’ll continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Soft-Baked M&M Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars together until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and mix well.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks are left.
- Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Scoop dough into even-sized balls and arrange on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking for slightly golden edges.
- Cool before serving for the best soft texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making soft-baked M&M cookies, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome of your bake. Here are a few to avoid:
- Overbaking the Cookies: Soft-baked cookies can become hard if overbaked. Always take them out when the centers still look a bit underdone, as they will firm up as they cool.
- Using Cold Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to denser cookies.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Over-packing your flour can lead to dry, dense cookies. Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving soft-baked M&M cookies is simple, but if you want to take things up a notch, here are a few tips for presentation:
- Serve Warm: These cookies taste best when they’re warm, so if you’re serving them later, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Add Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into an indulgent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- Milk Pairing: A tall glass of cold milk is the classic pairing for cookies—don’t forget it!
How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
You can serve soft-baked M&M cookies on a platter with a mix of other cookies, or package them individually in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon for party favors. They make an excellent treat for bake sales, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
If you're gifting or showcasing your cookies, presentation matters. Try these ideas:
- Stack the Cookies: Stack the cookies on a cake stand or in a mason jar for a rustic, homey presentation.
- Use Colorful M&Ms: Tailor the M&Ms to match a holiday or theme—use pastel M&Ms for spring or bright colors for a birthday celebration.
- Cookie Box Gift: Place them in a decorative tin or box with wax paper for gifting during the holidays or special events.
Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even softer cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls to bake later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use mini M&Ms for this recipe?
Yes! Mini M&Ms work wonderfully and distribute more evenly throughout the cookies. You can use the same amount (1 ½ cups).
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add a minute or two to the baking time.
3. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies may result from using butter that’s too warm or over-mixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help.
4. How long will these cookies stay soft?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay soft for up to a week. If they start to harden, place a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist.
5. Can I use other types of candy?
Definitely! You can substitute M&Ms with Reese's Pieces, chopped chocolate bars, or even candy-coated nuts for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Soft-baked M&M cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and loved by all. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of customization options, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy the deliciousness of soft-baked M&M cookies fresh out of your kitchen!
PrintSoft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe
Soft-baked M&M cookies are a delightful treat with vibrant candy colors. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with crunchy M&Ms, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or any sweet craving. The recipe features simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. Follow these easy steps for delicious results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 ½ cups M&Ms candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla, egg, and egg yolk, and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the M&Ms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 85mg
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