Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly Soft M&M Sugar Cookies. They are an absolute breeze to whip up any day of the week, transforming an ordinary moment into a delightful treat. Imagine a perfectly chewy, simple sugar cookie dough, generously studded with vibrant, crunchy, chocolaty M&M candies. This harmonious blend of textures and flavors has quickly propelled them to become a top-tier cookie favorite in countless households. Their irresistibly soft centers and colorful candy shells make them a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

These M&M sugar cookies aren’t just delicious; they are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect confection for virtually any event. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, assembling a festive holiday cookie tray, or simply unwinding on the couch with your favorite TV show, these cookies fit right in. Their cheerful appearance and comforting taste guarantee smiles all around, proving they are truly the best M&M cookies for any and every occasion. Get ready to add this simple yet spectacular recipe to your baking repertoire!

Why These M&M Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Try

These soft and chewy M&M sugar cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying those cookie cravings:

• Minimal Ingredients & Effortless Preparation: You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients are required to create such a delightful batch of soft sugar cookies – typically less than 10! Not only is the ingredient list short, but the preparation process is also incredibly straightforward. There’s no need for fancy gadgets or specialized equipment; basic kitchen tools are all you’ll need. This makes it a perfect recipe for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and rewarding project.
• Unleash Your Creativity with Endless Variations: Once you master this fundamental M&M sugar cookie recipe, you unlock a world of customization. The simple sugar cookie dough acts as a perfect canvas for countless add-ins. Experiment with different types of candy, various nuts, dried fruits, an array of chocolate chips (dark, milk, white!), or even crushed cookies for unique flavor profiles. If you’re a fan of seasonal delights, you might also enjoy exploring options like my Mini Egg Blondies, which offer a similar festive twist!
• Lightning-Fast Baking for Instant Gratification: Who wants to wait hours for delicious cookies? This sweet treat boasts a total preparation and baking time of under 30 minutes! This means you can easily satisfy those spontaneous cookie cravings whenever they strike, whether it’s a mid-week dessert emergency or a last-minute addition to a potluck. Fresh, warm cookies are just minutes away!
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Softness with a Chocolatey Kick: These cookies are renowned for their incredible softness and tender texture that truly melts in your mouth, much like my popular Almond Sugar Cookies. However, this version offers a delightful upgrade with the added richness and satisfying crunch of chocolate M&M candies, providing an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.

Looking for more good cookie recipes to expand your baking skills?

• Monster Cookies: A delightful mix of oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
• Lucky Charms Cookies: Bring a touch of magic to your baking with these colorful treats.
• Chocolate Butterscotch Chip Cookies: A rich and unique flavor combination for something different.
• Cookie Butter Cookies: Indulge in the spiced, sweet flavor of cookie butter in cookie form.

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect M&M Cookies

Crafting these perfectly soft and chewy M&M sugar cookies requires a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the total salt content in your cookies. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars, which creates a light and airy base for the dough.
• Light brown sugar: This ingredient is key to the chewy texture. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, contributing significantly to the cookies’ softness.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the crispness around the edges, balancing the chewiness from the brown sugar.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together, and adds richness and moisture. A room temperature egg incorporates more easily into the dough, preventing curdling.
• Vanilla extract: A foundational flavor enhancer in almost any cookie recipe, vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, complementing the sweetness and chocolate.
• All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of the cookie. Proper measurement is crucial; weighing in grams or using the spoon-and-level method prevents dense or dry cookies.
• Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread slightly, contributing to their soft interior and chewy edge.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie, preventing them from tasting bland.
• M&M candies: The star of the show! These colorful, crunchy chocolate candies provide bursts of chocolate flavor and a delightful textural contrast. Feel free to use classic, mini, or flavored varieties.

For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities in both standard and metric units.

Creative Twists: Substitutions & Variations for Your M&M Sugar Cookies

One of the joys of this M&M sugar cookie recipe is how adaptable it is! Once you have the basic dough down, you can experiment with a myriad of substitutions and variations to create unique and exciting flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

• For a whimsical funfetti-inspired M&M sugar cookie, add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to the wet ingredients alongside the vanilla. Then, swap out the M&Ms for a generous amount of vibrant rainbow sprinkles. This gives the cookies a celebratory look and a slightly different flavor profile.
• Don’t limit yourself to classic M&Ms! Next time you bake, explore the exciting world of other M&M flavors. Pretzel M&Ms will add a salty crunch, caramel M&Ms will introduce a gooey sweetness, peanut butter M&Ms offer a rich, nutty twist, and mini M&Ms provide smaller, more evenly distributed chocolate bursts throughout the cookie.
• Make these your ultimate holiday dessert by utilizing seasonal M&M candies. For Christmas, grab the festive red and green M&Ms. In the fall, look for harvest-themed colors, or use pastel M&Ms for Easter and spring celebrations. This is a simple way to instantly transform your cookies for any holiday gathering.
• If you’re a fan of different chocolate candies, turn these into Cadbury Mini Egg Cookies by simply swapping out the M&Ms for crushed or whole mini eggs. The crunchy shell and creamy chocolate interior of mini eggs make for an equally delightful and seasonal treat.
• Consider adding other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), or even a combination!

Please note: This recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients for optimal results. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients beyond these suggestions, we encourage you to share your results and how it turned out in the comments below! Your creativity helps enrich our community.

Essential Equipment for Baking Success

One of the best aspects of this simple M&M cookie recipe is that it truly does not require any specialty equipment or intimidating tools. You likely have most, if not all, of these items already in your kitchen. Having the right basic tools, however, can make the baking process smoother and ensure consistent, delicious results every time.

