Soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful M&M candies, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that’s impossible to resist. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or whipping up a quick batch for friends. The buttery dough melts in your mouth, while the candy-coated chocolates add a delightful crunch and pops of vibrant flavor.
Each bite is a playful mix of textures—creamy, crispy, and slightly gooey—making these cookies a hit for all ages. Packed with rich vanilla and hints of chocolate, they’re a cheerful indulgence that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or a cozy afternoon snack!
What You’ll Need for M&M Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (if using salted butter, reduce added salt by half)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1 large egg (room temperature for best results)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (optional, but adds softness)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips (regular-sized chips work too)
- 1 ¼ cup mini M&Ms (or regular M&Ms for a bolder look)
How to Make M&M Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt, stirring until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. (The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.)
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your M&M cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Add a slice of bread to the container to keep the cookies soft! To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch things up by using different types of M&Ms, like peanut, dark chocolate, or seasonal colors. You can also swap the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. For a nutty twist, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These M&M cookies are perfect on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. For a festive touch, serve them at parties with a side of colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate on top. They’re also a great addition to cookie gift boxes or holiday platters!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as usual. You can also use a medium cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes and speed up the rolling process. If you’re baking in batches, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and quicker transitions.
Common Questions Answered
Can I skip the pudding mix? Yes, but the pudding mix adds moisture and softness, so the cookies may turn out slightly crispier without it. Can I use regular-sized M&Ms? Absolutely! Just press a few onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking for a classic look. Why chill the dough? Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, but it’s optional if you’re short on time.
M&M Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 3 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ cup mini M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Then add flour, pudding mix, baking soda and salt. Stir well until combined. Then add chocolate chip and M&M’s.
- Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls or use a medium cookie scoop. Bake 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Let cool on cookie sheet for about 10 minutes.