M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

These M&M chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with colorful candy crunch. Every bite has that perfect mix of gooey chocolate chips and sweet, crunchy M&Ms. They’re the kind of cookies that make you feel like a kid again.

I love how fun they look fresh out of the oven—all golden and dotted with melted chocolate. The edges get slightly crisp while the center stays soft and warm. They’re simple to make, but they taste like pure happiness.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or late-night cravings, these cookies always bring smiles. I can never bake just one batch—everyone asks for more the second they taste them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the bright M&M colors mixed with chocolate chips.
• Soft and Chewy: The perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers makes every bite satisfying.
• Simple to Make: Uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because you want something sweet.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on size. Need more for a party? Double the recipe easily.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner bakers. Kids can help mix and place M&Ms on top.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Ingredients for M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies use simple ingredients that create the perfect texture and flavor. The combination of butter, sugars, and two types of chocolate makes them extra special. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best texture. It makes cookies soft and rich.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that keeps cookies chewy.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates those slightly crispy edges we all love.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives cookies their structure.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together to help cookies rise and spread just right.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors. A pinch of flaked salt on top before baking is optional but delicious.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chips distribute chocolate throughout every bite.
• M&Ms: The star of the show. Use regular or mini M&Ms for colorful fun.

Variations for M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Add Nuts: Fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Use Different M&Ms: Try peanut M&Ms, peanut butter M&Ms, or seasonal colors for holidays.
• Make Them Bigger: Scoop larger portions for bakery-style cookies. Just add 2-3 minutes to baking time.
• Add Oats: Replace half a cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.
• Try White Chocolate: Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.

How to Make M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix or cookies will be tough.

5. Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms

Gently stir in mini chocolate chips and M&Ms. Save a handful of M&Ms to press into the tops of cookies before baking.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps cookies hold their shape and makes the flavors better. You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.

7. Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

8. Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough into balls using about 1.5-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place them on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each cookie for a pretty look.

9. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set and lightly golden, but centers may still look slightly soft. Do not overbake. Cookies will firm up as they cool.

10. Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with flaked salt while still warm if desired.

Serving and Decoration

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

• With Milk: The classic pairing. Cold milk makes these cookies even better.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Press softened ice cream between two cookies for a special treat.
• Cookie Platter: Arrange on a pretty plate with other cookies for parties or holidays.
• Gift Boxes: Pack in decorative tins or boxes tied with ribbon for homemade gifts.
• Crumbled Over Ice Cream: Break cookies into pieces and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream.

Storing M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Cookie Dough: Unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough balls straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and egg are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cup and level off with a knife. Packing flour makes cookies dry.
• Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking at 10 minutes. Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center.
• Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Press M&Ms on Top: This makes cookies look bakery-perfect and ensures M&Ms don’t all sink into the dough.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Cookie
Calories	145
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	13g
Protein	2g

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 28 cookies per batch.

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips? Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips work fine. Mini chips just distribute more evenly throughout the cookies.

Why are my cookies flat? Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh. Also, chilling the dough helps cookies hold their shape better.

Can I make these without a mixer? Yes. You can mix everything by hand with a wooden spoon. It just takes a bit more effort to cream the butter and sugars.

How do I keep M&Ms from sinking? Chilling the dough helps. Also, toss M&Ms in a little flour before folding them in. Pressing some on top before baking ensures they show.

Can I make these gluten-free? You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Conclusion

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat when you want something colorful, fun, and delicious. The combination of buttery dough, chocolate chips, and candy-coated M&Ms creates a cookie everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a party, packing lunches, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe delivers every time. The best part is how simple it is to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.