Dessert

Soft Baked M&M Cookies Recipe

ByElena Hart April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

Introduction

These soft baked M&M cookies are a delightful treat that balance a tender, chewy texture with bursts of colorful candy. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they’re easy to make and fun to share with family and friends.

A stack of four thick cookies filled with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces and chocolate chips sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom three cookies show a soft, light brown texture with green, red, yellow, and blue candy spots mixed with scattered chocolate chips. On top of the stack is a cookie broken in half, showing a moist, crumbly inside with chunks of melted chocolate and bright candy colors in orange, blue, and red. Around the stack, loose candy-coated chocolates in red, blue, yellow, and green add extra color to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup (112g) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (52g) sugar
2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup M&Ms
1 cup (169g) chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter, light brown sugar, and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture turns lighter in color and becomes fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms and chocolate chips using a silicone spatula until the dough is uniform. The dough will be thick.

Step 7: Scoop cookie dough balls about 4 tablespoons (68g) each onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2-3 inches apart. Shape each ball into a round shape with your fingers or a spatula before baking.
Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies have spread slightly and the centers look soft but edges begin to firm. Remove just before the edges turn golden to avoid over baking.
Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra softness, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
Try swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor twist.
If you prefer chunkier cookies, increase the M&Ms to 1 cup and reduce chocolate chips accordingly.

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread into the container. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of soft, round cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a light golden-brown base with a slightly chewy texture and is topped with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces in red, green, blue, yellow, and orange scattered all over the surface. There are also small, smooth milk chocolate chips spread between the colorful candies, adding a rich contrast to the cookie dough. The cookies are spaced closely but not touching, and loose candies are scattered around them on the surface, giving a playful and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute M&Ms with other candies?

Yes, you can replace M&Ms with other small candies like Reese’s Pieces or chopped candy bars. Just keep the quantity similar for even distribution.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Using cornstarch in the dough and avoiding over baking are key. Remove cookies from the oven when the centers are still soft and allow them to cool on the baking sheet before moving to a rack.