These Easter M&M cookies are colorful and fun! With soft, chewy centers and a little crunch from the candies, they’re perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Making these is a blast! I love letting the kids help sprinkle M&Ms on top—they think it’s the best part. Just be ready for some sticky fingers! 😂
These cookies are easy to whip up and great for sharing. I always make a big batch to enjoy during Easter egg hunts. Trust me, they disappear quickly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which works well for this recipe.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the salt in the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, although the flavor may vary slightly.
White Chocolate Chips: These add a creamy sweetness. If you prefer, you could substitute with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor balance a bit.
M&M’s: The pastel M&M’s give a festive touch. You can substitute with regular M&M’s or other chocolate candies for a different look and taste.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar for Perfect Cookies?
Creaming the butter and sugars is crucial for the right texture in your cookies. This step incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookies light and fluffy. To do this effectively:
- Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. It should turn light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
Trust me, taking the time to get this step right pays off with deliciously textured cookies!
How to Make Easter M&M Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s (chocolate candies)
- Additional pastel M&M’s for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Altogether, you should set aside about 30 minutes to enjoy fresh, warm cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help all the baking powder activate evenly. Once mixed, set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer or a sturdy spoon, cream them together until the mix is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It helps to make your cookies nice and soft!
4. Add Vanilla and Eggs:
Add the vanilla extract and the two eggs to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, making sure everything is nicely blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies may not be as tender!
6. Fold in Chocolate and M&M’s:
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the pastel M&M’s until they’re evenly distributed throughout your dough. This will make every bite a delightful surprise!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking!
8. Add More M&M’s:
For a fun touch, press a few extra pastel M&M’s into the tops of the cookie dough balls. This makes them look super festive!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until you see the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Happy baking, and enjoy your delightful Easter M&M Cookies!
Can I Use Different Types of M&M’s?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pastel M&M’s with any color or flavor of M&M’s you prefer. You can even mix them for a fun, colorful twist. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture won’t change with different chocolate coatings.
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewy?
If you prefer chewy cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly, stopping around the 10-minute mark even if they look a bit underbaked. Additionally, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to enhance the chewiness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider placing a slice of bread inside the container; it helps maintain moisture!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
