Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore that perfect combo of soft texture and chewy bite in your cookies, then you’re going to love this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies stay tender and moist, with those colorful M&Ms adding joyful pops of chocolate and crunch throughout. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a fun way to brighten up a lunchbox, these cookies hit every note just right.

When I first tried baking these, I discovered a few tricks that help keep them from turning hard or cakey, which I’m excited to share with you! This Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe is fantastic for both beginners and seasoned bakers because it’s forgiving but still yields that bakery-quality result you’ll be proud to serve. Plus, the slight melt of the chocolate chips mixed with M&Ms on top makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using simple, quality ingredients really lets the flavors shine in this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe. Here’s a quick rundown on the essentials and what to look for when shopping.

• All-purpose flour: Opt for fresh flour for the best texture—old flour can make cookies dry or dense.
• Baking powder: Adds lift to keep cookies from being flat and tough.
• Baking soda: Works with baking powder for the right rise and tenderness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened but still cool butter for creamy texture; it helps spread control.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crisp edges in the cookies.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and depth with its molasses content—key for chewiness.
• Egg: Provides structure and richness, so use a fresh, large one for best results.
• Pure vanilla extract: Gives that cozy warm flavor that fills your kitchen.
• M&Ms and chocolate chips: I usually go with a cup of M&Ms and half a cup of chips for a fun combination of crunchy and melty chocolate.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe is how versatile it is. I encourage you to tweak and tailor it—don’t be shy about adding your own twist!

• Vegan Version: I once swapped butter for coconut oil and used a flax egg instead; it worked surprisingly well with a slightly different texture.
• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch to complement the soft dough.
• Seasonal M&Ms: Using holiday-themed M&Ms instantly makes these cookies feel festive and fun for parties.
• Extra Chewy: Using more brown sugar than white sugar amplifies chewiness if that’s your jam.

How to Make Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. I like to whisk these together to make sure the leavening agents get evenly distributed, which means your cookies rise and spread just right. Setting this aside while you work on the wet ingredients keeps everything smooth and organized.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using your stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 1-2 minutes. This step traps air, creating that lovely soft texture inside the cookies. Don’t rush it; you’ll notice the color lighten and the texture smooth out.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in one large egg followed by vanilla extract. These liquid ingredients build richness and flavor. Make sure to scrape the sides of your bowl so everything gets mixed in evenly—uneven baking is the last thing you want!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. The key here is to mix just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough. When you see no more visible flour, stop mixing and switch to gently folding in your M&Ms and chocolate chips.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions of dough and place them on a plate in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. I learned early on that chilling helps control spread, giving you thicker, chewier cookies. If you’re pushed for time, you can bake right away, but the texture won’t be quite the same.

Step 6: Add Extra M&Ms and Bake

Before baking, press a few extra M&Ms or chocolate chips into the tops of your dough mounds. This not only looks gorgeous on finished cookies but guarantees those chocolatey bites on top. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a couple inches between each cookie because they’ll spread. Bake at 350°F for 9-12 minutes—look for set edges but a slightly underbaked center to keep that softness.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the cookies cool fully. This is important—they’ll firm up nicely while staying chewy inside. I know it’s tempting to eat them warm, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra M&Ms on top right before baking—it makes the cookies look so inviting and colorful, especially for kids. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness, which surprisingly elevates the flavor to another level.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a fun dessert board, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to keep things balanced and delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success arranging these cookies in a colorful cookie jar layered with extra M&Ms on top—it makes a stunning gift. For birthday parties, stacking them on a tiered stand garnished with mini M&Ms and a sprinkle of powdered sugar is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these soft and chewy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, sometimes adding a slice of bread to keep them extra moist. The bread absorbs air and keeps the cookies from drying out—one of those little kitchen hacks I love to share with friends.

Freezing

To freeze, I usually scoop the cookie dough balls onto a tray and freeze until firm before transferring them to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze beautifully—just thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

When I reheat leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven. This softens them up nicely without losing that signature chewiness, making every bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft and Chewy M&M Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake and share because it reliably delivers the kind of cookie that makes people smile with every bite. I love that it’s both comforting and playful, a total crowd-pleaser for casual snacks or special celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover your own baking wins along the way!

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