Chewy M&M Cookies

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Soft, colorful, and brimming with nostalgic charm, Chewy M&M Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a classic cookie with a playful twist. Each bite bursts with creamy chocolate and a slightly crisp shell from the vibrant M&M candies, all wrapped in a buttery, chewy dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking a batch for the holidays, school lunches, or simply because your sweet tooth is calling, these cookies never disappoint.

What sets these cookies apart is their balance of texture: a golden, lightly crisp edge gives way to a soft, gooey center. They’re easy to customize with different types of M&Ms (peanut, mini, seasonal) and even easier to share—if you don’t eat them all first!

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What Kind of M&Ms Should I Use?

You can use classic milk chocolate M&Ms for that iconic taste and pop of color. Minis work great too for a more evenly studded cookie. For variation, try peanut butter or crispy M&Ms, or go festive with holiday mixes. Just keep the total quantity consistent to avoid altering the dough-to-candy ratio.

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Ingredients for the Chewy M&M Cookies

All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure for the cookies. Stick to all-purpose for that perfect chewy texture.

Baking Soda
A leavening agent that helps the cookies puff and spread just enough.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Unsalted Butter
Gives the cookies richness and that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Use room temperature butter for best creaming results.

Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a hint of molasses, contributing to the chewy texture.

Granulated Sugar
Sweetens and helps achieve those slightly crisp edges.

Large Egg
Binds everything together while adding richness.

Vanilla Extract
Adds depth and warmth to the cookie dough.

M&M Candies
The star of the show! These bring color, crunch, and chocolatey goodness to every bite.

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How To Make the Chewy M&M Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Basics

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process aerates the mixture, giving the cookies their soft texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully combined. This adds richness and flavor depth.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms

Gently stir in the M&M candies by hand using a spatula. This prevents them from breaking and ensures even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temp—either way, they’re irresistible!

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Chewy M&M Cookies

Serve these cookies fresh out of the oven with a tall glass of cold milk, or warm them slightly before eating to bring back that fresh-baked gooeyness. They’re also perfect for gifting—wrap them in cellophane or stack in a mason jar with a cute ribbon. Great for birthdays, holiday platters, or back-to-school treats.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. This even enhances the flavor and makes the cookies extra chewy.

What if I only have salted butter?

You can use salted butter and just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your butter might be too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Can I use other candies besides M&Ms?

Absolutely! Try using chopped chocolate bars, peanut butter chips, or even crushed toffee for fun twists.

How do I get that bakery-style look?

Press a few extra M&Ms on top of each dough ball right before baking. They’ll stay vibrant and create that picture-perfect cookie top.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales beautifully. Just be sure to mix thoroughly and scrape the bowl so all ingredients combine evenly.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chewy M&M Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other colorful and creative bites:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge when you need quick chocolate indulgence.
• Apple Enchiladas if you’re craving a cozy apple dessert.
• Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake for fruity fun with a twist.
• Coconut Snowballs to add a bit of tropical delight to your cookie tray.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding peanut butter M&Ms or go classic all the way? Maybe added extra vanilla?

I love seeing your spins on these sweet treats. Drop your tips, tweaks, or questions below so we can all learn from each other’s baking adventures.

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