Do you love cookies that are soft, chewy, and filled with colorful, crunchy M&M candies? If so, you're in for a treat! Soft-baked M&M cookies are a classic dessert that combines the perfect cookie texture with the delightful burst of chocolatey goodness from M&Ms. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or simply for yourself, these cookies are sure to please. Follow this recipe, and you'll master the art of baking irresistibly soft M&M cookies. Stick around to the end of the article to learn all the tips and tricks that will help you bake the perfect batch every time!
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 regular chocolate chips, these cookies incorporate M&M candies, which add both color and crunch. The "soft-baked" part refers to the texture of the cookie, which is chewy and soft rather than crispy or hard. Achieving that perfect soft texture requires a combination of specific ingredients, techniques, and baking times, all of which we'll go over in detail in this recipe.
Ingredients List for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
To create these delicious soft-baked M&M cookies, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping if desired)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
Why These Ingredients Work
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. Too much flour will make them dry; too little will make them spread too thin.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, chewy texture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Helps with spreading and gives the cookies a slightly crisp edge.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness.
- M&M candies: The star of the show, providing crunch, color, and chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Optional, but a great way to add extra chocolate for chocolate lovers.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- Butter substitutes: If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Coconut oil also works, but it will give the cookies a slightly different flavor.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together.
- Sugar substitutes: If you're watching your sugar intake, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
- Different candies: While M&Ms are traditional, you can swap them out for other candy-coated chocolates, peanut butter chips, or even chopped chocolate bars.
- Add-ins: For more texture and flavor, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and potential substitutions, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making these soft-baked M&M cookies.

1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the M&M candies and, if using, the chocolate chips. Reserve a handful of M&Ms to press on top of the cookie dough before baking for a more colorful finish.
7. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown but the centers still look soft. This is key to achieving that soft-baked texture!
9. Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to 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
Achieving the perfect soft-baked M&M cookie involves a few key steps and techniques:
- Creaming butter and sugar: This step creates air pockets that result in a light and chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to become tough.
- Chilling the dough (optional): If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This slows down the spreading.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies. Baking for too long will make them crunchy. Remove them when they’re just slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Softened butter incorporates more easily into the dough, resulting in a better texture.
- Overbaking: Even a minute or two too long can make the cookies hard instead of soft.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps the cookies bake more evenly and prevents sticking.
- Measuring flour incorrectly: Too much flour will make your cookies dry and dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving these colorful, delicious cookies. Here are some tips to make your cookies look as good as they taste:
How to Serve Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
- Warm from the oven: There's nothing quite like a soft-baked cookie that's still warm and gooey. Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect treat.
- Cookie platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for a party or gathering. For added visual appeal, press a few extra M&Ms on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven.
Presentation Ideas for Soft-Baked M&M Cookies
- Color-coordinated M&Ms: Use seasonal or themed M&M colors to match holidays or special occasions. For example, red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
- Gift wrapping: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Soft-Baked M&M Cookie Recipe Tips
- For even-sized cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure each cookie is the same size, helping them bake evenly.
- Freezing dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Storing cookies: Store your soft-baked M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you like them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Yes! You can use peanut, pretzel, or crispy M&Ms for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that larger M&Ms may cause the cookies to spread more.
How can I make my cookies chewier?
To make your cookies extra chewy, use more brown sugar and slightly underbake them. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Absolutely! Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
Soft-baked M&M cookies are a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to bake cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and filled with bursts of colorful, chocolatey M&Ms. Whether you're making them for a party, a holiday, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Don't forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own! Happy baking!
PrintSoft-baked M&m Cookies Recipe
Soft-baked M&M cookies are a chewy and colorful treat loaded with crunchy M&Ms. This delicious cookie recipe is made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and, of course, M&M candies, creating a soft, tender bite that everyone loves. Follow these easy steps for perfectly soft and flavorful cookies every time. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an afternoon snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light 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 ½ cups M&M candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Stir in M&Ms, saving some for topping.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets and press a few M&Ms on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For even softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops before baking for a colorful presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
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