The Tastiest M&M Cookies Recipe
M&M cookies are a beloved classic that combines the comforting warmth of homemade cookies with the colorful fun of M&M candies. This recipe takes the best elements from multiple sources to create a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor.
Our version incorporates a few secret ingredients like cornstarch and pudding mix for an exceptionally tender texture, while the combination of whole egg and extra yolk adds richness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these M&M cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
M&M Cookies Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding mix
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup M&Ms
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- Extra M&Ms for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix. Set aside.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with both sugars on medium speed for 3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy.
- Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the M&Ms and mini chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.
- Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Press a few additional M&Ms onto the top of each cookie dough ball for a more colorful appearance.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Top Tips
- For perfectly round cookies, use a large round cookie cutter to gently shape the cookies immediately after removing from the oven.
- If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture and even baking.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
Different Variations
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of butter with ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter.
- Double Chocolate M&M Cookies: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Seasonal M&M Cookies: Use holiday-themed M&Ms for festive treats.
- Nutty M&M Cookies: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 110mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 2g |
Based on a yield of 24 cookies
FAQ
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have pudding mix?
A: You can omit it, but the cookies may be slightly less soft. Consider adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch as a substitute.
Conclusion
This M&M cookie recipe combines the best of traditional methods with a few special touches to create a cookie that’s sure to become a family favorite. The addition of cornstarch and pudding mix ensures a soft, tender texture, while the extra egg yolk adds richness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these colorful, chocolatey cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
