If you are searching for a bright, cheerful, and utterly delicious treat to brighten up your spring celebrations, look no further than this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the familiar comforting flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with the vibrant pop of colorful Easter M&M candies and creamy white chocolate chips. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and sweet bursts of candy that make these Easter M&M cookies an instant favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing for an egg hunt, a festive gathering, or just a fun baking project, this recipe delivers joyful flavors and eye-catching colors that celebrate the season in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection, and this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to give you cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of flavor, along with that colorful, festive flair that Easter calls for.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups/360g): The sturdy base that brings structure and softness to the cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): This helps the cookies rise beautifully, creating a tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g), softened: Provides richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup/213g), packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for depth.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup/149g): Offers sweetness and helps cookies brown perfectly.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together while adding tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting flavor throughout.
- White chocolate chips (1 ¼ cups, divided): Creamy bursts of sweetness that complement the candies perfectly.
- Easter M&M candies (1 ¼ cups, divided): The star of the show, injecting vibrant color and a delightful crunch in every bite.
How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. This setup step makes the baking process smooth and mess-free.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple mix ensures even distribution of your leavening agent and seasoning throughout the cookie dough, which is key for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
To get those light, fluffy cookies, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy. This step traps air in the dough, setting the stage for tender cookies with a slight chew.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to create a smooth, uniform dough. Follow immediately with the vanilla extract, which lifts the flavors and rounds out the sweetness with a warm, ethereal note.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips and Easter M&Ms
Fold in 1 cup of the white chocolate chips and 1 cup of the Easter M&M candies using a spatula. These mix-ins give your cookies bursts of creamy sweetness and colorful crunch, making every bite a joyous surprise.
Step 7: Scoop and Chill
Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to drop dough portions spaced about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate the dough for at least 40 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain that perfect cookie shape and thickness.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and puff up slightly. While they are still warm, press the remaining white chocolate chips and M&Ms onto the tops so they stick beautifully and look irresistibly festive. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor profile. You could also drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over cooled cookies to make them look even more tempting and festive.
Side Dishes
Pair these vibrant Easter M&M cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee to create a comforting afternoon treat that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a colorful spring-themed cookie tin or a decorative glass jar to gift these cookies to friends and family. Arranging them on a pastel-colored platter with fresh flowers or wrapping them in cellophane with a bow will add an extra hint of celebration perfect for the Easter season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Easter M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, whenever the craving hits, you can bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer. Baked cookies also freeze well—wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in a microwave for about 10–15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melty white chocolate goodness. This little step makes them taste like they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I substitute Easter M&Ms with regular M&Ms?
Absolutely! Regular M&Ms work just as well in this recipe and will still bring that delightful crunch and chocolatey sweetness. Easter M&Ms just add a festive pop of spring colors.
Do I have to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, prevents excessive spreading, and enhances the flavor. If you’re short on time, a shorter chilling period will still help, but the texture might differ slightly.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe depending on your taste. Using salted butter may make the cookies slightly saltier, but flavor-wise, they will still turn out delicious.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh and chewy for up to a week. Beyond that, they might start to dry out but are still tasty.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
This recipe relies on butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour, which aren’t vegan or gluten-free. To adapt, you’d need specific substitutes like vegan butter, flax eggs, and gluten-free flour blends, but those changes might affect the texture and flavor, so some experimentation may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing together the nostalgia of homemade cookies with the festive fun of colorful candies. These cookies aren’t just treats; they are smiles baked into every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create joyful moments with your family and friends this season!
Print
Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 22 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Easter M&M Cookies, featuring a soft and chewy texture loaded with creamy white chocolate chips and colorful Easter M&M candies. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, these homemade cookies combine classic flavors with a fun seasonal twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (213g) packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (149g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips, divided
- 1 ¼ cups Easter M&M candies, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides to combine thoroughly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, then add the vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed to prevent overmixing, combining just until a dough forms.
- Add Chips and Candies: Fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 cup of Easter M&M candies to evenly distribute them in the cookie dough.
- Scoop and Chill: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the dough for at least 40 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the chilled cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed, indicating they are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Top and Cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press the remaining white chocolate chips and Easter M&M candies onto the warm cookies for decoration and added flavor. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough before baking is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much and helps develop the flavors.
- For even baking, ensure cookie dough portions are uniform in size.
- You can substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if preferred.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
