If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that truly guarantees delicious results with a playful, colorful twist, look no further than these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies. Imagine biting into a tender, deeply chocolaty treat, its soft edges meeting the crunch and pop of bright M&Ms—the perfect fusion of melty chocolate goodness and a burst of color. These cookies are cozy enough for after-school treats, but feel festive and special enough for parties or holidays. Whether you’re baking with kids or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed mood booster!

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beauty of these ingredients: the lineup is wonderfully simple, but each star plays a crucial role in making these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies irresistibly soft, flavorful, and vibrant. Here’s what makes every bite perfect:

Unsalted Butter (2 sticks): Softened butter gives these cookies their ultra-rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that delicate, crisp cookie edge.
Brown Sugar: Infuses depth and chewiness that balances out the cocoa’s intensity.
Eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring the cookies are soft and tender at the center.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Lends a gentle warmth that complements the chocolate and M&Ms.
All-Purpose Flour: The classic cookie base, giving structure and softness to every bite.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For rich, fudgy flavor—and that dreamy dark cookie color!
Baking Powder: Adds just enough lift for perfectly pillowy cookies.
Salt: A pinch sharpens every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
M&M Candies: The colorful crown jewels—stirred into the dough for crunch, color, and chocolatey surprise.

How to Make Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start strong: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the get-go. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and gives the cookies a beautiful base to spread gently as they bake, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a texture that’s light and fluffy—this incorporates air into your dough and sets the stage for ultra-soft cookies with that signature Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Time to build some richness! Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition for an even, creamy consistency. Stir in pure vanilla extract, which brightens the chocolate flavor and brings all the ingredients together in the most fragrant way.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Giving these a quick whisk ensures your leavening is evenly dispersed—no surprise salty bites or unevenly risen cookies here!

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slow and steady wins the race here. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so as soon as you see no more streaks of flour, you’re good to go. The dough will look dense, thick, and deliciously chocolatey.

Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in those dazzling M&M candies. Try to distribute them evenly—each cookie deserves a pop of color and crunch. If you’re feeling extra festive, save a handful to press on top before baking.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. These cookies will spread a bit as they bake. Bake the Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies for 10–12 minutes: you want the edges just set but the centers to remain soft and slightly underbaked. That’s the secret to their magical texture!

Step 8: Cool and Admire

Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few extra minutes—this helps them firm up just enough to move. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). The aroma is pure chocolate heaven.

How to Serve Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies

Garnishes

For that bake-shop perfect look, reserve a handful of M&Ms and gently press them on top of each cookie right when they come out of the oven. If you love a touch of indulgence, a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Few things compare to the classic combo of cookies and cold milk! For a cozier pairing, serve with mugs of hot chocolate, cappuccino, or even vanilla ice cream for a cookies-and-cream moment. The soft, fudgy centers of these cookies make every bite pure comfort, especially alongside a creamy drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies beyond the plate! Stack them in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift, layer them on a festive platter for a party spread, or create “cookie sandwiches” with a scoop of marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache between two cookies—guaranteed to wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—just tuck a slice of bread in the container to help lock in moisture and keep the cookies from drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, whether you’re saving baked goodies or making dough in advance. Store cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For dough, shape into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container—bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to the oven time.

Reheating

Want to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven magic? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm a batch on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. The chocolate will get melty, the aroma will fill your kitchen again, and you’ll fall in love with these Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies all over.

FAQs

Can I use different flavored M&Ms in these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with peanut, caramel, or even seasonal flavors to put your own spin on the classic Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies. It’s a great way to customize them for holidays or special occasions.

Why are my cookies coming out flat?

Flat cookies usually happen if the butter was too warm or melted before mixing. Make sure your butter is just softened and not oily, and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain that soft, pillowy shape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator, then scoop and bake as needed. Chilled dough can also give the cookies a slightly thicker, chewier texture.

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a small slice of fresh bread—the bread supplies just enough moisture to keep your Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies tender without making them soggy. Avoid leaving them uncovered, as they’ll dry out quicker.

Can I double the recipe for a party or bake sale?

Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) with no trouble. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl, and bake in batches. These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, so having extra on hand is never a bad idea.

Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless and joyful about sharing a batch of Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies with family and friends. The combination of soft, fudgy chocolate and those cheerful M&Ms turns an ordinary day into a celebration. Next time you need a little extra sweetness in your life or want to impress at a potluck, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Soft Chocolate M&M Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these soft and chocolatey M&M cookies that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. These cookies are easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&M candies until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake the cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

You can substitute the M&M candies with chocolate chips or nuts for a different flavor and texture.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: M&M cookies, chocolate cookies, dessert recipe, easy cookies