The Perfect Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Memories often spark from the most unexpected soft-baked m&m cookies moments in our kitchens.

Sweet chocolate chips peek through colorful candy shells, promising delightful surprises.

Childhood nostalgia whispers with every crumbly bite.

Pillowy edges promise pure comfort and warmth.

Crisp centers mingle with melting chocolate for a perfect texture dance.

Friends and neighbors will beg you to share this magical recipe.

We bet you cannot resist these irresistible treats that blend playful colors with classic cookie charm.

Soft Baked M&M Cookie Recipe Mix

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for soft cookie texture. Full-fat butter works best for maximum flavor.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps with cookie softness. Dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies. Choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Cornstarch: Helps create extra tender and soft cookie texture. Adds delicate crumb to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Provides leavening and helps cookies rise slightly. Ensures even browning.

• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness. Room temperature egg incorporates better.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

• M&M Candies: Provides colorful chocolate bursts. Choose classic or seasonal M&M varieties for fun.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Fine sea salt works perfectly.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Cream these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and airy texture.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the ingredients are completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently combine these dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Sprinkle in Colorful Candies

Fold in most of the M&M candies, saving a few for topping.

Gently distribute the candies throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape and Decorate Cookies

Scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Press the reserved M&Ms on top of each cookie for a beautiful, colorful finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden edges and a soft center.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies will continue to set and become delightfully soft as they cool.

M&M Cookies That Even The Pros Love

• Add cornstarch to maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps cookies soft for days.
• Press reserved candies on top of cookie dough before baking to create a visually appealing, colorful surface.
• Select M&M colors matching seasonal themes or special occasions for festive, personalized cookies.
• Remove cookies from oven when edges turn golden but centers appear slightly underbaked to ensure ultimate softness.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain thick, plump cookie shape.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Saving Them Right

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Keep cookies at room temperature in a sealed container, maintaining their soft texture for 2-3 days.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore freshness and soft texture.

Snack Suggestions for M&M Cookies

• Pair with Milk: Creamy, cold milk perfectly complements the sweet, chocolate-studded cookies, creating a classic nostalgic combination that enhances the soft, buttery texture.
• Match with Vanilla Latte: Rich espresso balanced with smooth vanilla adds depth to the cookie's sweetness, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that awakens the palate.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Chilled, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, soft cookies, melting slightly and creating an indulgent treat that combines temperatures and textures.
• Enjoy with Chocolate Milkshake: Decadent chocolate milkshake amplifies the M&M candies' chocolate notes, offering a rich, smooth companion that elevates the cookie's playful flavor profile.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Check that M&Ms are gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free chocolate candies.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, substitute egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and choose vegan-friendly chocolate candies or chocolate chips.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Swap brown and granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend. Use sugar-free chocolate candies to maintain a lower-sugar profile while keeping the cookie's classic taste.
• Protein-Packed Cookies: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients and use almond flour alongside all-purpose flour for increased protein content and a nutty flavor enhancement.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch in this cookie recipe?

Cornstarch helps create an ultra-soft, tender texture by preventing excess gluten formation and adding a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies.

• Can I use different types of M&Ms?

Absolutely! You can experiment with milk chocolate, peanut, pretzel, or seasonal M&M varieties to change up the flavor and color of your cookies.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Are these cookies good for making ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months, making it convenient for quick baking later.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Turn Any Moment Into A Fun Treat

• Customize with Color: Sprinkle vibrant M&M candies across each cookie, creating a playful, eye-catching dessert that delights both kids and adults with its rainbow-like appearance.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or sudden sweet cravings.
• Foolproof Texture Guarantee: The cornstarch and careful mixing technique ensure soft, chewy cookies that stay perfectly moist and tender, even days after baking.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies offer universal appeal with their classic chocolate chip cookie base and colorful M&M twist, guaranteed to bring smiles to every age group at gatherings or casual snack times.

Soft-Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Scrumptious M&M Cookies deliver a playful explosion of chocolate chip goodness and colorful candy crunch. Sweet memories bloom with each delightful bite, inviting you to savor childhood joy in a single, irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 14 cups M&M candies
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Binders:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking results.
2. Utilize a stand mixer or hand mixer to thoroughly blend softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture achieves a cloud-like, aerated consistency.
3. Introduce the egg and pure vanilla extract, beating until the liquid components integrate seamlessly with the sugar mixture.
4. In a separate vessel, meticulously combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt through a gentle whisking motion to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Delicately fold colorful M&M candies into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet using a cookie scoop, creating uniform mounds and strategically placing additional M&Ms on top for visual appeal.
8. Position the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indication of perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief period to stabilize their structure.
10. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature and develop a soft, tender texture.

Notes

• Enhance softness by avoiding overmixing the dough, which can develop gluten and create tougher cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a thick, plump cookie shape.
• For gluten-free versions, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender texture.
• Customize by swapping M&Ms with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or seasonal candy for year-round enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg