If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your Easter celebrations, the Easter M&M Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together soft, buttery dough loaded with vibrant pastel M&M’S, creating a colorful and cheerful dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of sweetness and a slight crunch, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, kids’ parties, or simply a cozy day at home. Trust me, once you bake this recipe, these Easter M&M cookies will become a beloved staple for the season and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easter M&M Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity — ingredients you likely already have at hand, each playing its part to create the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the rich softness imparted by butter to the colorful pop of pastel M&M’S, every component builds toward cookie perfection.
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth for chewy texture.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and contributes to slight crispness around the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together while adding moisture for a soft crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, fragrant notes.
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies, holding everything nicely in place.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just enough to keep them soft but not flat.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
- 1 cup (175g) pastel M&M’s (Easter edition): The star of the show, adding festive color and a satisfying crunch.
- ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips (optional): For those who want an extra dose of melty chocolate throughout their cookies.
How to Make Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfect baking conditions.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is crucial to achieving that soft cookie texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to impart that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. It’s important to combine just until everything is blended to avoid overworking the dough, which can make your cookies tough.
Step 4: Fold in M&M’s & Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in the pastel M&M’s and chocolate chips (if you’re using them). Holding back a few M&M’S to press on top before baking gives your cookies an extra colorful, eye-catching finish. These candies bring not only festive fun but a delightful texture contrast with every bite.
Step 5: Shape & Bake
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Keep an eye on them because you want soft centers with just crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the texture set perfectly, ready for you to indulge in these colorful bites of happiness.
How to Serve Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are already bursting with pastel colors, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair. A sprinkle of mini pastel sprinkles on top right after baking also looks festive and adds more texture if you’re feeling creative.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a floral tea to complement their sweetness. For Easter brunch or dessert tables, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Easter M&M Cookies Recipe on a pastel-colored platter or nestle them in mini paper cupcake liners for an adorable touch. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between and tie with a festive ribbon for gifting to friends and family. Little presentation details make these cookies feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easter M&M cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep their soft texture intact, place a slice of bread in the container—the moisture from the bread helps maintain cookie freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, the dough freezes wonderfully. Scoop and roll the dough balls, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for freshly baked goodness anytime you like.
Reheating
Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness. This little trick makes your leftover Easter M&M cookies taste like they just came out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter for margarine or oil?
Butter is key here because it gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb. Margarine or oil can change the texture and taste, often resulting in greasier cookies that don’t hold their shape as well. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Are pastel M&M’s necessary for the recipe?
Pastel M&M’S add the charming look that instantly says “Easter,” but you can absolutely use classic M&M’S or even other candy-coated chocolates. Just keep in mind the visual impact will be different, and the cookies might be a little less festive.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. The cookies may be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I get my cookies soft and chewy, not crunchy?
Be careful not to overbake; remove them when edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft. Also, using brown sugar adds moisture, which is key for chewiness. Cooling them on the baking sheet helps set the soft texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. Just fold them in after the flour and gently mix with the M&M’S and chocolate chips. Be mindful not to overload the dough or it may spread unevenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Easter M&M Cookies Recipe that brings smiles with every colorful bite. It’s a simple yet spirited way to celebrate the season with delicious homemade treats that everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try, and I promise these cookies will become a cherished part of your Easter traditions, filled with fun, flavor, and lots of happy memories.
Print
Easter M&M Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Easter M&M Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with colorful pastel M&M’s and optional chocolate chips. Perfect for celebrating the holiday or brightening up any occasion, these cookies combine rich buttery dough with sweet candy-coated chocolates for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup (175g) pastel M&M’s (Easter edition)
- ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten and keeping the cookies tender.
- Fold in M&M’s & Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the pastel Easter M&M’s and optional chocolate chips into the dough, reserving a few M&M’s to press onto the top of each cookie before baking for a decorative finish.
- Shape & Bake: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll it into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet with 2 inches of space between each. Press a few reserved M&M’s on top for an appealing look. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your festive Easter M&M cookies!
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; they should be just set and lightly golden at the edges.
- You can swap pastel M&M’s with regular or mini M&M’s for different occasions.
- The chocolate chips are optional but add extra richness and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep cookies fresh longer, freeze the dough or baked cookies.
