If you’re a fan of melt-in-your-mouth, bakery-style cookies bursting with pops of color and chocolate, these Big Soft M&M Cookies are about to become your new obsession. They’ve got that perfect balance: a plush, pillowy inside, crisp edges, and rainbow M&Ms in every single bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just looking to brighten up your day, this recipe pulls together classic cookie ingredients and takes them to the next level—no fancy tools or complicated techniques needed. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat.

Big Soft M\&M Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of pantry staples can come together to create these Big Soft M&M Cookies. Each ingredient plays a starring role, ensuring your cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with color and flavor.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Helps create that rich, soft texture and carries the flavor beautifully—make sure it’s truly at room temperature for the best creaming.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds essential moisture and depth, lending a subtle hint of caramel that guarantees chewiness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances the sweetness and helps your cookies spread just enough while baking.
Large eggs (2): Give structure and help make each bite extra soft and thick.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses every bite with that irresistible, classic cookie aroma and warmth.
All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The backbone of the cookies—measure it carefully for just the right amount of loft.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Gives lift and helps keep your cookies tender.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Works together with the baking soda for extra puffiness.
Salt (½ tsp): Brings out all the rich, sweet flavors and keeps things from getting too cloying.
M&M candies (1½ cups, plus extra for topping): The star of the show! Use classic, peanut, or seasonal M&Ms for a playful, colorful twist.
Mini chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For even more melty chocolate goodness in every bite.

How to Make Big Soft M&M Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready before you start mixing ensures your Big Soft M&M Cookies come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Add the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat everything together for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is ultra creamy and light. This step is key for those famously soft and thick cookies!

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure the first is fully combined before adding the second. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again. Your dough should look glossy and smooth, smelling like pure cookie heaven.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This guarantees the leaveners and salt are distributed evenly, so every cookie bakes up fluffy and well-seasoned.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low or by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. This keeps your Big Soft M&M Cookies ultra soft.

Step 6: Stir in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the M&M candies and mini chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon. If you want extra pops of chocolate, the mini chips make every bite extra decadent. The dough will be thick and loaded with fun colors.

Step 7: Scoop and Top the Cookies

Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons per cookie), portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure they’re spaced at least 2 inches apart. Gently press a few extra M&Ms on top of each mound of dough for that bakery-style look.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 11–13 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden while the centers look just set—they’ll finish setting as they cool. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!

How to Serve Big Soft M&M Cookies

Garnishes

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm cookies right as they come out of the oven, or drizzle melted white chocolate for a pretty finish. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can add a little bakery-style flair to your Big Soft M&M Cookies.

Side Dishes

A tall glass of cold milk is a classic pairing that can’t be beat, but these cookies also go beautifully with creamy hot chocolate or a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Try serving alongside a fresh fruit platter for a pop of brightness at birthday parties or gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Big Soft M&M Cookies in clear treat bags and tie with colorful ribbon for the perfect party favor. Arrange them on a platter with different M&M varieties for a rainbow effect, or even use them as edible place cards by adding names with frosting for special events and holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Big Soft M&M Cookies stay incredibly fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to four days—just add a slice of bread in the container to keep them extra moist if needed.

Freezing

Want cookies on demand? Freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. You can bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well, so stash them in a sealed container and thaw at room temp whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-from-the-oven magic back, warm your cookies for 5–10 seconds in the microwave. This melts the chocolate for a gooey treat that tastes like it was just baked!

FAQs

Can I use different types of M&Ms for these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in peanut, caramel, pretzel, or even seasonal M&Ms. Each variety adds its own unique flavor and crunch, keeping your Big Soft M&M Cookies fun and customizable for any occasion.

Should I chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is optional, but highly encouraged if you want extra thick, chewy cookies. Just 30 minutes in the fridge will help control spread and intensify the flavors even more!

How do I prevent my cookies from being too flat?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted, and don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Using room temperature butter and chilling the dough both help maintain the signature “big soft” texture.

Can I halve or double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale—just halve everything for a small batch or double for a crowd. Remember to adjust your baking times slightly if making larger or smaller cookies.

What’s the best way to get bakery-style looks with the M&Ms?

For that gorgeous, bakery-style presentation, always press a few extra M&Ms onto the tops of the dough balls just before baking. This guarantees every Big Soft M&M Cookie is as stunning as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something joyful about sharing a batch of colorful, gooey Big Soft M&M Cookies with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy the comfort of homemade cookies that wow every time. Happy baking—don’t be surprised if these become your most-requested treat!

Big Soft M&M Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 18 large cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These big, soft M&M cookies are a colorful and delightful treat that will satisfy any cookie lover’s sweet tooth. Packed with M&Ms and optional mini chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for parties or a fun baking project with kids.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins:

1½ cups M&M candies (plus extra for topping)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips: Stir in M&M candies and mini chocolate chips, if using.
Bake: Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheets. Press extra M&Ms on top of each cookie. Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden.
Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.