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: While not strictly essential (you can mix by hand!), an electric mixer makes creaming butter and sugar significantly easier and more efficient, ensuring a light and fluffy dough. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal, but a hand mixer works perfectly fine.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two – one large bowl for wet ingredients and dough, and a medium bowl for whisking dry ingredients.
• Large, 3-4 tablespoon cookie scoop: This is a game-changer for uniform cookies. A scoop ensures each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking and a professional look. A 3-4 tablespoon size yields perfectly substantial cookies.
• Cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup): A sturdy baking sheet is fundamental. Lining it with parchment paper prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup a breeze. Silicone baking mats are also an excellent alternative.
• Rubber spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and, importantly, for gently folding in the M&M candies without breaking them.
• Whisk: For thoroughly combining your dry ingredients, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Standard tools for accurately measuring both wet and dry ingredients.
• Kitchen scale (optional but highly recommended): For the most accurate results, especially with flour, a kitchen scale is invaluable. Measuring by weight (grams) eliminates inconsistencies that can arise from packing flour too tightly.
• Cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies as they cool, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring they cool evenly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Soft M&M Sugar Cookies

Baking these delightful M&M sugar cookies is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly soft, chewy, and colorful cookies every time. Precision in baking, especially with measurements and mixing techniques, will lead to the best results.

Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this simple step makes cleanup much easier and prevents sticking. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine your room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for soft cookies. Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for uniform rise and flavor in your cookies. Make sure to use the spoon and level method for measuring flour, or better yet, weigh it in grams for accuracy, as too much flour can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

Step 3: Form the Dough. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies. Once the flour streaks have mostly disappeared, remove the bowl from the mixer (if using). Now, add about ¾ of your M&M candies. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the M&Ms into the cookie dough until they are evenly distributed. This gentle approach prevents the candies from breaking apart and coloring the dough.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 3-4 tablespoons), divide the M&M cookie dough into 10 uniform balls. Place these dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading. For an extra pop of color and visual appeal, press the remaining ¼ of M&M candies onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are lightly tan and set, but the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. This ensures a wonderfully chewy interior. Do not overbake! Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step helps them set without falling apart.

Pro Tips for Your Best Batch Yet

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy M&M sugar cookie is an art, but with these expert tips, you’ll master it in no time. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your baking game:

1. Gentle Mixing of M&Ms: When it’s time to incorporate the M&M candies, resist the urge to use your electric mixer. The powerful blades can easily break the delicate candy shells, leading to a duller appearance and potentially colored dough. Instead, use a sturdy rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold the M&Ms into the dough. This method ensures the candies remain intact and beautifully vibrant, providing that satisfying crunch in every bite.
2. Precision in Brown Sugar Measurement: For the accurate amount of brown sugar specified in the recipe, and to ensure the desired chewy texture, proper measurement is crucial. If you have one, use a kitchen scale to weigh the brown sugar in grams for the most precise result. If you’re using measuring cups, make sure to firmly pack the brown sugar into the cup. This eliminates air pockets and gives you the correct quantity, which is vital for the cookie’s moisture content and texture.
3. The Visual Appeal of Extra M&Ms: For cookies that look as good as they taste, here’s a simple trick: after scooping the dough onto your baking sheet but before baking, press a few extra regular or mini M&M candies onto the top of each cookie dough ball. This ensures that the beautiful, colorful candies are prominently displayed on the baked cookies, making them even more appetizing and photo-ready.
4. Don’t Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the soft and chewy texture you’re aiming for. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
5. Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: Ensure your butter and egg are at proper room temperature. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating an emulsified, airy base for the dough. A cold egg can cause the butter mixture to seize, leading to an uneven texture.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe is designed for quick baking, if you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can yield thicker, chewier cookies and prevent excessive spreading. The cold butter in the dough takes longer to melt in the oven, giving the cookies more time to set.

Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Sugar Cookies

Baking can sometimes bring up a few questions, especially when striving for perfection. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about making these soft and chewy M&M sugar cookies:

Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness

To ensure your delicious M&M sugar cookies remain soft and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over a few days or save some for later, here’s how to store them effectively:

Room Temperature Storage (Baked Cookies): Once completely cooled, store leftover M&M sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 1 week. For an extra touch that truly helps them retain their melt-in-your-mouth softness for an even longer period, try placing a slice of plain white bread in the container with them. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them moist without affecting their taste.

Refrigerator Storage (Not Recommended): While technically possible, these cookies are generally best stored at room temperature or in the freezer. Storing them in the refrigerator can cause them to dry out quickly and become dense, losing their desired soft and chewy texture. The cold can also firm up the chocolate candies, making them less pleasant to bite into.

Freezer Storage (Dough and Baked Cookies): The freezer is your best friend for long-term storage and for always having fresh cookies on hand!

• Cookie Dough Balls: Prepare the dough balls as instructed in the recipe. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once solid, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet while your oven preheats, then bake according to the normal instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
• Baked, Cooled Cookies: Allow your baked cookies to cool completely before freezing. Once cool, place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel.

More Delicious Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed baking and savoring these M&M sugar cookies, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always bustling with new and classic cookie ideas designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your home. Explore some of our other beloved cookie recipes:

Did you try this recipe?

We absolutely love hearing from you! Let us know what you thought of these Soft M&M Sugar Cookies by leaving a comment below and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Tag us so we can see your amazing work!

Thank you for baking with us!
-Kayla

Soft M&M Sugar Cookies

By Kayla Burton