These Easter M&M Cookies are a celebration of spring in every bite! The moment they come out of the oven, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of buttery sweetness, mingling with the soft hint of vanilla. The vibrant M&M’s tucked inside add a burst of color, making these cookies not just delicious but also fun to look at. The contrast between the crispy edges and the soft, chewy centers is perfection. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the candy-coated chocolates, paired with the melt-in-your-mouth softness of the cookie itself. They’re the kind of treat that brings back childhood memories—of bright, sunny afternoons and the joy of Easter egg hunts. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds (and thirds) because they’re just that irresistible! The best part? You can customize them with your favorite color combinations of M&M’s to suit any occasion, making them a perfect treat for family gatherings or festive get-togethers.
Key Ingredients in Easter M&M Cookies
These Easter M&M Cookies come together with a few key ingredients that make every bite memorable. Let’s take a closer look at what each one brings to the table:
* All-purpose flour
The foundation of the dough, all-purpose flour gives the cookies their structure. It helps create that perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy centers.
* Baking soda
A leavening agent that gives the cookies their slight rise and helps them spread beautifully as they bake. It also enhances the overall texture, making them soft and light.
* Salt
Just a pinch, but salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness in these cookies. It enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and helps bring everything together.
* Unsalted butter
The key to a rich, buttery flavor. Unsalted butter also ensures we have full control over the seasoning in the cookies, allowing all the flavors to shine.
* Granulated sugar
Provides sweetness and helps the cookies spread as they bake. It creates that delightful crispness around the edges.
* Brown sugar
Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture. The moisture in brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and tender.
* Large egg
Acts as the binder, holding everything together. It also contributes to the structure and richness of the cookie dough.
* Vanilla extract
Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugars and the buttery richness. It’s that little touch that makes all the difference.
* M&M’s (Easter-themed)
These colorful candies not only add a fun pop of color to your cookies but also a satisfying crunch. Their sweetness perfectly contrasts with the buttery, soft cookie base.
* Semi-sweet chocolate chips
The rich, melty chocolate chips provide an indulgent, gooey texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy M&M’s. They elevate the overall flavor, making each bite a chocolate lover’s dream.
How to Make Easter M&M Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, which will ensure the cookies bake properly.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is important to incorporate air into the dough, which gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
4. Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then mix until smooth and fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binder, while the vanilla adds that irresistible aroma.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Stir in the M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is the fun part where the candy-coated chocolates and chocolate chips come together to create that irresistible texture and color.
7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
8. Lightly press a few extra M&M’s and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball for a more festive look. This adds an extra pop of color and makes the cookies even more tempting.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to move without breaking.
Serving Suggestions for Easter M&M Cookies
– Serve with a glass of milk
There’s something magical about the combo of a warm, soft cookie and a cold glass of milk. The milk perfectly complements the sweetness and richness of the cookies, making every bite even more indulgent.
– Pair with Easter brunch
These cookies aren’t just for dessert! They make the perfect addition to your Easter brunch spread. Set them out alongside fresh fruit, muffins, and a hot coffee bar for a fun and festive treat that guests will love.
– Gift them in cute packages
These Easter M&M cookies make a thoughtful and colorful gift. Pack them into clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon, and add a little Easter tag for a personalized touch. They’re a sweet surprise for family and friends!
How to Store Easter M&M Cookies
To keep your Easter M&M cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
– Airtight container
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help retain their soft and chewy texture while keeping the M&M’s vibrant. A container with a tight seal will prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
– Layer with parchment paper
If you’re stacking your cookies, layer them with parchment paper between each one. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps the M&M’s from smudging.
– Freezing for longer storage
If you’ve made a big batch and need to store them for longer, freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Conclusion
These Easter M&M cookies are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, gifting them to loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a sweet moment, they’re sure to brighten up your day. The combination of crunchy M&M’s, gooey chocolate chips, and a soft, buttery base is irresistible. Plus, their vibrant colors make them a showstopper at any gathering.
I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen, just as it does to mine every time I bake them. If you make these cookies, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Drop a comment below with any feedback, or feel free to ask if you need any help along the way. Baking is all about having fun and making memories, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients or make them your own. Happy baking!
Easter M&M Cookies
Description
Soft, chewy cookies bursting with colorful Easter M&M’s that add a pop of sweetness in every bite. These treats are a fun, festive twist on a classic favorite, with a perfect balance of chocolate and crunch that makes them irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
-
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
-
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Stir in the M&M's and semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Lightly press a few extra M&M's and chocolate chips on top of each dough ball for a more festive look.
-
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
-
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars.
- For chewier cookies, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour mixture.
- You can substitute the M&M's with other seasonal candies or chocolate if preferred.
- For extra flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to avoid breaking.
