These soft and chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are a nostalgic, bakery-style treat that bring color and joy to every bite. Packed with gooey chocolate chips and crispy, candy-coated M&Ms, they’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or simply a cozy night in.
Whether you’re baking with kids or indulging in a late-night snack, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of soft center and crisp edge. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and impossible to resist. Get your glass of milk ready—this is the cookie recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 1/2 cups M&M candies
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M candies, reserving a few M&Ms to press on top of each cookie for presentation.
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Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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Gently press a few M&Ms on top of each dough ball.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Story Behind Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking in the oven—especially when they’re studded with colorful M&M candies and melty chocolate chips. These Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only a nostalgic treat for many, but also a modern classic beloved by kids and adults alike. They blend the comfort of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the playful crunch of candy-coated chocolates, creating a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
This cookie recipe is a staple in family baking, birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday treat boxes. The vibrant M&Ms add a festive touch, making them a great go-to for any celebration. What makes these cookies stand out from the crowd is their perfectly chewy texture, slightly crisp edges, and irresistible gooey centers. This balance is achieved by using the right combination of fats and sugars, along with just the right baking time.
Why These Cookies Are So Popular
One of the main reasons Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are so loved is because they deliver on both taste and texture. The soft center contrasts with the thin crisp on the outside, giving that perfect bite every time. Plus, M&Ms bring not just color and crunch, but an extra layer of sweetness that complements the deep, rich flavor of the chocolate chips.
These cookies are also very adaptable. You can use mini M&Ms for more distribution, try peanut or caramel-filled versions for added variety, or switch up the chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate to match your preference. They are also freezer-friendly, which means you can always have cookie dough ready for a last-minute craving or an unexpected guest.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a holiday party, school bake sale, or weekend family baking session, these cookies will fit right in. The colorful appearance makes them a visual hit, and their flavor guarantees they’ll disappear fast from any cookie platter. During the holiday season, you can use themed M&Ms (red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, orange and brown for Halloween) to give them a festive spin.
They’re also great for gifting. Packaged in clear bags or cookie tins with a simple ribbon, these cookies make heartfelt homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends. Kids also love getting involved in the baking process—from measuring ingredients to pressing extra M&Ms on top of each cookie before baking.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture
The key to that soft, chewy texture starts with the butter—using it at room temperature ensures a smooth dough that’s easy to work with and helps create those chewy centers. Creaming the butter and sugars together is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to that slightly crisp edge.
Another tip is to slightly underbake the cookies. They may look a little pale in the center when you take them out, but they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool. This trick ensures a gooey middle that remains soft for days.
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) can also help deepen the flavor and prevent spreading in the oven. It allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better and taste even richer.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can get creative with variations. Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips. Use seasonal M&Ms or limited-edition flavors like brownie, peanut butter, or mint. You can even turn the dough into cookie bars by pressing it into a baking pan instead of scooping individual portions.
For those with dietary restrictions, try making a gluten-free version using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan versions can be achieved by using dairy-free butter alternatives and egg replacers. While the texture may change slightly, the joy of colorful, chewy cookies remains.
Baking with Kids
This recipe is ideal for baking with children, not just because it’s simple, but because it’s fun. Kids love mixing in the M&Ms, tasting the dough (under supervision, of course), and watching their cookies bake into golden perfection. It’s an opportunity to teach basic baking skills and kitchen safety while creating lasting memories.
Encourage your little ones to get creative with patterns—press M&Ms in the shape of smiley faces or letters on top of each cookie. It’s an easy way to turn a casual weekend activity into an exciting and educational experience.
Storage and Freshness Tips
To keep your cookies tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies or the raw dough. Dough balls can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
If you like warm cookies on demand, consider freezing them in pre-portioned balls. That way, you can bake just a few at a time whenever the craving hits. This method also helps with portion control, which is especially helpful during the holiday season when sweets are everywhere.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake is overmixing the dough once the flour is added. This can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined for the best texture.
Another issue is overcrowding the baking sheet. These cookies spread as they bake, so give them enough space—at least two inches apart. Also, be sure not to skip the step of pressing a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball before baking. It’s what gives the cookies that eye-catching, bakery-style finish.
Using low-quality ingredients can also affect your results. Since this recipe relies on basic components like butter, sugar, and vanilla, using high-quality versions will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Conclusion
Soft and Chewy M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your baking rotation. They’re visually fun, reliably delicious, and simple enough for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a loved one, or just for yourself, these cookies deliver both nostalgia and delight in every bite.
From the chewy texture to the colorful candy crunch, they hit all the right notes for comfort and indulgence. With their ease of preparation and universal appeal, it’s no wonder they’re a favorite in so many households. Once you try this version, you might never go back to plain chocolate chip cookies again. Keep a batch ready in your freezer—you’ll be glad you did.